FCI McDowell, GA

Visiting at FCI McDowell takes some planning, but handling the basics early will save you headaches. First, the inmate must add you to their approved visiting list, and the BOP needs to clear you before you can schedule anything. Once you're approved, call the facility before you leave home to confirm the current visiting schedule and check for any day-of changes. Federal law guarantees inmates at least four hours of visiting time per month, though the institution sets individual session lengths. The Warden can also limit visits to manage security and space. Before you travel, review the visitation regulations, travel advisories, valid government-issued photo ID expectations, dress-code rules, and item restrictions.

Inmates at FCI McDowell have telephone privileges, but all calls are monitored and recorded. Third-party or alternative calling arrangements are not permitted. If you're planning a trip to visit, call ahead using the facility's contact number to confirm the schedule. For calls, messaging, or video visits, you'll typically need to create and verify an account with the facility's approved communications vendor and add funds if the service requires payment. Your loved one may also need to add you to an approved contact list before they can reach you. For remote video visits, plan on using a webcam-equipped computer or a smartphone/tablet with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection.

Money sent to FCI McDowell goes into an inmate's commissary account, which they use to buy items not issued by the institution. The primary documented electronic option is MoneyGram. Enter the inmate's eight-digit register number immediately followed by their last name, and use receive code 7932. Don't mail money to the facility's street address. Funds are routed through a centralized processing center in Des Moines, Iowa. Posting times depend on when you send: transfers between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST typically post within 2 to 4 hours, while anything sent after 9:00 p.m. generally posts the next morning. Have the inmate's information ready before sending, and confirm you're on the approved sender list to avoid delays.