What to expect during your first visit to Farmington Correctional Center

Farmington Correctional Center is located at 1012 West Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640. Have the full address plugged into your GPS before you leave. You don't want to be searching for it in the parking lot.

Visiting hours run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and again from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. Notice the split schedule. There's a break between sessions, so plan around it or you could show up during the gap.

You can't show up hours early and wait on the grounds. Visitors may arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts, so time your drive accordingly.

Entry is first-come, first-served once visiting begins. Arriving within that 30-minute window can make a real difference, especially if you want to get in early and settled.

ID Minors

• ✓ A valid photo ID (such as a current driver’s license)
• ✓ A Department of Revenue ID card

• ✓ A current school photo ID card that includes their name
• ✓ A valid federal or state government-issued ID card

Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an authorized adult visitor. The only exception is if the minor is married to the offender. If you're bringing teens or children, figure out who the authorized adult will be before you arrive. Otherwise you risk being turned away at the door.

When you enter prison grounds at Farmington, you, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are all subject to search. That can feel like a lot the first time. The easiest way to keep things moving is to bring only what you truly need and follow staff instructions without arguing or rushing.

Expect to go through a metal detector during check-in. It's similar to airport security.

You may also be asked to complete an Itemizer test. Staff hand you a towelette and have you wipe your shirt front, your pockets, and the palms of your hands. The towelette goes into a machine that detects traces of narcotics or explosives.

The Missouri Department of Corrections also uses the Intercept full-body scanner for visitor screening. Anyone 18 or older may be scanned unless they have an approved exception (such as a verified medical condition or pregnancy), and that exception must be requested from the warden.

Dress with the screening process in mind. Tight or excessively baggy clothing is prohibited, along with anything transparent or revealing. If you're unsure about an outfit, go with something simple, normally fitted, and fully opaque. Don't lose your visit over clothing.

• ✓ Nitroglycerin (life-sustaining), in the original container, only in the necessary dosage for the visiting period
• ✓ Insulin and insulin supplies, in the original container, only in the necessary dosage for the visiting period
• ✓ Oxygen (life-sustaining), in the original container, only in the necessary dosage for the visiting period
• ✓ Asthma inhalers, in the original container, only in the necessary dosage for the visiting period
• ✓ Provide notice in advance to the case manager so staff are aware of your needs
• ✓ Notify staff upon arrival that you will need medication during visitation

Farmington allows limited physical contact. You get one greeting and one departing embrace and brief kiss, so save those for the beginning and end of your time together.

During the visit, holding hands is allowed. If you've been worried about having no contact at all, this usually comes as a relief for first-time visitors.

Bringing kids? Farmington has a specific rule for younger children: children age 6 and under may sit on the offender's lap unless the offender is a sex offender. Regardless of age, children must be attended by an adult visitor at all times, so go in with a plan for supervising them throughout the visit.