Dauphin County Prison visitation checklist: ID, arrival time, dress code, and what not to bring
Visiting someone at Dauphin County Prison goes smoothly when you come prepared. This checklist covers everything you need to get through sign-in and screening without any problems.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. Staff use it to register you electronically in the visitation database during sign-in. No ID, no visit.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visitation time. You'll still need to check in and clear the entrance process - show up late and you could lose your visit entirely.
Reminder: Once you leave the visitation area for any reason, you won’t be permitted to return.
Dress conservatively. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must touch the knee. See-through, tight, low-cut, or revealing clothing will get you turned away.
Leave all electronics and "smart" accessories behind. Dauphin County Prison bans any device - worn or handheld - with audio, video, photography, or cell phone capabilities. That includes items like eyeglasses, tie tacks, lapel pins, wrist watches, and pens. Don't assume something is fine just because it's small or looks harmless.
- ✓ Cell phones (and anything with cell capability)
- ✓ Smartwatches and wrist watches
- ✓ Recording-capable devices (audio, video, or photo)
- ✓ Wearables/accessories the facility treats as “devices” (examples include eyeglasses, tie tacks, lapel pins)
- ✓ Pens or similar items listed by the facility as included in the device restriction
You'll go through security screening at the entrance. All visitors are searched using a walk-through and/or hand-held metal detector - similar to airport security.
Bringing items you can't take inside? Use the lockers provided. Keys and other personal items must be secured before you enter the visitation area.
Warning: If you refuse the search procedure, your visit will be terminated and you can be banned from visitation privileges for at least one year.
Keep your group small - only two visitors can see an inmate at one time. If more people want to come, plan separate visits.
Bringing a baby or young child? They'll need to sit on your lap. Infants and children must share a seat with the adult visitor.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Bring a government-issued photo ID to be registered in the visitation database
- ✓ Arrive no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time
- ✓ Dress code: dresses/skirts/shorts must touch the knee; no see-through, tight, low-cut, or revealing clothing
- ✓ Leave out all devices (worn or handheld) with audio, video/photo recording, or cell phone capabilities
- ✓ Expect to be searched using a walk-through and/or hand-held metal detector
- ✓ Plan to use the provided lockers (secure items such as keys)
- ✓ Don’t leave the visitation area - once you exit, you can’t return
- ✓ Don’t refuse the search procedure (refusal ends the visit and can trigger a visitation ban of at least one year)
- ✓ Limit your group to two visitors at a time
- ✓ If a child/infant comes, they must share the adult visitor’s seat
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