What You Can't Bring to FCI Elkton: A Visitor's Checklist
Show up at FCI Elkton with the wrong items or outfit, and you could be delayed — or turned away entirely. Use these checklists to pack light, leave the rest in your car, and get through entry without surprises.
On Bureau of Prisons grounds, including FCI Elkton, visitors cannot bring weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, or other contraband. Think of it like airport security: bring only what you truly need. Anything that could be used to harm someone, hide something, or communicate improperly will be a problem at the gate.
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Intoxicants
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Cameras of any type
- ✓ Recording equipment
- ✓ Telephones
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Other electronic devices
This list comes from the Bureau's visitor acknowledgement and prohibited-objects language, but rules get updated and local enforcement can be strict. Before you travel, double-check the current BOP visitor form and FCI Elkton's visiting instructions - don't guess at the door.
Your clothing can get you turned away even if everything else checks out. The BOP dress code prohibits revealing or see-through outfits and anything resembling inmate clothing. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Check FCI Elkton's visiting policy for any local restrictions beyond the general BOP guidance.
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ See-through garments of any type
- ✓ Crop tops
- ✓ Low-cut blouses or dresses
- ✓ 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 (back, front, or side)
- ✓ Clothing that looks like inmate clothing
Note: Facilities can be stricter than the general BOP examples. If you don’t want to risk being denied, confirm FCI Elkton’s current visiting dress expectations before you leave home.
Entering FCI Elkton - or even attempting to enter - means you're consenting to a search under BOP policy and 28 C.F.R. Part 511. That consent covers you and everything you bring. Staff can deny entry if you refuse to comply.
- Expect screening when you arrive - by trying to enter, you’re agreeing to be searched under BOP policy and federal regulations.
- Be ready for checks of you and your property - consent isn’t just about your pockets; it also covers the items you try to bring onto Bureau grounds.
- Know what refusal usually means - if you won’t consent to the search, you can be denied entry.
Privacy is limited during your visit. The visiting area at FCI Elkton may be monitored - including restrooms in the visiting area - to maintain security. Inmate phone calls are also monitored, with a posted notice by each phone.
Tip: Keep your conversation and behavior visit-room appropriate. Assume you're on camera, and remember that phone monitoring is posted next to inmate telephones.
For the smoothest entry, travel light and plan ahead. Leave anything questionable at home or locked in your car. Don't count on "I'll just hold it" as a backup - if an item isn't allowed on Bureau grounds, having it with you can still cause problems. Give yourself extra time so you're not rushed through check-in.
- ✓ Confirm everything you plan to carry is allowed (especially anything that could be treated as contraband)
- ✓ Leave phones, cameras, recording gear, and other electronics in your car
- ✓ Don’t bring weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, or currency onto Bureau grounds
- ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- ✓ Be prepared to consent to a search of you and your property at entry
- ✓ Arrive early so screening and check-in don’t cut into your visit time
Find an Inmate at FCI Elkton
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
