How to Schedule Your First Visit at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC)

Here's the main thing to know: EKCC requires visits to be scheduled one week in advance. No exceptions for last-minute plans - if you haven't booked seven days ahead, you'll need to pick a different date.

• ✓ If you’re scheduled for the 9:00am–11:00am visit, arrive on EKCC grounds no earlier than 8:00am and no later than 8:45am.
• ✓ If you’re scheduled for the 1:00pm–3:00pm visit, arrive on EKCC grounds no earlier than 12:00pm and no later than 12:45pm.

Before you lock in a date, check with your loved one about their housing status. If they've been placed in RHU or moved to a different unit with visitation restrictions, it's on them to let you know. Don't assume everything's fine - confirm directly that nothing will block your visit.

Pick a visit date at least seven days out, then make your reservation through the facility's current booking process. Once it's scheduled, treat that date and time like a firm appointment. Arrival windows are strict, and you're expected to be on-grounds during the designated check-in period.

Your visit doesn't start when you pull into the parking lot - it starts when you arrive on-grounds during your scheduled arrival window. These windows keep the process running smoothly for staff and visitors alike. Build extra time into your drive for traffic, parking, and walking in. Even a few minutes outside the allowed window can put your visit at risk.

• ✓ 9:00am–11:00am visit: arrive on grounds no earlier than 8:00am and no later than 8:45am.
• ✓ 1:00pm–3:00pm visit: arrive on grounds no earlier than 12:00pm and no later than 12:45pm.

Emergencies happen. EKCC may make an exception if something unavoidable delays you, but it has to be verified and the Visitation Supervisor makes the final call. If you're running late due to a genuine emergency, call ahead and explain the situation. Don't just show up hoping for the best - follow whatever decision they give you.

1. Call as soon as you know you’ll be late - don’t wait until you arrive.
2. Explain the emergency and why it delayed you - give enough detail for staff to understand the situation.
3. Provide verification if requested - the exception is only for a verified emergency.
4. Follow the Visitation Supervisor’s decision and instructions - the call is handled case-by-case at the time.

Miss your arrival window or break a rule during the visit, and things can go sideways fast. The visiting area supervisor can end any visit immediately if they decide an incident is serious. Rule violations can also lead to termination of the visit and disciplinary action. Follow staff directions closely - it's not worth losing your visit over something avoidable.

1. Find out what happened - if you were denied entry or the visit was ended, get clarity on the reason so you don’t repeat the same issue next time.
2. Reschedule the right way - plan a new date that follows EKCC’s one-week advance scheduling requirement.
3. Fix the problem before you return - if a rule violation caused the issue, correct it (and plan to arrive within the required on-grounds window next time).