Before Your First Visit to FCI Forrest City Low: Clothing Rules, Prohibited Items, and Check‑In Consent
Your first visit to FCI Forrest City Low goes smoother when you plan for three things: the consent-to-search process at the gate, clothing that could get you turned away, and everyday items that aren't allowed inside. Use the sections below as a quick checklist before you leave home.
When you enter Bureau of Prisons grounds (or even attempt to enter), you're consenting to a search of yourself and anything you bring. Refuse the search, and you won't be allowed in. Think of it as a standard part of check-in, not a surprise.
Tip: Bring as little as possible and expect to be screened. If staff ask questions related to the BP-A0224 entry form, answer directly and honestly so you don't lose your visit at the door.
Dress code trips up more visitors than you'd expect. If your outfit is considered inappropriate, provocative, or too revealing, you'll be denied entry at FCI Forrest City Low.
- ✓ Revealing shorts
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ See-through garments of any type
- ✓ Crop tops
- ✓ Low-cut blouses or dresses
- ✓ Leotards
- ✓ 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)
When in doubt, go conservative. Wear something that isn't revealing, doesn't draw attention, and doesn't resemble inmate-style khaki or green military-type clothing. On the fence about a skirt length, neckline, or something form-fitting like spandex? Swap it out before you leave. Changing at home beats getting turned away after a long drive and a wait at the entrance.
The entry process also screens for prohibited objects. Weapons, explosives, drugs or intoxicants, and currency are all banned. So are common electronics: cameras, recording equipment, telephones, radios, pagers, and other electronic devices.
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Intoxicants
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Cameras of any type
- ✓ Recording equipment
- ✓ Telephones (any type)
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Electronic devices
You'll complete the BP-A0224 entry form, which asks whether you (or children under 16 in your party) have specific items: tobacco products, narcotics, weapons, cameras, phones, recording equipment, radios, pagers, electronic devices, and prescription drugs. Medication is handled differently than most people expect. You must list all medications you're carrying on the form, and they stay at the entry area during your visit. Bring only what you truly need, and have it clearly identified so you can list it accurately.
- Arrive ready to be screened. Entering or attempting to enter the grounds means you consent to a search.
- Bring as little as possible. Prohibited objects include weapons, explosives, drugs or intoxicants, currency, and electronics like phones, cameras, and recording devices.
- Complete the BP-A0224 form honestly. You will be asked to declare whether you or children in your party have specific items, including tobacco products and electronic devices.
- List and leave medications at the entry area. If you are carrying any type of medication, it must be listed on the form and left at the entry area before you proceed.
Important: Refusing a search will keep you from entering. If you bring prohibited items or forget to declare items and medications on the BP-A0224 form, you risk being denied entry and losing your visit.
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ Choose conservative clothing that is not revealing and does not resemble inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type)
- ✓ Skip items commonly turned away at the door (crop tops, low-cut tops, see-through garments, spandex, miniskirts, sleeveless garments, hats or caps)
- ✓ Leave prohibited objects at home or locked away, especially weapons, drugs or intoxicants, currency, and electronics (phones, cameras, recording equipment)
- ✓ Plan to consent to a search when you enter or attempt to enter Bureau grounds
- ✓ Be ready to complete BP-A0224 truthfully, including items carried by children in your party under 16
- ✓ If you must bring medication, be prepared to list it and leave it at the entry area
Find an Inmate at FCI Forrest City Low, AR
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
