What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Visiting Graham Correctional Center

Graham Correctional Center requires adult visitors to bring two forms of identification. One must be a current state-issued photo ID. Show up with only one ID, or with an expired photo ID, and you could lose your visit before it starts.

You'll also need to provide vehicle information when you arrive. Have that ready before you walk in. Digging through paperwork in the parking lot while the clock ticks toward check-in is no fun.

Before you make the trip, confirm the person you want to visit and where they're housed using the IDOC offender search tool. You also need to be on the incarcerated individual's approved visitation list. If this is your first visit as a prospective adult visitor, be ready to complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (DOC 0148) unless you already received prior approval through the electronic PVI process.

Electronics are not allowed in the visiting room. That means cell phones, pagers, and anything similar. Leave them locked in your vehicle or store them before you enter.

• ✓ Food
• ✓ Drinks
• ✓ Purses
• ✓ Bags
• ✓ Books
• ✓ Magazines
• ✓ Sunglasses
• ✓ Personal keys

IDOC provides small lockers for visitors to store personal items, free of charge. If you accidentally show up with something that can't go into the visiting room, the lockers are your best bet.

• ✓ Put your phone and any other electronics in a locker before you go in
• ✓ Lock up purses, bags, books, magazines, and sunglasses instead of trying to carry them into the visiting room
• ✓ Keep personal keys out of the visiting room, store them in a locker when possible
• ✓ If you can safely leave non-essential items in your vehicle, do that and bring only what you need to check in

Searches are part of the process. All visitors, their vehicles, and their property are subject to search. Refusing a search can result in denial, suspension, or restriction of visiting privileges. If you're unsure about an item, store it before you try to enter.

Dress code enforcement can be strict, so keep it simple and conservative. Clothing should be in good taste. Nothing sexually explicit, offensive, or suggestive of a Security Threat Group or illegal activity. And even if your outfit passes inspection, you still need the required identification for adult visitors: two forms of ID, including a current state-issued photo ID.

Packing Checklist

• ✓ Two forms of identification (adults), including a current state-issued photo ID
• ✓ Vehicle information to provide on arrival
• ✓ No electronics in the visiting room (including cell phones and pagers)
• ✓ No food or drinks in the visiting room
• ✓ No purses, bags, books, or magazines in the visiting room
• ✓ No sunglasses or personal keys in the visiting room
• ✓ Plan to use the free small lockers for personal items
• ✓ Be ready for searches of visitors, vehicles, and property (refusing can cost you the visit or your visiting privileges)
• ✓ Do not come to the facility intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs

1. Confirm who you are visiting and where they are housed by using the IDOC offender search tool.
2. Make sure you are on the approved visitation list for that individual before you plan your trip.
3. Handle first-visit paperwork by completing the Prospective Visitor’s Interview (DOC 0148) if required, unless you already received prior approval through the electronic PVI process.
4. Pack for check-in by bringing two forms of ID (including a current state-issued photo ID) and the vehicle information you will be asked to provide on arrival.