What You Can't Wear and What You're Asked to Sign at FCI Cumberland (dress code, consent-to-search, and prohibited items)
Getting turned away at the door is frustrating - especially after a long drive. FCI Cumberland follows the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) visiting dress code, and staff can deny your visit if your clothing looks provocative or too revealing. Run through the checklist below before you leave home. Just keep in mind: the final call is always made at the facility.
- ✓ Revealing shorts
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ See-through garments of any type
- ✓ Crop tops
- ✓ Low-cut blouses or dresses
- ✓ Leotards or spandex
- ✓ Miniskirts
- ✓ Backless tops
- ✓ Hats or caps
- ✓ Sleeveless garments
- ✓ Skirts two inches or more above the knee
- ✓ Dresses or skirts with a high-cut split in the back, front, or side
- ✓ Clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)
Note: Clothing that resembles inmate clothing - especially khaki or green, military-type outfits - is specifically called out as not permitted and can draw extra attention at check-in.
At FCI Cumberland, consent to search is implied. The BP‑A0224 form explains that by entering - or even attempting to enter - Bureau grounds, you're agreeing to be searched under Bureau policy and federal regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 511). Expect screening of both you and your belongings as part of the normal entry process.
BP‑A0224 also spells out what happens if you refuse. Decline the search, and you may be prohibited from entering Bureau grounds entirely - ending your visit before it starts.
BP‑A0224 doesn't just cover searches - it also warns about
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Cameras of any type
- ✓ Recording equipment
- ✓ Telephones
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Electronic devices
- ✓ Any other object that violates criminal laws or is prohibited by federal regulations or Bureau policies
Bringing medication? BP‑A0224 requires you to list everything you're carrying on the form. You'll need to leave those medications at the entry area - they can't go further onto the grounds or into the facility.
Tip: Bring medications in their original container (with the prescription label) and be ready to tell staff what you have so you can list it accurately and leave it at the entry area.
The easiest way to avoid problems at arrival: plan for strict screening and strict limits. Dress conservatively so you don't get stopped for prohibited clothing. Assume you'll be searched - BP‑A0224 treats entry (or attempted entry) as consent. If you're carrying medication, be ready to list it on the form and leave it at the entry area. And if you're not willing to comply with the search process, know that refusal can mean you won't get in.
- Do a quick outfit check before you leave - avoid anything on the BOP “generally not permitted” list, especially clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing).
- Empty your pockets and leave electronics behind - currency and electronic items like phones, cameras, and other devices are listed as prohibited objects.
- Handle medications the way the form requires - list all medications you’re carrying on BP‑A0224 and be prepared to leave them at the entry area.
- Confirm any facility-specific expectations ahead of time - the BOP list is “general,” and staff at FCI Cumberland make the final determination at the door.
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