Understanding the 30-Minute Visit Rule at Holmes County Jail

At Holmes County Jail, each inmate gets a total of 30 minutes of visitation per week. That's the inmate's entire weekly allowance, not 30 minutes per visitor. During the scheduled visiting window, the inmate can see up to four visitors within that 30-minute block. Everyone shares the same time bank. So if three people visit, all three are splitting those same 30 minutes. Planning who attends (and when) really matters.

Since up to four visitors share the same 30 minutes, the rule plays out differently depending on the family. Here are a few simple examples of how the time is often divided when multiple people want to see the same person during the scheduled visitation window.

• ✓ One visitor comes alone and uses the full 30 minutes.
• ✓ Two visitors come and split the weekly time, for example 15 minutes each.
• ✓ Four visitors come and divide the time, which can mean roughly 7 to 8 minutes per person.

Even with a solid plan, there are situations where visitation simply doesn't happen. Holmes County Jail can suspend visits for disciplinary reasons. Visitation may also be suspended or canceled due to emergencies. You can do everything right and still arrive to find visits temporarily stopped for reasons outside your control.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Arrive early enough to protect your time. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the end of the scheduled visitation time to receive their full visit.
• ✓ Coordinate who is going before you show up. Since the inmate has 30 minutes total per week and can visit up to four people, adding visitors usually means shorter time for each person.
• ✓ Bring a photo I.D. You will need it to visit.
• ✓ Plan around the age rules. Anyone under 18 will not be permitted to visit, and children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult in the lobby waiting area.
• ✓ Leave belongings secured elsewhere. No cell phones, cameras, electronic devices, purses, or bags are permitted in the visitation area.

1. Decide who will visit (up to four people) - If more than one person wants to attend, agree ahead of time how you will share the inmate’s 30 minutes during the scheduled visiting period.
2. Time your arrival to keep the full visit - Plan to be there at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time ends.
3. Stick to the plan once you are there - If multiple visitors are attending, keep the order and time split clear so the limited minutes are used the way you intended.