What to Bring to Your First Visit at Lea County: ID Requirements and Dress Code
First visits can feel stressful. One small mistake can mean getting turned away. Use this checklist to show up with the right identification, the right clothing, and the one form you must sign before visiting at Lea County Correctional Facility.
Bringing a child? Plan ahead. Lea County Correctional Facility won't allow anyone under 18 to enter unless the minor has proper identification and is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult relative. The only exception: if the minor can show documented proof of legal marriage to the inmate.
ID rules are specific, and guessing can cost you a visit. As an NMCD facility, Lea County must give inmates written visitation information within 24 hours of arrival, including the approved dress code and ID requirements. If you're unsure what ID will work for you or a minor, ask your loved one to check that written information and confirm your plan before you travel.
Before visiting at Lea County Correctional Facility, you must read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding (CD-100201.A). This is required before any visit, so expect it during check-in.
Note: The Visitor Statement of Understanding explains that you may be subject to searches, including NMCD canine and mechanical detection. Refusing a strip search will result in your visit being cancelled or suspended.
Lea County Correctional Facility follows the NMCD Dress Code for Visitors attachment (CD-100201.B). If your outfit is borderline, change before you go. You don't want to be stuck trying to fix it in the parking lot.
- ✓ Any clothing that does not comply with the NMCD Dress Code for Visitors (CD-100201.B)
- ✓ Any outfit you are unsure about, confirm it ahead of time through the facility’s approved dress-code guidance (or pick a more conservative option)
Your most reliable source for exact dress code and ID requirements is the written visitation information the facility gives inmates shortly after arrival. Planning your first visit? Ask your loved one to read you the dress-code and identification section so you know exactly what Lea County expects.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Bring the visitor identification that Lea County approves for entry (confirm the exact ID requirement before you go)
- ✓ If you are bringing someone under 18: make sure the minor is properly identified, and that they are with a responsible adult relative, parent, or legal guardian (or have documented proof of legal marriage to the inmate)
- ✓ Dress to comply with the NMCD Dress Code for Visitors (CD-100201.B)
- ✓ Be ready to read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding (CD-100201.A) before your visit
- ✓ Confirm the visiting process before you travel, since NMCD visiting is handled differently by facility and some visits may be by appointment only
Lea County maintains visitor applications and visiting records in NMCD's CMIS system, including approvals, disapprovals, suspensions, and visit details. Keep your information consistent across all paperwork and follow the approval process closely. Staff check what's on file when you arrive.
- Ask for the specific reason - Have the visiting officer tell you whether the issue is your identification, your status/approval to visit, your clothing, or the required statement you must sign.
- Request a record check - Ask staff to re-check your visiting approval and information as it appears in NMCD CMIS, since approvals, disapprovals, suspensions, and visit information are maintained there.
- Get the fix in writing (or repeat it back) - If you need to resubmit something or update information, confirm exactly what must be corrected so you do not make the same trip twice.
If you keep hitting a wall and need help figuring out what to do next, contact the Lea County Correctional Facility inmate advocate: Moriama Valeriano at (575) 392-4055.
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