What to Expect at Check‑In for Visits at Dixon Corrections Institution
Visiting someone at Dixon Corrections Institution can feel stressful the first time—mostly because you don't know what to expect at the front gate. Here's how check-in works, what you'll need to show, and what can get a visit denied or cut short.
If you're 18 or older, bring a photo ID every time. Dixon follows Louisiana DPS&C visiting guidelines and accepts a valid state driver's license, state photo ID card, military photo ID (active duty only), or passport. Have it ready when you arrive.
Bringing kids? Visitors under 18 must stay with their parent or legal guardian the entire time they're on facility grounds. If your custody situation is complicated - shared custody, guardianship, written permission - bring any paperwork that proves you're authorized. Call ahead to confirm what they'll accept so you're not caught off guard at the door.
Expect security screening when you arrive. All visitors - including minors - can be searched. That includes your property, your car, and your person. Metal detectors, ion scanners, and trained K‑9s may all be part of the process, both before you enter and sometimes inside the visiting room. Want check-in to go faster? Bring as little as possible and follow staff instructions quickly. Screening can feel intense, but it's about keeping prohibited items out and maintaining order. Searches aren't limited to your pockets. Staff may check bags, and vehicle searches are fair game too.
Note: Refuse a search and you'll be denied entry. A visit can also be terminated mid-process if you refuse a search or if contraband is found on you or in your belongings.
Even after you clear the front desk, staff have broad authority to protect safety and security. The warden - or designated staff - can end a visit at any time if they believe it's in the facility's best interest. In practice, that means a visit can be cut short if something raises a security concern, whether it's a prohibited item or behavior that disrupts order.
Visiting with children? This matters even more. You're responsible for your child's behavior on facility grounds, and a visit can be terminated if kids become disruptive. If your child might struggle to wait quietly through check-in, plan ahead. Snacks and toys may be restricted, so set expectations before you arrive and keep everyone calm and close.
- Stay calm and cooperative - If staff deny entry, stop the visit, or request an additional search, keeping your voice level and your hands visible helps prevent the situation from escalating.
- Ask for clarification politely - Request the reason you’re being denied entry or why the visit is being terminated (for example, refusal of a search or an issue involving prohibited items).
- Request a supervisor if needed - If you don’t understand the decision, ask whether a supervisor or the staff member designated by the warden can explain the next step.
- Write down the basics right away - Note the date and time, where it happened (parking area, entrance, visiting room), and the names of staff you spoke with if they’ll provide them.
- Confirm the correct follow-up path by phone - Procedures can vary, so call Dixon to verify how to address the issue and what (if anything) you can do before attempting another visit.
- ✓ Date and time you arrived and when the issue happened
- ✓ Where you were in the process (parking area/vehicle search, entrance screening, visiting room)
- ✓ Names and roles of staff you spoke with (or a clear description if names aren’t provided)
- ✓ The reason you were given for denial or termination (for example, refusal of a search or prohibited items)
- ✓ Names and contact info for any witnesses who came with you
- ✓ Any relevant paperwork you had with you (especially if the issue involved a minor visitor)
- ✓ Notes from your follow-up call with the facility (who you spoke to and what they told you to do next)
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