What You Can't Bring to Johnston Unit: A Visitor Checklist

Leave your cash at home. The only money allowed inside is coins, up to $35 total. This keeps screening fast and security tight - so stash any bills in your car before you head in.

Cell phones aren't allowed past the secure perimeter. Bring one to the entry point and you'll be sent back to your car - or it could be confiscated. Your best bet: leave it locked in your vehicle or at home.

Staff can search vehicles and visitors, so pack light. Skip the "just in case" items - anything extra could slow you down. Not sure if something's allowed? Leave it behind and call the unit before you make the trip.

Prepare Pockets Bag Vehicle

• ✓ Empty your pockets before you get to the gate (keys, loose items, and extras can cause delays)
• ✓ Bring no cash bills - only coins, and keep it at $35 or less
• ✓ Leave your cell phone out of the secure perimeter (lock it in your vehicle or leave it at home)
• ✓ Keep your bag and vehicle “clean” of anything you wouldn’t want questioned during a search

1. Confirm the inmate is at the Johnston Unit - Transfers happen, and you don’t want to make the trip to the wrong place.
2. Verify visitation privileges - Make sure the person you’re visiting can receive visitors.
3. Call the unit for final confirmation before you travel - Double-check details and ask about any item you’re unsure about so you’re not sorting it out at the gate.

Try to enter with a prohibited item and you'll be stopped at screening. Usually that means walking back to your car to secure it - which can cost you your spot in line or your entire visit if time runs out. Bring only what you need. If there's something you absolutely can't leave behind, call the unit first.