What You Can and Can't Bring to Visitation at Louisiana State Penitentiary — Visitor Checklist
Visiting someone at Louisiana State Penitentiary is straightforward once you know the rules — but those rules are strict. Use the checklist below to avoid delays or getting turned away at the door.
Louisiana's Department of Public Safety & Corrections allows visitation at each institution, but every facility runs visits differently based on available space and security requirements. That's why the item rules feel so tight. The goal is maintaining family contact without overwhelming staff or creating safety risks in the visiting area.
Prohibited Telecom
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Beepers
- ✓ Global satellite system equipment
- ✓ SIM cards
- ✓ Portable memory chips
- ✓ Batteries
- ✓ Chargers
- ✓ Cameras or recording devices
Warning: Leave all phones, cameras, and recording devices in your car. Bringing them can get you denied entry - or worse.
Medication is one of the few exceptions. You can bring prescribed medication that's life-saving or life-sustaining - but only the amount you'll need during the visit itself. Bring more than that, and you'll likely hit a snag at check-in.
- Confirm it qualifies - only prescribed medication that is life-saving or life-sustaining is permitted during visits.
- Bring only the visit-time amount - limit the quantity to no more than what you’ll need for the duration of the visit.
- Tell staff at check-in - advise institutional staff at the visiting desk that you have medication.
Visitation follows statewide rules, but each institution adapts them based on its own layout and security needs. The Warden ensures local procedures align with regulations, and some situations require case-by-case handling. If your circumstances are unusual, call ahead. Don't try to sort it out at the visiting desk.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Leave your phone and any accessories (chargers, batteries) out of the visiting area.
- ✓ Don’t bring cameras or anything that records.
- ✓ If you must bring medication, make sure it’s prescribed and truly life-saving or life-sustaining.
- ✓ Pack only the amount of medication you’ll need for the length of the visit.
- ✓ Tell the officer/staff at the visiting desk right away if you have medication with you.
Tip: If you're bringing medication, mention it right away at the visiting desk - before you get deep into check-in. Saves time and avoids last-minute problems.
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