What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your ERDCC Visit
Packing for your visit comes down to following a few strict rules. This checklist covers what ERDCC allows—and what could get you turned away or into legal trouble.
Bringing money for vending machines? Coins only, in a clear sandwich bag or transparent plastic pouch. Skip the loose change in your pocket or wallet - the facility wants it visible and contained.
Visiting with a baby or toddler? You can bring infant supplies, but the facility limits what's allowed. Use one clear carry-all and stick to permitted items and quantities - it makes check-in faster for everyone.
- ✓ Up to 6 diapers
- ✓ Up to 3 clear plastic bottles of prepared infant beverage
- ✓ 1 clear plastic no-spill toddler cup
- ✓ Up to 3 unopened vendor containers of baby food
- ✓ 1 plastic pacifier, teether and/or rattle
- ✓ 1 small plastic spoon
- ✓ 1 unopened package of baby wipes
ERDCC's dress code is strict. Avoid anything too tight or excessively baggy, and skip transparent or revealing clothing. If your outfit shows too much or draws attention, you'll be turned away.
- ✓ Clothing with gang, racial, inappropriate, or inflammatory language or symbols
- ✓ Camouflage-design clothing
- ✓ Skirts, dresses, and shorts must not be shorter than the top of the kneecap when standing
- ✓ Tops must cover the chest, cleavage, back, and stomach, and sleeves must cover the shoulders
Heads-up: Headwear isn’t allowed unless it’s for a verified religious purpose, and it can be searched. Also, undergarments with wire or metal supports are discouraged because they can trigger metal detectors.
Leave anything that could be considered contraband at home. Under Missouri statute 217.360, bringing drugs, alcohol, firearms, or other prohibited items into a correctional facility is a felony - punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Missouri Department of Corrections also bans tobacco and cannabis in all facilities.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Coins for vending machines: carry them in a clear sandwich bag or transparent plastic pouch
- ✓ Infant items: bring only 1 clear carry-all
- ✓ Diapers: up to 6
- ✓ Prepared infant beverage: up to 3 clear plastic bottles
- ✓ No-spill cup: 1 clear plastic toddler cup
- ✓ Baby food: up to 3 unopened vendor containers
- ✓ Comfort/toy item: 1 plastic pacifier, teether and/or rattle
- ✓ Feeding/clean-up: 1 small plastic spoon and 1 unopened package of baby wipes
- ✓ Clothing: no tight, excessively baggy, transparent, or revealing outfits
- ✓ Clothing: no gang, racial, inappropriate, or inflammatory language or symbols
- ✓ Clothing: no camouflage design
- ✓ Bottoms: skirts, dresses, and shorts must reach at least the top of the kneecap when standing
- ✓ Tops: must cover chest/cleavage/back/stomach and have sleeves that cover the shoulders
- ✓ Headwear: leave it at home unless it’s for verified religious purposes (and expect it may be searched)
- ✓ Undergarments: avoid wire or metal supports that can trigger metal detectors
- ✓ Contraband: do not bring drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms, tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis (serious legal consequences may apply)
Find an Inmate at Eastern Reception & Diagnosticc Center
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
