Before your first visit to MacDougall‑Walker: what to bring and what to leave at home
Your first visit goes smoother when you confirm a few things ahead of time: where your person is housed, whether you're on the approved list, and what you can bring through the door.
Before you make the drive, confirm your loved one is actually at MacDougall‑Walker. Connecticut DOC moves people between facilities, and showing up at the wrong location means losing your visit. Use the DOC Inmate Search to verify the current location, then plan your trip from there.
You need to be on the inmate's approved visiting list before you can visit. Without approval, you'll be turned away - even with valid ID and perfect timing. Confirm you've been added before traveling, especially if this is your first visit.
What to Bring ID Time
- ✓ Valid photo identification (required for all visitors entering the facility)
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit. Check-in takes time, and staff will walk you through the process once you're there. Show up late and your visit may be cut short - or canceled entirely.
Leave electronics behind: Cell phones and other electronic devices aren’t permitted inside the correctional facility, so secure them before you enter.
Even after you're approved, visits only happen when the inmate has active visiting privileges. Confirm everything is in good standing before you go. One more thing: Connecticut DOC doesn't hold visits on state-observed holidays - New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day are all off the schedule.
Find an Inmate at MacDougall Walker C.I, CT
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