Before Your First Visit to Monroe Correctional Complex: A Practical Checklist
Your first visit to Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) will go much smoother if you handle the approval steps early and know what to expect at check-in. Use the checklist below to avoid the most common reasons people get delayed or turned away.
Before you plan a trip to MCC, make sure you're approved to visit. MCC requires all visitors to complete the visitor application process ahead of time, and that applies to both in-person and video visits. If you haven't been approved yet, start that process first so you don't waste a drive.
MCC follows DOC Policy 450.300 (Visits for Incarcerated Individuals), which covers rules across all Washington DOC facilities. The facility also publishes its own Visitor's Guidelines with key notices, visiting rules for both in-person and video visits, and regular visiting hours by housing unit. If this is your first time checking, start with those guidelines and the published hours for the unit you're visiting.
Can't make it in person? Video visits are a solid backup, but they take some planning. At MCC, video visits are scheduled in 30-minute increments and can't exceed one hour total. An approved visitor must schedule through the vendor at least 24 hours in advance, so don't wait until the last minute and expect an opening.
MCC is located at 16550 177th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA. Driving directions from MCC route you to the West Main exit (Monroe City Center), then right on West Main Street until you reach the entrance for your unit. Pay attention to which part of MCC you need: the facility has separate entrance points for WSRU/MSU, SRTC/IMU (turn at 177th Avenue), and TRU (turn at 170th Drive).
Parking Vehicle Rules
- ✓ Drive 15 mph on facility grounds.
- ✓ Secure your vehicle.
- ✓ Do not leave valuables in the car. The Department is not liable for lost or stolen property.
- ✓ Bring only one car key (and/or remote) on a single-ring keychain. Your key will be secured at visit room check-in.
Allowed Items
- ✓ Bring your ID, and expect that you may be allowed to have only one form of ID in the visiting area.
- ✓ If you drove, keep just one car key and/or remote on a single-ring keychain. Staff will secure it at visit room check-in.
If you need prescription medication during the visit, MCC allows it as long as you follow the rules. Bring only the amount you'll need, and keep it in the original container. The label must show your name, the medication name, pharmacy, and prescribing physician. If you'd rather not carry it in, medications can be stored in the lockers at visit check-in.
Note: If you use a medical device that relies on a cell phone for monitoring (for example, glucose and insulin devices), you are not authorized to bring a cell phone into the visiting area. Plan an alternate monitoring method before you arrive.
Expect a formal check-in process. Before visiting at MCC, you'll need to sign form DOC 21-575, Acknowledgment of Visitor Search Requirements. Staff may conduct pat searches, electronic screening, vehicle searches, personal property searches, and canine searches. MCC also encourages first-time visitors to read DOC 420.340 (Searching and Detaining Facility Visitors) beforehand so you know what to expect.
Take the dress code seriously. MCC may offer loaner clothing if you don't meet the requirements, but only twice. After two dress code violations within a year, you can be denied visiting privileges for the day. Dress conservatively from the start and save yourself the hassle.
You'll need a vending card to use the vending machines at MCC. Cards must be purchased with a $5.00 bill and can be loaded up to $99.00 (based on vendor resources). Once you buy food, remove it from its packaging and place it on plates or napkins. One rule to know: you and the incarcerated person cannot share items from the same plate, napkin, or container.
Find an Inmate at Monroe Corrections Complex, WA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
