Who Can Visit at the Intake Service Center? Understanding Background Check Rules

RIDOC runs two background checks on visitors: a BCI check and an NCIC check. You must clear both to visit regularly. Regular visitation also depends on being listed on the inmate's visitors' list. If you're not on it yet, the inmate can request to add you. Counselors can help inmates fill out the form to add names.

If you have a felony record and you're not considered "immediate family" under RIDOC's definition, you cannot visit. This is an automatic disqualifier.

If you're not immediate family but have a misdemeanor record, the rule is different. Visiting privileges can be granted at the warden's (or designee's) discretion. That discretion cuts both ways. There's no guarantee either way, and two people with similar misdemeanor histories can get different outcomes depending on who reviews their case.

Immediate family members have a path to request an exception, but approval isn't automatic. If you're immediate family and you have a felony conviction, a pending felony charge, entered a plea of nolo contendere to a felony, or are on probation for a felony, you may be allowed to visit only with approval. That approval must come from the Assistant Director of Institutions & Operations (ADIO) or the warden of the facility where you want to visit. Even with approval, your visiting privileges can be conditioned or limited.

• ✓ The nature of the felony and how old the criminal record is
• ✓ The nature of any pending charge(s)
• ✓ Whether you are currently on probation (or similar status) for a felony offense
• ✓ Whether you can show three consecutive years of law-abiding behavior (for example, a latest felony conviction that is more than three years old, or release from incarceration at least three years ago)

1. Confirm you are on the visitors’ list: Ask the inmate to add your name if it is not listed. Counselors can assist inmates with the form to add names.
2. Be upfront about your record when you seek approval: If you are immediate family and your situation involves a felony conviction, a pending felony charge, a nolo contendere plea to a felony, or felony probation, expect that ADIO or the warden must approve the visit.
3. Prepare to show your current status: Bring paperwork that helps explain what happened and where things stand now (for example, proof of disposition, completion, or how long it has been since the last felony issue).

For visitation purposes, RIDOC defines "immediate family" as a parent, spouse (including common-law), child, step-child, brother, step-brother, sister, step-sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, and uncle. RIDOC policy also includes a narrower definition that applies when the visitor is an ex-inmate.

1. Start with the visitors’ list: Make sure the inmate has requested to add you, since regular visits require your name to appear on the visitors’ list. Counselors can help the inmate complete the request.
2. Flag special-approval situations early: If you are immediate family and your situation involves a felony conviction, pending felony charge, a nolo contendere plea to a felony, or felony probation, plan on seeking ADIO or warden approval.
3. Keep your request consistent: Use the same full legal name across forms and communications so your background check results match your application.

• ✓ Court disposition paperwork for any felony case(s) or pending charge(s)
• ✓ Proof you completed probation, parole, or a sentence (if applicable)
• ✓ Documents that help show three consecutive years of law-abiding behavior (for example, dates showing the latest felony conviction is more than three years old, or release from incarceration at least three years ago)