What happens if visiting rules are broken at Irwin County: sanctions, search policies, and risks

At Irwin County, a visitation rule violation can trigger formal discipline for the detainee, including loss of visitation privileges. Even if you're the one who made the mistake, the consequence often lands on the person inside. Treat every rule (ID, searches, allowed items, staff directions) as a no-exceptions situation.

You're not expected to guess the rules. Visitation rules and hours must be posted where detainees can easily see them, and the facility must also make the schedule and procedures available to the public. You can get this information by phone (live voice or recording), which is helpful if you want to confirm expectations before showing up.

Contraband is where things can escalate from rule violation to criminal case. If contraband is introduced during a visit, the standards allow for criminal prosecution of the visitor, the detainee, or both. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, don't bring it into the facility or try to pass it during visitation.

Strip-searches after a visit aren't supposed to be routine. A detainee should only be strip-searched after a visit if there's specific and articulable suspicion that contraband was transferred. In plain terms: there needs to be a concrete reason tied to that visit, not just a general hunch.

Before you're admitted, staff will verify your identity using valid state or government-issued photo identification. The facility may also require a pat search and visual inspection of containers (purses, briefcases, packages) either before admission or during the visit. Plan for this screening and bring as little as possible to speed up check-in.

4

• ✓ You do not have valid state or government-issued photo ID, or staff cannot positively identify you.
• ✓ You refuse a required pat search.
• ✓ You refuse a required visual inspection of a purse, briefcase, package, or other container.

Want to reduce surprises? Check the posted rules and hours ahead of time. The standards require the facility to post visitation rules and hours where detainees can see them, and to make the schedule and procedures available to the public by phone (live voice or recording). Confirming the rules before you go helps you avoid an unnecessary turn-away at the door.

1. Pause and think about the consequences for the detainee. A visitation rule violation can lead to formal discipline, including loss of visitation privileges.
2. Do not bring or attempt to pass contraband. Contraband introduction during a visit can lead to criminal prosecution of the visitor, the detainee, or both.
3. If you leave money or property, get the receipt and keep it. Visitors are allowed to leave money for deposit into a detainee’s account, and you must receive a receipt for money or property left at the facility (unless it is allowed to be given directly to the detainee).