What You Can and Can't Wear to Visit Someone at Elkhart County Jail
Elkhart County Jail can turn you away for wearing the wrong thing—and staff may search you too. Dress simply, skip the banned items, and follow officer instructions. That's your best shot at getting in without problems.
Expect to be searched when you arrive. You might also get searched during the visit itself. Clothing is part of the process - officers decide what's appropriate, and their call is final. If someone tells you to remove a head covering, swap out a shirt with a questionable logo, or make any other change, do it. That instruction is the rule for the day.
Note: You must follow all instructions from corrections officers. Not following the guidelines can end your visitation privileges.
Unacceptable Items
- ✓ Spandex
- ✓ Shorts
- ✓ Shirts with logos endorsing alcohol, drugs, weapons, or gangs
Watch out for sports gear. Elkhart County Jail flags certain sports logos, team names, and designs as gang-related - and they won't let you in wearing them. If you're unsure about a logo, go with something plain. Shirts that reference alcohol, drugs, weapons, or gangs are banned outright.
Head coverings are only allowed for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a hat or scarf for style? You'll be asked to take it off before entering the visitation area.
Warning: Exposing yourself during a visit is not allowed.
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ Wear appropriate clothing that a corrections officer can approve in the visitation area
- ✓ Do not wear spandex
- ✓ Do not wear shorts
- ✓ Avoid shirts with logos endorsing alcohol, drugs, weapons, or gangs
- ✓ Skip sports logos/names/designs that could be associated with gang activity
- ✓ Only wear a head covering if it’s for a medical or religious reason
- ✓ Do not expose yourself during the visit
- Bring valid identification - You’ll need valid ID to visit, such as a government photo ID issued by a state, the U.S. government, or a foreign country.
- Know what other IDs are accepted - Matricula consular IDs, passports, and identification without photos for religious reasons are also acceptable.
- Expect a search - All visitors are subject to search upon arrival, and you may also be searched during visitation.
Reminder: Follow staff instructions from start to finish - if you don’t, the jail can terminate your visitation privileges.
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