What to Expect During Your First Visit to Farmington Correctional Center
Your first visit can feel overwhelming—there are rules and screening steps you won't encounter anywhere else. But once you know the schedule, what to bring, and what happens at the door, the whole day becomes much easier to navigate.
Farmington Correctional Center is located at 1012 West Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640.
Don't show up too early. Farmington only allows visitors in the parking lot starting 30 minutes before the session begins. Arrive earlier than that and you'll be waiting off-site.
Entry is first-come, first-served once visiting starts. Arriving within that 30-minute window helps you avoid getting pushed to the back of the line.
Note: No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds. If someone is coming with you but not visiting, make a plan for them to wait off-site.
Visiting hours run in two daily sessions: Friday and Saturday from 9:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–6:30pm, Sunday from 9:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–6:30pm. Here's the catch - afternoon sessions have special designations. The 1st and 3rd afternoon of each month are Food Visits, while the 2nd and 4th are reserved for Treatment Offenders only. Double-check which applies before making the drive.
Security screening starts as soon as you enter prison grounds. You, your packages, any children with you, and your vehicle can all be searched. Keep what you bring simple and easy to check.
You'll pass through metal detection during entry - similar to what you'd experience at a courthouse or airport. The goal is keeping weapons and prohibited items out of the facility.
One step catches first-timers off guard: the Itemizer test. Staff will hand you a small towelette and ask you to wipe your shirt front, pockets, and palms. That towelette goes into a machine that detects traces of narcotics or explosives.
Missouri DOC also uses the Intercept full-body scanner for visitor screening. Combined with walk-through detectors, hand-held wands, and X-ray baggage scanners, it's a multi-step process. Follow staff instructions and be ready to move through several screening stations.
ID Dress Checklist
- ✓ Be pre-approved before you try to visit; a visiting application is required.
- ✓ Expect a criminal history check as part of the approval process.
- ✓ Bring a valid photo ID.
- ✓ A current driver’s license is accepted.
- ✓ A Department of Revenue ID card is accepted.
- ✓ Ages 13–18: bring a current school photo ID that includes the visitor’s name, or a valid federal/state government-issued ID.
- ✓ If you’re under 18 and not married to the offender, you must be accompanied by an authorized adult visitor.
- ✓ Skip tight or excessively baggy clothing.
- ✓ Avoid transparent clothing.
- ✓ Avoid revealing clothing.
You can share a brief moment of connection at the start and end of your visit. Farmington allows one greeting embrace, one departing embrace, and a brief kiss.
During the visit, you're allowed to hold hands.
Note: Children age 6 and under may sit on the offender’s lap during visits unless the offender is a sex offender.
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