Why You Should Arrive an Hour Early for Your Deerfield Visit (And What Happens at Security)
Show up right at your scheduled time? You're already behind. Deerfield visits need buffer time for check-in and screening — arriving early is the simplest way to protect your actual visit.
Get to Deerfield Correctional at least one hour before your scheduled visit. That buffer isn't optional - staff need time to complete security screening before you can enter the visiting area. Cut it close, and you might spend your entire visit window stuck in the entry process. Or worse, screening runs long and you don't get in at all.
Bring at least one valid photo ID, and make sure the information on it matches what you put on your visitation application. Staff use your ID to verify you’re the approved visitor on file; mismatched names or details can slow things down at the desk and put your visit at risk.
- ✓ Driver’s license
- ✓ Passport (only for visitors who do not reside in the United States)
- ✓ Military ID
- ✓ Other official photo ID issued by a federal or state agency
You'll go through an electronic scanner as part of entry. Pregnant or have a medical condition that prevents scanning? You can still be screened - staff will offer an alternate search procedure. Just come prepared with any relevant documentation so things don't stall at the door.
- Get documentation from your medical provider - if pregnancy or a medical condition means you can’t go through the electronic scanning device, bring paperwork confirming you’re unable to pass through the device.
- Bring a doctor’s note for any medication that must stay on you - the note needs to state the medication must be maintained on your person.
- Request approval at least one week ahead of your visit - contact the Facility Unit Head (or designee) at least one week before your scheduled visit to get permission to enter the facility with medication on your person.
Leave food and drinks in the car - they're not allowed inside. And don't count on buying anything once you're there. No vending machines are available.
Reminder: Watches and all wearable technology are prohibited in visiting areas, including devices like Google Glass.
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ Arrive one hour before your scheduled visit for security screening
- ✓ Bring at least one valid photo ID that matches your visitation application
- ✓ Leave food and drinks at home (they aren’t allowed inside)
- ✓ Leave watches and wearable tech at home
- ✓ If you can’t use the electronic scanner due to pregnancy/medical condition, bring documentation from your medical provider
- ✓ If you must keep medication on your person, get a doctor’s note and contact the Facility Unit Head (or designee) for approval at least one week before your visit
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