What to Bring (and Leave Behind) for Your Visit to Lancaster County Prison
Visiting Lancaster County Prison goes smoothly when you show up with the right ID, the right address on that ID, and as little extra stuff as possible. Here's what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to avoid getting delayed at the door.
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID for check-in. Before you leave home, look at the address printed on it - Lancaster County Prison requires that the address on your ID match the address the inmate has on their visitation list. If your ID is current but your address is outdated, that mismatch can stop your visit before it starts.
Heads up: Your ID address has to match the inmate’s visitation list. Double-check it before you drive over.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visitation time so you can check in. Cutting it close is one of the easiest ways to lose time from your visit - or miss it entirely if check-in takes longer than expected.
- Line up outside at the ramp entrance - that’s where the visiting line forms.
- Enter one at a time when it’s your turn - staff will bring visitors in individually.
- Follow the inclement weather exception if it applies - when weather is bad, the prison may handle entry differently than the usual one-at-a-time process.
Lobby Lockers
- ✓ Purse
- ✓ Backpack
- ✓ Cell phone
- ✓ Other unauthorized personal items
- ✓ A quarter (lobby lockers cost $0.50 and take quarters only)
Note: Lancaster County Prison is not responsible for damage or loss of personal items or money placed in the lobby lockers.
Dress modestly - keep commonly considered private body areas covered. And don't forget shoes. It sounds obvious, but you won't be allowed in barefoot or in just socks.
Bra screening note: A bra is required for visits. Underwire bras may set off the metal detector, so consider wearing a wireless option.
Printable Checklist
- ✓ Bring a current government-issued photo ID (and make sure the address matches the inmate’s visitation list)
- ✓ Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
- ✓ Leave purse/backpack/cell phone and other unauthorized items for a lobby locker ($0.50; quarters only)
- ✓ Dress modestly so private areas remain concealed
- ✓ Wear footwear
- ✓ Wear a bra; underwire may cause metal-detector issues
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