DCI Dress Code & Metal Detector Checklist: What to Wear (and Not) for a Visit
DCI can turn visitors away for wearing the wrong clothing or setting off the metal detector too many times. Use this checklist to dress simply, clear security, and get into your visit without the extra stress.
At Dodge Correctional Institution, a few "small" things can stop your visit before it starts. Watches aren't allowed and will get you turned away - same goes for smart devices or any electronic recording equipment. For clothing, skip anything transparent or translucent, and leave the camouflage at home. Check your hem length before you leave, too: shorts must reach fingertip length when you stand with your arms at your sides, and skirts or dresses need to hit fingertip length plus three inches. Show up shorter than that, and you may not get in.
Reminder: At DCI, wearing a watch, bringing smart/recording tech, or showing up in camouflage, see-through clothing, or too-short shorts/skirts can get you denied at the door.
DCI limits how many tries you get at security: three attempts through the metal detector, and then you can be denied entry. Dress simple on purpose - less metal, fewer accessories, fewer surprises once you're already in line.
- ✓ Underwire bras
- ✓ Clothing with extra metal attached
- ✓ Metal tags
- ✓ Snaps
- ✓ Bobby pins
- ✓ Hat pins
- Empty everything out - make sure you’re not carrying metal in your pockets before you step up to the detector.
- Remove the usual culprits - underwire bras, bobby pins/hat pins, and clothing with metal tags or snaps can keep you from clearing.
- Swap or store what you can - if something is setting it off, change into a simpler option or put the item away before trying again.
- Treat each pass like it counts - after three attempts to clear the metal detector, you can be denied entry.
Warning: You only get three tries to clear the metal detector at DCI - plan your outfit to avoid extra metal (snaps, tags, pins, underwire) so you don’t lose your visit.
Before you walk into the lobby, plan to travel light. Wallets, purses, watches, and cell phones need to stay in your vehicle - don't bring them inside. Empty your pockets in the car so you're not sorting things out at the front door.
Need somewhere to stash essentials while you're inside? DCI's lobby lockers hold your visitor ID and car keys - nothing else. Keep your photo ID handy, because everyone 16 or older must show identification at check-in.
- ✓ Leave in your vehicle: wallets, purses, watches, cell phones (and arrive with empty pockets)
- ✓ Lobby locker is for: your visitor ID and car keys only
- ✓ Bring to check-in: photo ID if you’re age 16 or older
- Build your outfit around the metal detector - avoid extra metal like tags, snaps, bobby pins, hat pins, and underwire bras.
- Skip the watch and tech - watches, internet “smart” technology, and electronic recording equipment can result in denial of entrance.
- Choose “plain” clothing - don’t wear transparent/translucent clothing or camouflage.
- Do the fingertip-length check at home - shorts shorter than fingertip length and skirts/dresses shorter than fingertip length plus three inches can get you turned away.
- Stage your ID separately - keep your photo ID ready to show at check-in.
- Clear out your pockets before you enter - wallets, purses, watches, and cell phones must stay in your vehicle, and your pockets should be empty.
Final check: Empty pockets before you go in, and remember - if you can’t clear the metal detector within three attempts, you may be denied entry.
Find an Inmate at Dodge Corrections Inst., Wi
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
