Mississippi

From the inmate. MDOC says inmates must initiate the process by sending the Application for Visiting Privileges to prospective visitors. MDOC also states the forms are not available online and are not emailed or mailed by MDOC.

MDOC instructs families to contact the inmate’s unit chaplain of their housing unit to verify and process information. You can also use MDOC’s Central Office phone number as a starting point if you need help getting routed to the right place.

No. MDOC says its visitation information applies to state facilities, but regional and private-operated prisons may have different policies and practices. MDOC also states visitation is a privilege, and it can be revoked or suspended.

Yes, but only in specific ways. MDOC’s family guide says publications must be pre-paid soft cover paperbacks (limit of three per month) and that books and magazines must come directly from the publisher. MDOC also lists hardback books as an example of an item inmates may not receive by mail.

Not always, and some facilities explicitly do not. DeSoto County states its commissary kiosks accept only cash and credit cards, and it says checks and money orders are not accepted at the kiosks. Other facilities use different vendors and rules, so confirm with the specific jail or prison before you show up with a money order.