Before Your First Visit at Lancaster County Jail: Arrival, ID, Searches, Dress, and What You Can’t Bring
Your first visit can feel stressful, but Lancaster County Jail's rules are straightforward once you know what to expect. This guide covers when to arrive, what ID to bring, how security works, and what to leave behind so nothing derails your visit.
Arrive 10 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Show up with less than 10 minutes to spare? You won't be allowed in. For a 2:00 p.m. visit, aim to walk through the door between 1:30 and 1:50 p.m. - that gives you enough buffer for check-in and screening.
Acceptable ID
- ✓ Bring proper picture identification every time you visit.
- ✓ Acceptable examples include a state ID, federal ID, driver license, or school ID.
- ✓ For children, a birth certificate may be used as identification.
No personal property goes into the contact visit room. That means purses, bags, car seats, diaper bags - all of it stays behind. Plan ahead so you're not scrambling at the door; you'll only bring what the facility permits.
- ✓ Secure all personal belongings in a front lobby locker.
- ✓ Do not bring these items into the visit area: cell phones, mail, stamps, food, drink, drugs, games, books, purses, wallets, coats, keys, weapons.
Baby Exception
- ✓ If you’re entering with a baby, bring only: 1 diaper, 1 bottle, 1 blanket, and 1 pacifier.
- ✓ Leave everything else (including diaper bags) secured outside the visit room so you don’t get delayed or turned away.
Before entering the contact visit room, you'll go through security. Expect a metal detector, and possibly a pat search. The facility can require additional screening at its discretion, so factor that into your arrival time.
Warning: If you refuse the metal detector or a required pat search, your visit will be denied.
Dress to get through the door. Lancaster County Jail doesn't allow revealing, suggestive, or inappropriate clothing - staff can turn you away based on what you're wearing. When in doubt, go conservative. Simple, covered-up clothing is the safest bet.
Even after check-in, your visit can be cut short. The jail may deny or end visits for institutional reasons, and loud or disruptive behavior is grounds for termination. Keep calm, follow staff directions, and your time together won't get interrupted.
Warning: If you’re asked to leave for a rule violation and refuse, you can be escorted off the property by local law enforcement.
- Arrive early - Get there 10–30 minutes before your scheduled visit; arriving with less than 10 minutes to spare means you won’t be allowed in.
- Bring your photo ID - Have proper picture identification with you each time you visit; for children, a birth certificate may be used.
- Lock up your belongings - Secure personal items in a front lobby locker and keep prohibited items out of the visit area.
- Expect security screening - You must pass a metal detector and you may be pat searched before entering the contact visit room.
- Dress conservatively - Revealing, suggestive, or otherwise inappropriate clothing can get you denied.
- Pack light with a baby - The only baby items allowed in are 1 diaper, 1 bottle, 1 blanket, and 1 pacifier.
Quick reminders: Consent to the metal detector and any required pat search is mandatory, and no personal property is allowed in the contact visit room - use the front lobby locker and go in with only what’s permitted.
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