Who Can Visit an Inmate at FCI McDowell: Approved visitor categories and background checks

At FCI McDowell, the inmate creates their own visiting list. They can include relatives like grandparents, aunts and uncles, in-laws, and cousins. Friends and associates can also be added, but that category is capped at 10 people. Space fills up fast.

The list isn't limited to family and friends. An inmate may also add other approved visitor categories, including clergy, employers (former or prospective), sponsors, parole advisors, attorneys, foreign officials, and members of civic or religious groups. If you fit one of these roles, make that clear when the inmate is deciding who to list.

Visiting at FCI McDowell requires two things: the inmate has to place you on their visiting list, and you have to be cleared by the Bureau of Prisons. Being "on the list" alone isn't enough if the BOP hasn't cleared you yet.

S3

• ✓ Relatives (examples include grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins)
• ✓ Up to 10 friends or associates
• ✓ Clergy
• ✓ Members of religious groups
• ✓ Members of civic groups
• ✓ Employers (former or prospective)
• ✓ Sponsors
• ✓ Parole advisors
• ✓ Attorneys
• ✓ Foreign officials

Expect screening as part of the approval process. Everyone seeking entry to FCI McDowell must authorize a criminal history background check, and that check has to be completed before you can enter a BOP facility. If you refuse to provide required information, your request can be suspended with no further consideration. The result can be a denial of entry (or denial of volunteer or contract status, if that applies to you).