First-Time Visitor Checklist: Everything You Need Before a Mike Durfee State Prison Visit

This checklist covers visits at Mike Durfee State Prison, based on the South Dakota Department of Corrections visitation FAQ (Mike Durfee section updated August 30, 2024). Use it to confirm you're eligible, understand recent changes to in-person visits, and know where to verify current rules before you head out.

First, decide between an in-person visit or a video visit. Here's the big change for in-person visits at Mike Durfee: as of December 2023, you no longer schedule them in advance. Instead of booking an appointment, your prep work focuses on getting approved and following the rules for the day you show up.

Video visits work differently - they still require online scheduling. The SD DOC directs visitors to sddoc.gtlvisitme.com, and you'll need to book at least 72 hours before your desired visit time.

Before planning your trip, confirm you're on the inmate's approved visitor list. South Dakota DOC requires all visitors at Mike Durfee (and every DOC facility) to be pre-approved. Show up without that approval, and your visit won't happen.

Not approved yet - or unsure? Look for the SD DOC "Visit Verification (Visitor Addition) Form." That's the form for adding visitors to an inmate's approved list and the right starting point to get cleared.

For facility-specific procedures and restrictions at Mike Durfee, check the SD DOC visitation FAQ. The Mike Durfee section (labeled "as of August 30, 2024") includes the details that can trip people up.

To confirm what's allowed on your specific visit day, check the Mike Durfee facility information in the SD DOC visitation FAQ. The DOC notes that specific restrictions are listed there, and the Mike Durfee section is dated "as of August 30, 2024."

Wondering if in-person visits are happening? Yes - the SD DOC resumed them in March 2021. That's the baseline, though day-to-day rules can still shift.

Expect health and safety rules during your visit. The SD DOC requires social distancing and has several restrictions in place to protect offenders, staff, and visitors. Specific restrictions are listed in the facility information - check the Mike Durfee section before you head out.

If in-person won't work, plan your video visit early. At Mike Durfee, video visits must be scheduled online at sddoc.gtlvisitme.com at least 72 hours in advance. Wait until the last minute, and you'll miss the window.

1. Go to the SD DOC video visitation scheduling site - Use sddoc.gtlvisitme.com.
2. Select the Mike Durfee State Prison option - Make sure you’re scheduling under the correct facility.
3. Pick a time at least 72 hours out - Video visits have to be scheduled no later than 72 hours before your desired visit time.

Verify Before Go

• ✓ Check the SD DOC visitation FAQ for the Mike Durfee State Prison section (listed “as of August 30, 2024”) before you leave.
• ✓ Review the Mike Durfee facility information for any current social distancing rules or other restrictions.
• ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
• ✓ Re-check the SD DOC visitor apparel and items guidelines and the facility-specific information for anything that could affect what you can bring.