What to Expect During Check‑In at FMC Fort Worth: Searches, Prohibited Items, and Medications
Check-in at FMC Fort Worth is all about security: what you're carrying, whether you consent to a search, and what stays outside. Here's how to walk in prepared—especially if you need to bring medication.
By stepping onto Bureau grounds at FMC Fort Worth - or even attempting to - you're consenting to be searched. That's baked into Bureau policy and federal regulations under 28 C.F.R. Part 511. Think of check-in like airport security: assume anything you bring may be inspected. Keep your belongings simple so you're not stuck sorting things out at the entrance.
Warning: If you refuse to be searched, you may be prohibited from entering Bureau grounds or facilities.
Prohibited Objects
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Intoxicants
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Telephones (phones)
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Other electronic devices
The easiest way to avoid problems? Leave prohibited items at home or lock them in your car before you approach the entry point. Electronics you're carrying "just in case" - or anything that might look like a prohibited object - shouldn't come onto the grounds. Getting sent back to store items eats into your time and can derail your visit entirely.
Bringing medication? Plan to declare it during check-in. You'll need to list every medication on the entry form, so be specific and accurate. Bring your meds in the original container with the prescription label, or carry a written list of names and doses. That way you won't be guessing while filling out paperwork.
Even after you declare it, medication can't come inside with you. It must stay at the entry area. If you normally take a dose at a specific time, plan around this - handle what you can before you arrive so you're not caught off guard at the door.
- Go in expecting a search - By entering or attempting to enter, you’re consenting to a search under Bureau rules (28 C.F.R. Part 511), so keep your pockets and bags as simple as possible.
- Strip your carry‑items down to essentials - Before you leave home (or before you step out of your car), remove prohibited objects like phones, cameras, and other electronics.
- Declare every medication on the entry form - If you’re carrying medication of any kind, list it clearly on the form so there’s no confusion at check‑in.
- Be ready to leave meds at the entry area - Since medications must be left at the entry area, plan your dosing schedule with that in mind.
- Don’t refuse search procedures - Refusing a search can result in being prohibited from entering, even if you made the trip and arrived on time.
Tip: Bring your prescription label or a written list of medications so you can fill out the entry form accurately. And remember - your meds must stay at the entry area, so plan accordingly.
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