What to Bring for Your First Visit to Joe Corley Detention Facility
Your first visit will go much smoother when you know exactly what the facility expects at the door. Here's how to confirm the current rules, show up with the right ID, and avoid bringing anything that won't be accepted.
Check the visitation schedule before you make the trip. Joe Corley Detention Facility is required to post visiting rules and hours publicly - both in writing and by phone (either a live person or a recording). A quick call can save you a wasted drive if hours have shifted or your visit type has special requirements.
Need detainee information? Call (936) 520-5000 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For urgent messages, call (936) 521-4000 - have the detainee's full name, A-number, and your name and phone number ready so staff can route it correctly.
Required: Bring a government-issued photo ID. No adult visitor is admitted without it.
Expect a structured check-in. Staff will verify your ID and screen you before entry. The facility's posted procedures outline what's allowed during visits and what screening involves. Not sure if you can bring something? Confirm with the posted rules or call ahead - don't guess.
Heads up: Don't bring items "for" the detainee unless you've confirmed they're approved. The visiting room officer can't accept articles or gifts without advance approval from the facility administrator and/or shift supervisor.
Your visit will be documented. The facility keeps separate logs for general visitors and legal visitors. Staff may ask for details - who you're visiting, basic visitor info - so arrive with your ID ready and the detainee's identifying information on hand.
Legal representatives using a virtual attorney visit (VAV) must show appropriate ID - such as a state bar card - before the session begins. Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters can attend VAV sessions. Family and friends aren't permitted.
Checklist
- ✓ Government-issued photo ID (required for adult visitors)
- ✓ Any documents the facility tells you to bring for your specific type of visit
- ✓ If you planned to bring anything for the detainee: prior approval from the facility administrator and/or shift supervisor (items must be approved; the visiting room officer can’t accept unapproved articles or gifts)
- Confirm the current rules and hours - The facility must provide visitation schedules and procedures to the public by phone and in writing, so check before you leave.
- Use the right number if you need information - For detainee information, call (936) 520-5000 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Arrive ready for check-in - Bring your government-issued photo ID and expect staff to follow the facility’s published procedures.
- Don’t show up with items for the detainee unless they’re approved - All items brought for detainees require shift-supervisor approval, and the visiting room officer can’t accept articles or gifts without advance approval from the facility administrator and/or shift supervisor.
Legal-visit note: For VAV appointments, bring appropriate ID (a state bar card works). Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters may attend. One more thing: detainees at Joe Corley cannot receive incoming phone calls. If you need to pass along something urgent, use the urgent-message process instead.
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