What You Can and Cannot Bring When Visiting Someone at Daviess County Jail
Visiting goes smoother when you know what could get you turned away—or worse, charged with a crime. Here's what you need to know about contraband at Daviess County Detention Center.
Bringing "dangerous contraband" into Daviess County Detention Center isn't just against the rules - it's a felony. Under KRS 520.050, knowingly introducing firearms, knives, drugs, lighters, or similar items is "promoting contraband in the first degree," a Class D felony. If there's any chance something could be considered dangerous, leave it behind.
Even harmless-looking items can get you in trouble. Knowingly bringing pictures, candy, gum, pens, pencils, or tobacco into the detention center counts as "promoting contraband in the second degree" under KRS 520.060 - a Class A misdemeanor. Small, everyday stuff can still trigger charges if you carry it into the secure area.
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- ✓ Firearms
- ✓ Knives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Any other “dangerous contraband” (bringing it in can be first-degree promoting contraband, a Class D felony under KRS 520.050)
Leave your cell phone behind before entering the secure side. Phones are prohibited, with limited exceptions for command staff, supervisors, road crew deputies, maintenance staff, transport teams, authorized staff members, attorneys, and outside law enforcement. If you're visiting as family or a friend, keep your phone out of the secure area entirely.
The most common "I didn't think that mattered" items? They're all contraband here. Pictures, candy, gum, pens, pencils, and tobacco are specifically named as non-dangerous contraband - bringing them in can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor under KRS 520.060. If you're unsure whether something counts, leave it in your car.
- ✓ Don’t bring pens or pencils to the secure side - pencils and pens are prohibited.
- ✓ Ask for a flex pen if you need to write - flex pens are available upon request.
- ✓ GED testing pencils are a special exception - they must be pre-authorized by a supervisor, and they’re counted in and out so none are left on the secure side.
Program or service visitors may be allowed to bring certain pre-approved items, but nothing is automatic. Items must pass inspection each time, even if you've brought the same materials before. Expect staff to check what you're carrying before anything goes onto the secure side.
- ✓ Bible for teaching (subject to inspection each visit)
- ✓ Bible workbooks (subject to inspection each visit)
- ✓ Communion supplies (subject to inspection each visit)
- ✓ Guitars (subject to inspection each visit)
- ✓ Keyboards (subject to inspection each visit)
- ✓ Notebook with no metal spiral binding (subject to inspection each visit)
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- ✓ Wear your company ID or a logo shirt while you’re on the complex.
- ✓ Keep your driver’s license available while you’re on the complex.
Contract visitors have one exception: they may bring food or drinks onto the secure side. The rule is strict, though - no glass and no metal. Choose your containers carefully so you're not stopped at the door.
- Empty your pockets before you enter - don’t take a cell phone onto the secure side unless you’re in one of the authorized categories.
- Leave writing supplies behind - pens and pencils aren’t allowed on the secure side; if you need to write, ask for a flex pen.
- If you’re a program visitor, bring only what’s pre-approved - every item has to pass inspection each visit, and certain items (like GED pencils) require pre-authorization and may be counted in and out.
Note: Bringing contraband into the detention center can mean criminal charges - a Class D felony for dangerous items, a Class A misdemeanor for non-dangerous ones. If you're not sure about something, don't bring it.
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