What physical contact is allowed during visits at FCI Estill

FCI Estill follows standard Bureau of Prisons rules: a quick handshake at the beginning and end of your visit is generally fine. Brief hugs and kisses are also allowed, as long as they're kept "in good taste." What does that mean in practice? A short hello and goodbye embrace, then expect to stay seated for the rest of the visit. The time in between is for conversation, not ongoing physical affection.

Staff can limit contact during any visit, even when it's normally allowed. Their main concerns are security - preventing contraband from being passed - and keeping the visiting room calm when it's crowded. If an officer tells you to stop a certain type of contact, that's the rule for that day in that room.

The federal system does not allow conjugal visits. FCI Estill, like all Bureau of Prisons facilities, has no private family visits for sexual contact.

1. Stay calm and lower the intensity - Stop the contact right away and keep your hands visible so the situation doesn’t escalate.
2. Ask what specific rule you’re being held to - A simple question like, “Can you tell me what part wasn’t allowed?” can help you understand the boundary.
3. Follow directions immediately - Staff can limit physical contact for security and to keep the visiting area orderly, and refusing instructions can end the visit.

If you leave unsure about what happened or what's allowed next time, call the facility and ask about visiting-room contact rules. A short, polite follow-up can help you avoid the same issue on your next visit.