How the Full-Body (Intercept) Scanner Works and Exceptions at Missouri Prisons (including Farmington)
Visiting someone at a Missouri prison? You'll likely go through an Intercept full-body scanner during entry screening. Here's how the process works and what to do if you need a medical or pregnancy exception.
The Intercept full-body scanner helps the Missouri Department of Corrections screen visitors and keep weapons, drugs, and other contraband out of facilities. It's one piece of a larger security setup that includes walk-through metal detectors, hand-held wands, and X-ray baggage scanners. The goal? Reduce contraband and make the visiting room safer for everyone - staff, visitors, and people in custody.
At Missouri DOC facilities (including Farmington), anyone 18 or older can be asked to go through an Intercept scan. Exceptions exist for verified medical conditions or pregnancy. If you think you qualify, plan ahead. Exceptions require approval - you don't want to be sorting this out while standing in line.
Screening starts the moment you enter prison grounds. You, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are all subject to search. It can feel intrusive, especially on a first visit. Arrive expecting check-in to take time, and be ready to follow staff directions closely.
- ✓ Walk-through metal detectors (used at all Missouri DOC facilities)
- ✓ Hand-held metal detectors (used as part of screening)
- ✓ X-ray baggage scanners (used as part of screening)
- ✓ Itemizer towelette test: you may be handed a towelette to wipe your shirt front, pockets, and palms; staff then place it in a machine that checks for trace amounts of narcotics or explosives
If you're 18 or older, expect a scan unless you have an approved exception. Missouri DOC grants exceptions for verified medical conditions or pregnancy. "Verified" is the key word - come prepared to explain your situation clearly and bring any documentation that supports your request.
- Bring documentation with you - If you’re requesting an exception due to a verified medical condition or pregnancy, bring paperwork that supports the request.
- Ask at check-in before screening starts - Tell staff you’re requesting an exception right away, so they can guide you through the approved process before you’re directed to the scanner.
- Request review by facility leadership if needed - Exceptions can be reviewed by the warden or superintendent. Even with an exception, expect other screening methods to still apply, including metal detectors and X-ray baggage screening.
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- ✓ Bring medical documentation if you’re seeking an exception based on a verified medical condition or pregnancy.
- ✓ Build in extra time: you may need a few minutes at check-in to explain your situation, and searches can also include your vehicle, packages, and children.
- ✓ Expect multiple screening layers, not just one: metal detectors are used at all Missouri DOC facilities, and you may also be asked to do an Itemizer wipe of your shirt front, pockets, and palms for trace detection.
Note: The Intercept scanner is just one part of a broader screening setup. Metal detectors and X-ray baggage scanners work alongside it to keep weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items out of Missouri prisons.
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