Before Your First HCDC Visit: What to Bring, What to Leave Home
Your first visit to Harford County Detention Center goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right clothing, and as little extra stuff as possible. This checklist will help you avoid the most common reasons people get delayed or turned away.
Every person entering needs a valid government-issued photo ID - yes, including children. Don't assume a minor can just walk in with you. HCDC checks IDs for everyone at check-in.
Remember: Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and they still need their own valid government-issued photo ID to check in.
Arrive at the main entrance at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Check-in takes a while, and showing up late can cost you your visit.
Before you can visit, you'll need to pre-register online through GTL VisitMe - it's mandatory. Schedule your visit at least two days in advance. Need to change or cancel? That also has to happen at least two days before the visit.
Heads up: HCDC can cancel or suspend visitation for security or health reasons with no notice.
HCDC's dress code is simple: "neck to kneecaps." Your clothing needs to cover from the neck down to your knees and be appropriate for a professional setting where children are present. When in doubt, go more conservative. Getting turned away over an outfit is a frustrating way to lose your visit.
- ✓ No tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, or spaghetti straps
- ✓ No see-through or sheer clothing
- ✓ No form-fitting clothes such as leotards, spandex, leggings, and jeggings
- ✓ No clothing displaying profanity or obscene images
- ✓ No clothing promoting drugs, alcohol, violence, or gangs
Locker rule: Coats, jackets, and hoodies can’t be worn inside visitation - if you arrive wearing one, you’ll need to place it in a locker immediately.
Cell phones and smartwatches must be silenced and stored in a locker when you enter. The easiest approach? Leave them in your car. If you do bring them inside, make absolutely sure they're silenced before locking them up.
Silence it first: If your phone rings while it's in the locker, your visit will be terminated.
Don’t bring smoking or vaping items. HCDC does not allow lighters, cigarettes, or vaping material of any kind during visitation.
HCDC limits each visit to two visitors at a time, and children count toward that number. During the visit, children must stay seated the entire time - plan accordingly.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. And like adults, children need a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in. Confirm you have it before leaving home.
Park in the upper lot. The lower lot is restricted to authorized personnel, and your car may be towed if you park there. The exception: if you have a valid handicap placard or plate, you can use the handicap spaces in the lower lot.
Quick planning facts: Visiting hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visits are 30 minutes long, and inmates are allowed one visit per week.
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