Behind-Glass Visits at Ely State Prison: Who Visits This Way and Why

At Ely State Prison (ESP), two groups are specifically designated for behind-glass visits: offenders housed in the infirmary and offenders classified as High Risk Potential (HRP). Infirmary offenders may be scheduled on any open visiting day of the week, but the visit still happens behind glass. HRP offenders visit behind glass as well. This setup comes down to managing safety and medical needs inside the facility. ESP's visitation practices are governed by AR 719, OP 719, and the Ely State Prison Visiting Rules and Regulations. Those rules determine when contact is restricted.

Behind-glass visits exist for practical reasons. ESP requires all visits to follow AR 719, OP 719, and the Ely State Prison Visiting Rules and Regulations. Those policies give the facility authority to set limits when custody status or medical circumstances make physical contact inappropriate. If a sudden switch to behind-glass catches you off guard, try to focus on what the prison is balancing: security, orderly operations, and health-related restrictions. A non-contact visit can be the safest way to keep visits happening at all.

A behind-glass visit at ESP means you and your loved one sit on opposite sides of a glass partition. There's no physical contact. You won't be able to hug, hold hands, or pass items directly. The purpose is still the same: time together and conversation, just with a barrier between you. If your loved one is in the infirmary, they may be scheduled on any open visiting day, but the visit remains behind glass. If they're classified HRP, expect the same. Knowing this ahead of time helps you walk in prepared instead of being caught off guard at check-in.

1. Request the visit by email: Schedule your visit by emailing espvisitation@doc.nv.gov. You can request dates up to 30 days in advance.
2. Confirm right before you go: Call 24 hours ahead to make sure the offender is still located at Ely State Prison and that their visiting days have not changed.