Body Scanners at Missouri Prisons: What WERDCC Visitors Should Expect and How to Request an Exception

At WERDCC, anyone 18 or older will go through a full-body scanner unless they have an approved exception. But first things first: make sure you're actually cleared to visit. Missouri DOC requires all visitors to be pre-approved through the visiting application process before you can walk through the door.

WERDCC uses an Intercept full-body scanner alongside other screening tools. You'll likely encounter walk-through metal detectors, hand-held wands, and X-ray baggage scanners too. All of it is designed to keep weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items out of the facility.

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• ✓ Wear skirts, dresses, and shorts that are not shorter than the top of the kneecap when standing.
• ✓ Skip wrap-around or slit skirts or dresses.
• ✓ Avoid pants with holes or slits.
• ✓ Choose shirts, blouses, and tops that cover the chest, cleavage, back, and stomach, with sleeves that cover the shoulders.
• ✓ Don’t wear headwear unless it’s for verified religious purposes (and expect it to be searched).

Security at WERDCC is thorough. You may pass through multiple checkpoints - the full-body scanner, walk-through metal detectors, hand-held wands, and X-ray baggage screening. Want to move through quickly? Leave prohibited items at home and keep your outfit simple so you clear metal detection easily. If staff direct you to the full-body scanner, they'll walk you through what to do.

Missouri DOC policy: anyone 18 or older goes through the full-body scanner unless they have an approved exception. The policy specifically mentions pregnancy and verified medical conditions as grounds for an exception. But these aren't automatic - you need approval and documentation.

1. Gather medical verification - bring documentation that supports the medical condition or pregnancy so the request can be treated as a verified exception.
2. Request the exception ahead of time - submit your request to the warden or superintendent of the facility before you arrive.
3. Confirm what WERDCC will accept as verification - ask what specific documentation they require so you don’t make the trip with paperwork that won’t be accepted.

1. Contact WERDCC before your visit - if you need an exception, request it in advance so staff can tell you what to bring and what to expect.
2. Bring supporting documents with you - even if you’ve requested the exception ahead of time, have your verification available in case it’s needed at entry.
3. Arrive early within the allowed window - visitors may arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts, and extra screening or verification can take time once processing begins.
4. Follow staff instructions during screening - accommodations and alternative screening still happen under facility direction, and cooperating promptly helps keep your visit on track.

Before visiting WERDCC, you must be pre-approved through Missouri DOC's visiting application process. Once approved, plan around these visiting sessions: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 am–1:30 pm and 2:30 pm–6:30 pm.