What Happens If You Fail the Metal Detector at Lancaster County Prison

Every visitor at Lancaster County Prison must pass through the metal detector before entering the visitation area. Set it off, and you get two chances to clear it. Can't clear it after those two attempts? Your visit is over. The facility makes no exceptions to this rule.

Most metal-detector failures come from everyday items you forget you're wearing. Lancaster County Prison specifically warns that an underwire bra may cause you to fail the detector (a bra is still required). Jewelry is another common culprit, along with small things like safety pins, decorative pins, and certain hair accessories.

• ✓ If you wear a bra, choose one without underwire so you are less likely to alarm
• ✓ Remove jewelry before you step up to the metal detector
• ✓ Take out safety pins and decorative pins (including on clothing, bags, or accessories)
• ✓ Swap or remove hair accessories that contain metal

If you have a medical device or implant, bring supporting documentation with you. Lancaster County Prison requires visitors with medical devices or implants to provide paperwork during screening. Don't leave it at home and hope for the best.

1. Strip down the common triggers before your first attempt. Take off jewelry and remove any safety pins, decorative pins, or metal hair accessories so you do not waste an attempt.
2. Plan your clothing with the detector in mind. If you wear a bra, avoid underwire, since an underwire bra may keep you from clearing the detector.
3. Lock up what you cannot bring in. Unauthorized personal items (like purses, backpacks, and cell phones) can be secured in the lobby lockers, so you are not juggling items at screening.

If you show up with items you can't take into visitation, Lancaster County Prison has lobby lockers where you can store personal belongings like purses, backpacks, and cell phones for $0.50. The lockers take quarters only. The facility is not responsible for damages or loss of personal items or money, so only store what you absolutely need to and keep track of your key.

Don't let the metal-detector prep distract you from basic check-in requirements. You need a current government-issued photo ID, and the address on it must match the inmate's visitation list. If your address doesn't match, get that fixed before you make the trip. You can be turned away at check-in even if you'd otherwise clear the detector.