Maximum Security, RI

Visits at High Security Center are a privilege—RIDOC administration can approve, deny, suspend, or revoke them. Before visiting, you'll need to clear both BCI and NCIC background checks to get on an inmate's approved list. Certain criminal histories or pending charges may require approval from the Assistant Director of Institutions and Operations (ADIO) or the facility warden. Bring acceptable photo ID; some forms (like Social Security or welfare cards) won't work. Sentenced inmates can have nine approved visitors plus two "money purposes only" names, and you can generally only be on one inmate's list at a time. Wardens set the schedule, but eligible inmates get at least three visiting periods per week of at least 1.5 hours each. Expect metal detectors and possible same-sex pat-downs. Only nitroglycerin is allowed as a life-saving medication—staff will log it.

High Security Center uses Access Secure Deposits (Access Corrections) for trust-account deposits. You can pay online, by phone, at kiosks, at cash-pay retail locations, or by mail. For in-person deposits, the Inmate Accounts window is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM and 1:00 PM–3:00 PM (closed on state holidays). Bring photo ID—a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. You also need to be on the inmate's visiting list, though RIDOC allows a 30-day grace period so you can deposit before that enrollment is finalized. Electronic and retail payments typically post faster than mail.

RIDOC's public incarceration search is provided "as is"—it's not an official record, so don't treat it as definitive. Online rosters can be delayed, abbreviated, or miss recent bookings. Verify time-sensitive or critical details directly with the facility, the court, or RIDOC. If your search comes back blank, try alternate spellings, hyphenated last names, known aliases, date of birth, or an inmate/booking/registry number if you have one. You can also sign up for notification services (like VINE/VINELink in many states) to get phone, text, or email alerts about releases, transfers, or custody-status changes.

Visiting High Security Center is easier when you know what to expect. RIDOC requires the Visitors Policy and Visitor Dress Code to be posted in English and Spanish in the visiting waiting room—review them when you arrive. Inmates are generally entitled to at least three visiting periods per week (each at least 1.5 hours) unless on Administrative Restricted Status. Bring proper ID; the facility lists acceptable forms and notes which ones won't work. If you're not immediate family and have certain criminal history issues—a felony record, pending charge, certain misdemeanor drug-related records, a nolo contendere plea, or probation status—you'll need ADIO or warden approval, handled case by case.