First-Time Visitor Guide: What to Expect at Multnomah County Jail Check-In

Before You Leave

• ✓ Make sure the inmate has added you (and anyone coming with you) to their visiting list before you go.
• ✓ Bring a current, valid, government-issued photo ID for every adult social visitor.

Planning a video visit? Don't wait until the last minute - video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. If you're using the SVV kiosks in the Inverness lobby, arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and dress as you would for an in-person visit.

Visits at Multnomah County Jail are first-come, first-served. Plan to arrive 30–60 minutes before the session you want. You must sign up in the lobby at least 30 minutes before the visiting session starts. Show up too close to the cutoff and you'll either rush through check-in or miss your chance to sign up entirely.

1. Get to the lobby early - Aim for 30–60 minutes before the session you want so you’re not trying to sign up at the last minute.
2. Sign up at least 30 minutes before the session - You must sign up in the lobby no later than 30 minutes before the requested visiting session.

Since visiting is first-come, first-served, signing up early gives you the best shot. Show up later and the session you wanted may already be full - your best move is usually to adjust your arrival time and try again. Need help figuring out what to verify before your next attempt? Jump to the contact section at the end of this guide.

After signing up, you'll go through a quick ID and security check. Every adult visitor must show a current, valid, government-issued photo ID at check-in. You'll also need to pass through a metal detector without setting it off. If you have a medical condition that makes the metal detector unsafe, let the officer at the desk know and ask about an alternative search.

• ✓ Pens
• ✓ Matches
• ✓ Lighters
• ✓ Tobacco
• ✓ Sharp objects
• ✓ Pocketknives
• ✓ Containers of any kind (including purses and diaper bags)

Plan your group size before you arrive. Each inmate can have a maximum of three social visitors per visit - and children count toward that limit. If more than three people show up, someone will have to sit it out.

In-person visits move fast - each one maxes out at thirty minutes, so come ready to make the most of your time. Video visits work better for some people, but they require planning. You must schedule at least 24 hours in advance. Using the SVV kiosks in the Inverness lobby? Arrive at least 15 minutes early and follow the in-person dress code.

Couldn't get into the session you wanted? Don't assume you did something wrong. Visits are first-come, first-served, and timing makes all the difference. Next time, aim for the earlier end of that 30–60 minute arrival window so you're not competing with a last-minute rush.

• ✓ Multnomah County Detention Center: 1120 SW Third Ave, Portland, OR 97204 - 503-988-3689
• ✓ Inverness Jail: 11540 NE Inverness Drive, Portland, OR 97220 - 503-988-5060