What Happens When You Arrive for a Visit at FCI McDowell: Searches, prohibited items, and clothing rules
The fastest way to lose a visit at FCI McDowell is showing up with the wrong items, the wrong clothes, or the assumption that screening is optional. Here's how entry works, what not to bring, and how to dress so you don't get turned away.
At FCI McDowell, like all Bureau of Prisons facilities, stepping onto Bureau grounds counts as consent to a search. This falls under Bureau policy and federal regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 511). In plain terms: staff can screen you as a condition of entry, and by walking onto the property, you're agreeing to it.
Warning: If you refuse to be searched, you may be prohibited from entering Bureau grounds or facilities, including FCI McDowell.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Weapons, because they create an immediate safety and security risk on Bureau property
- ✓ Explosives, because they threaten the safety and orderly operation of the facility
- ✓ Drugs and intoxicants, because they are prohibited objects and can jeopardize safety and security
- ✓ Currency, because it is listed as a prohibited object on Bureau grounds and in Bureau facilities
- ✓ Cameras of any type, because recording and photography equipment is prohibited
- ✓ Recording equipment, because it is a prohibited object in Bureau facilities
- ✓ Telephones, because phones are prohibited objects on Bureau property
- ✓ Radios and pagers, because these electronic devices are prohibited objects
- ✓ Other electronic devices, because electronic devices are listed as prohibited objects
These items are classified as "prohibited objects" on Bureau grounds and in Bureau facilities. The Bureau treats any object or activity that could jeopardize safety, security, or orderly operations the same way. The simplest approach: leave anything questionable off Bureau property entirely. If you're unsure about a specific item, get clarification before you travel so you're not making that call at the gate.
Warning: If you bring prohibited objects onto Bureau grounds or into a Bureau facility, staff can stop you from entering and you can lose your visit.
Clothing is one of the most common reasons visitors get turned away. At FCI McDowell, wearing provocative or revealing clothes can result in denied visitation. Your safest bet: simple, modest clothing that won't raise any questions at check-in.
- ✓ 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)
Tip: If you're deciding between two outfits, go with the more conservative one. Avoid anything that resembles inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type). If you have a specific question about what's allowed in the visiting room, confirm it ahead of time.
Refuse a search, and the result is simple: you may be prohibited from entering Bureau grounds or facilities. No entry means no visit. Bringing prohibited objects creates the same problem. Even if your intent is completely harmless, showing up with banned items can end your visit before it starts.
- Empty your pockets and check your bag before you leave. Do not bring prohibited objects like phones, cameras, recording equipment, weapons, drugs, intoxicants, currency, radios, pagers, or other electronic devices.
- Decide before you get to the entrance. If an item is prohibited, leave it off Bureau property rather than trying to explain it at the gate.
- If staff require a search, cooperate or be ready to leave. Attempting to enter counts as consent to be searched, and refusing can mean you are not allowed to enter.
- Handle “maybe” items in advance. If you are unsure about an object or your clothing, confirm what is allowed before your visit so you do not risk being denied entry.
Find an Inmate at FCI McDowell, GA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
