How to Schedule Your First Visit at Lawrence Correctional Center
Your first visit can feel like a lot to juggle — especially when you're trying not to get turned away at the door. This walkthrough covers the basics that make or break a visit at Lawrence Correctional Center: confirming where your loved one is housed, scheduling online, completing visitor paperwork, and showing up with the right ID and entry info.
Before scheduling anything, start with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) inmate search tool. This confirms the incarcerated person's information and current facility. Once you've verified the location, you can schedule your visit correctly - and avoid booking at the wrong place.
In-person visits are scheduled online through the SignUpGenius link provided by IDOC. Don't show up without an appointment or rely on third-party sign-up pages - use the official IDOC SignUpGenius link to lock in your visit time.
For your first visit, you'll need to complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) - unless you've already been approved through the electronic PVI process. Not sure if you're approved? Plan on completing the PVI anyway so it doesn't slow you down on visit day. The goal: have your visitor status sorted before you're counting on that first face-to-face.
Warning: If you provide false information on the PVI form, your visitation privileges may be restricted or revoked.
IDs and Vehicle
- ✓ Two forms of identification (adult visitors)
- ✓ One of the two IDs must be a current state-issued photo ID
You'll need to provide vehicle information when you visit. Have it ready before you arrive - you don't want to be digging through your phone at check-in.
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. That buffer gives you room to check in without risking a missed visit.
Visiting with a child? The facility provides a surgical mask to every visitor over the age of two - no need to bring your own.
Expect a quick identity check at the entrance and exit. Staff may ask you to briefly lower your face covering so they can verify your ID.
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Tablets
- ✓ Smart watches
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Drink
- ✓ Smoking materials
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Packages
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Bags
- ✓ Books
- ✓ Magazines
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Personal keys
Accidentally brought something that can't go into the Visiting Room? Small lockers are available in the Visiting Center for storing personal items.
- Expect searches as part of entry - All visitors, their vehicle, and their property are subject to search.
- Decide before you arrive if you can comply - If you refuse to submit to a search, you can lose the visit.
- Know the consequence of refusing - Failure to submit to a search can result in denial, suspension, or restriction of visiting privileges.
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