Your First Visit to Mercer County Detention Center: What to Bring and How Check‑In Works
Your first visit goes smoother when you know what staff will ask for at the door. Use the checklist and steps below to show up prepared—and avoid getting turned away.
Bring valid, unexpired identification. Mercer County Detention Center accepts a Driver's License, Welfare Card, Employment ID card, College/School ID, any State ID card, or a valid passport. No ID? No visit. Double-check before you leave home.
Mask required: You and the incarcerated person must wear a mask at all times during the visit. If you refuse or don’t comply, the visit can be terminated and visiting privileges can be revoked for at least 30 days - up to indefinitely.
Arrange childcare before you go. Under the facility's provisional visitation program, children under 2 aren't allowed - even in a stroller or carrier. Show up with a child under 2, and you'll be turned away.
- Fill out the Visitor Pass before you enter the lobby - The Outside Security Officer will hand you a Visitor Pass form and tell you to complete it before going inside. Bring your own pen because writing utensils are not available for visitors.
- Complete the temperature screening - Staff will take your temperature with an infrared thermometer. If it’s less than 100.0°F, you’ll be allowed to continue. If it’s 100.0°F or higher, you’ll be escorted to your vehicle and directed to leave the grounds.
- Go through the pat-frisk search - All visitors are subject to a pat-frisk search before entering the visit area. Keep what you bring to a minimum so this part goes quickly.
After you're approved and meet entry requirements, staff will hand you disinfecting wipes before you enter the window visiting area. Wipe down your station before sitting. The facility also sanitizes between groups (cohorts), so expect staff to be strict about timing and clearing out.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Handbags
- ✓ Paper bags
- ✓ Plastic bags
- ✓ Baby chairs
- ✓ Children’s toys
No smoking: Smoking isn’t permitted in the lobby or in the visiting areas.
A temperature of 100.0°F or higher means no entry. Staff will escort you back to your vehicle and ask you to leave. Feeling sick or running a fever? Postpone. It's better than making the trip and getting turned away at the door.
Mask compliance is a hard rule. Remove yours or refuse to wear one, and staff will end the visit immediately. The consequences extend beyond that day: your visiting privileges can be revoked for at least 30 days - or indefinitely.
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