When a Visit Is Denied or Suspended at Martinez Detention Facility: what families should know
A denied visit can feel sudden and confusing—especially when you've already made the trip. Here's how Martinez Detention Facility handles denials and suspensions, the standard they're supposed to follow, and what you can ask for in the moment.
At Martinez Detention Facility, only the Facility Commander can suspend visiting privileges. The one exception: suspensions tied to a formal disciplinary proceeding, which follow a different process than same-day denials.
- ✓ Ask who made the decision (name and title).
- ✓ Ask whether the suspension/denial was ordered by the Facility Commander or a named designee.
- ✓ Ask whether the suspension is connected to a formal disciplinary proceeding.
- ✓ Request any written documentation you’re allowed to receive (for example, a notice or incident write-up), and write down what staff tell you if nothing is provided.
Martinez Detention Facility operates from a baseline principle: an incarcerated person should not be denied visits with the people they choose. A visit can only be denied when the Facility Commander or a designee presents clear and convincing evidence that it would jeopardize the safety or security of the facility or visitors. What does "clear and convincing" mean in practice? It's a high bar. More than a vague concern or gut feeling. The reason needs to connect to an actual safety or security issue, specific enough that you can understand the concern - even if staff can't share every detail.
Examples (general): A credible risk of violence, intimidation, or attempts to pass prohibited items. Or any situation where a visit would put visitors or the facility at risk.
- ✓ What is the specific safety or security concern?
- ✓ Who is presenting the “clear and convincing evidence” for the denial (Facility Commander or designee)?
- ✓ Is the issue tied to the facility’s safety/security, visitor safety, or both?
- ✓ Is this a one-time denial for today, or an ongoing suspension of visiting privileges?
- ✓ If a designee made the call, what is their role/title?
Your conduct during a visit matters - and consequences can be immediate. Any violation of laws, regulations, or visiting procedures (by you or the person you're visiting) can end the visit on the spot. It can also lead to longer-term consequences: suspension, restriction, or revocation of visiting privileges. In serious cases, it may result in arrest or a permanent ban from future visits.
- ✓ The visit can be terminated (ended) immediately
- ✓ Visiting privileges can be suspended
- ✓ Visiting can be restricted (limited)
- ✓ Visiting privileges can be revoked
- ✓ Arrest is possible
- ✓ Future visiting can be denied for the person(s) involved
- Confirm who made the decision - Ask whether the denial/suspension was ordered by the Facility Commander or a named designee.
- Ask for the safety/security basis - Have staff state the reason in plain terms and whether the concern is about facility security, visitor safety, or both.
- Request whatever documentation is available - Ask if there’s an incident report, notice, or other record you can receive or reference.
- Ask about review or appeal options - If there’s a way to request review, ask what the process is and what information you’ll need to provide.
Tip: Before you leave, get the decision-maker's name and title, plus the specific safety or security reason they gave. You'll need both to figure out whether the denial actually meets the "clear and convincing evidence" standard.
One exception to the "Facility Commander orders suspensions" rule: a suspension can also come through a formal disciplinary proceeding. If staff tell you the suspension is disciplinary, treat it as a separate track from a same-day denial based on safety concerns. Ask what disciplinary process it's tied to and how long the suspension will last.
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