How to Visit Mercer County Detention Center, NJ (NJ)
Visiting Mercer County Detention Center goes smoothly when you know the rules that can get you turned away at the door. The dress code and seating policy are the big ones.
The visiting area has a strict dress code, and staff will turn you away if your outfit doesn't pass. You cannot wear orange clothing, sleeveless shirts, spandex, short shorts, mini-skirts, sheer clothing, or low-cut blouses. Pajama pants are out too. Sweaters, coats, and jackets aren't allowed in the visiting area, and hats and scarves are also prohibited. Leave those in the car and stick with a simple, conservative outfit.
Seating rule: Once you are assigned a seat in the visiting area, you cannot switch seats.
This guide covers the dress code and seating rule only. It doesn't include visiting hours, ID requirements, visitor approval, how many people can visit, what you can bring, search procedures, or fees. Call the facility to confirm those details before you go so you don't make the trip for nothing.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Skip orange-colored clothing
- ✓ Do not wear sleeveless shirts
- ✓ Avoid spandex
- ✓ Do not wear short shorts or mini-skirts
- ✓ Avoid sheer clothing
- ✓ Skip low-cut blouses
- ✓ Do not wear pajama pants
- ✓ Do not wear sweaters, coats, or jackets into the visiting area
- ✓ Leave hats and scarves at home or in your vehicle
- Take the seat you’re assigned - once staff places you, that is your spot for the visit.
- Stay in that seat for the full visit - switching seats is not allowed in the visiting area.
What to Verify
- ✓ Visiting hours and whether they vary by housing unit or day
- ✓ Whether you need to be on an approved visitor list, and how to register
- ✓ What ID is required for entry (and whether it must be current, government-issued, etc.)
- ✓ Exact definitions staff use for “short shorts,” “mini-skirts,” “sheer,” and “low-cut” so you can avoid borderline outfits
- ✓ Whether any exceptions are allowed for hats or scarves (for example, religious headwear) and how to request an accommodation
- ✓ Whether outer layers are ever allowed in the visiting area (the posted rules list sweaters, coats, and jackets as not permitted)
- ✓ What you’re allowed to bring into the visiting area (keys, wallet, baby items, paperwork, etc.)
- ✓ Security screening and search procedures on entry
- ✓ How many visitors are allowed per visit, and any age rules for minors
- ✓ Whether seating is assigned (and how strictly the no-seat-switching rule is enforced for families arriving together)
If you're not sure: Skip anything close to sheer fabric or a short hemline, and go with a higher neckline. A quick call to the facility before you leave can save you a wasted trip.
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