Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

What You Can and Can't Bring When Visiting a Federal Prison

Federal prison visits go smoother when you show up with as little as possible. Here's what to leave at home, what to expect at screening, and why refusing a search can end your visit before it starts.

• 3 min read Verified from official sources

The moment you step onto Bureau of Prisons grounds, you're consenting to be searched. This isn't optional or informal. It's BOP policy, backed by federal regulations in 28 C.F.R. Part 511. Walking onto the property means you should expect screening and searches as a condition of getting inside. (Source: BP_A0224)

Heads up: Refusing a search can get you turned away from Bureau grounds entirely. If you're not comfortable with the search process, it's better to leave before you reach the checkpoint. (Source: BP_A0224)

Searches are only one part of getting through the door. Before you can visit, you need to be on the inmate's approved visiting list. That process requires completing a visitor questionnaire and release form (BP-A0629). Officials may also send an inquiry to a law enforcement or crime information agency to determine whether adding you to the list could create a management problem for the institution. (Source: BP_A0629)

Prohibited Items

  • ✓ Cameras of any type (Source: BP_A0224)
  • ✓ Recording equipment (Source: BP_A0224)
  • ✓ Telephones (Source: BP_A0224)
  • ✓ Radios (Source: BP_A0224)
  • ✓ Pagers (Source: BP_A0224)
  • ✓ Electronic devices (Source: BP_A0224)
  1. Assume you will be searched if you try to enter. Entering or attempting to enter Bureau grounds or facilities counts as consent to search under BOP policy and 28 C.F.R. Part 511. (Source: BP_A0224)
  2. Decide ahead of time if you can comply with screening. If you refuse to be searched, you may be prohibited from entering, even if you made the trip and are otherwise eligible to visit. (Source: BP_A0224)
  3. Do a quick electronics check before you leave the car. Telephones, radios, pagers, and other electronic devices are prohibited on Bureau grounds, so plan to leave them behind. (Source: BP_A0224)
  4. Leave anything that records images or sound at home. Cameras of any type and recording equipment are prohibited objects, even if you only planned to keep them in a pocket or bag. (Source: BP_A0224)

Still working on getting approved? Start the paperwork early. You'll need to complete BP-A0629 (the visitor questionnaire and release) before you can be considered for visiting privileges. The institution may also contact law enforcement or crime information agencies to check whether adding you to the visiting list could create a management problem. (Source: BP_A0629)

Visiting as an attorney or legal representative? Expect BOP-specific forms. The attorney representative form (BP-A0243) has three parts: a Questionnaire, a Certification, and an Attorney's Statement that the licensed attorney must sign. You'll also need to complete the Visiting Attorney Statement (BP-A0241), which certifies that the visit is to facilitate the attorney-client or attorney-witness relationship and for no other purpose. (Sources: BP_A0243, BP_A0241)

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Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Before you make the trip to FCI McDowell, call 603-342-4000 to confirm the current visiting schedule. The hours listed on the facility page reflect the typical schedule, but they don't always apply. People housed in a special housing unit often have a modified visiting schedule. The Warden can also restrict or cancel visits for safety and security reasons, including severe weather or other incidents that disrupt normal operations.