Before Your First Visit to Erie County Holding Center (Buffalo): Complete Checklist
Your first visit can feel overwhelming, but most problems are easy to avoid with a little prep. This checklist covers the right ID, dress code rules, and security screening—so you don't get turned away at the door.
Erie County Holding Center (Buffalo) is located at 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Sign-up windows for Buffalo visits are Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 7:30 am–11:00 am, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm, 3:30 pm–4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm–9:30 pm. If your person is housed in Alden, the hours are different - double-check you're looking at the right location's schedule before heading out.
IDs Children
- ✓ State Driver’s License
- ✓ State Non-Driver’s License
- ✓ Military Identification Card
- ✓ Valid Passport or Passport Card
- ✓ Social Services Card with picture
- ✓ Bring child ID that matches one of these: child’s birth certificate (original/certified copy), adoption papers (original/certified copy), guardianship papers (original/certified copy), student ID, student bus pass, or New York State Learner’s permit
- ✓ If the visitor is under 18, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- ✓ Plan for the one-child-per-adult rule
Dress code violations are one of the fastest ways to get turned away. At the Holding Center, you won't be admitted wearing orange clothing of any kind, see-through clothing, hats, scarves, or hoods, shirts with inappropriate symbols or messages, suit coats, or anything overly revealing or suggestive.
Tip: Wear sneakers. You'll need to clear a metal detector, and simple shoes make that easier.
Note: The sergeant assigned to the visiting area has final say on whether your outfit passes.
Expect airport-style screening when you arrive. You'll need to clear a metal detector before entering the visiting room.
A K-9 search is also part of the entry process.
Bring paperwork: If you have any medical devices on your person, bring medical documentation with you.
You can deposit money at the cashier's window on the first floor near the Delaware Avenue entrance. Hours are Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–11:15 AM, 12:30 PM–2:15 PM, 3:00 PM–5:15 PM, and 6:30 PM–7:30 PM; Saturday–Sunday 7:00 AM–11:15 AM and 12:30 PM–2:15 PM.
Sending a money order for commissary by mail? The money order and deposit slip must go to: Secure Deposits - Erie County, P.O. Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
Don't show up with a clothing bag or package expecting to drop it off - Jail Management facilities no longer accept them. If packages are allowed at all, they must be purchased from and shipped by a vendor whose regular business includes selling and shipping those items. Nothing sent from home.
Common Turnaways
- ✓ You don’t have an acceptable photo ID for the adult visitor
- ✓ You’re wearing prohibited clothing (especially orange, see-through items, hats/hoods/scarves, suit coats, or overly revealing clothing)
- ✓ You can’t clear the metal detector
- ✓ You’re bringing a minor without the required child ID, or the minor isn’t with a parent/legal guardian
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