What Not to Bring to a Visit: Mendocino County Jail's Prohibited Items Checklist
Visits get derailed all the time by simple, everyday items people forget are restricted. Use this checklist before heading to Mendocino County Jail—it'll help you avoid getting turned away at the door, or worse.
Cameras aren't allowed in the visiting area at Mendocino County Jail. Even a quick photo before you go in might seem harmless, but having a camera on you can end your visit before it starts.
Cell phones and tape recorders stay outside. These are easy to forget in a pocket or bag, so double-check before heading in.
Purses, bags, and briefcases aren't allowed in the visiting area. Leave them at home or locked in your car - you don't want to be stuck at the door figuring out what to do with them.
Note: Some facilities apply different rules to certain official visitors. If you’re visiting in an official capacity, confirm what you’re permitted to bring before you arrive.
Some items aren't just restricted - bringing them into the facility is a crime. Firearms, explosives, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and any controlled substance (including marijuana) fall into this category. Show up with any of these and you could be arrested.
Warning: If there’s any chance something in your car, pockets, or belongings could be considered a weapon, alcohol, or drugs (including marijuana), leave it behind. At Mendocino County Jail, bringing these into the facility may lead to arrest.
Arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you won't be visiting anyone. The facility treats this as a law-enforcement matter - you may be subject to arrest.
Heads up: If you show up impaired, or if the situation turns disruptive, you can lose your visit for the day - and depending on what’s going on, you may be putting yourself at risk of arrest.
Expect screening when you arrive. Mendocino County Jail states that visitors are subject to a search of their person or property if Corrections Division personnel request it. Plan accordingly.
- ✓ Bring as little as possible so there’s less to search
- ✓ Leave cameras out of the visiting area
- ✓ Leave cell phones and tape recorders out of the visiting area
- ✓ Don’t carry purses, bags, briefcases, or similar items into the visiting area
- ✓ Follow staff directions if Corrections Division personnel request a search of your person or property
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ Empty your pockets before you go in (double-check for a phone or recording device)
- ✓ Leave cameras behind - don’t bring them into the visiting area
- ✓ Leave purses, bags, briefcases, and similar items in your vehicle or at home
- ✓ Do not bring firearms, explosives, alcohol, narcotics, or any controlled substance (including marijuana) - it’s a crime and may lead to arrest
- ✓ Arrive sober; visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied and may be subject to arrest
- ✓ Expect that Corrections Division personnel may request a search of your person or property
Last-minute check: If you’re unsure about something in your pockets, bag, or car, don’t bring it. At this facility, prohibited items - or arriving under the influence - can mean being turned away or even arrested.
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