Scheduling and Preparing for a Visit at New Hanover County Detention (what to expect)

Visitation is by appointment only, and the inmate schedules the visit. Show up without an appointment already set through the inmate, and you'll be turned away at check-in.

Visitation hours run daily from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Your actual visit will be placed into an available time within that window, based on what the inmate is able to schedule.

Visits are typically 45 minutes. One set of facility guidance says each inmate gets two 45-minute visits per week, but other posted notices describe different limits. If you're planning around work, childcare, or travel, assume 45 minutes for the visit itself and confirm the current weekly limit before you go.

How many people can visit depends on the inmate's housing unit. Housing Units F, H, J, K, L, M, N, and S allow only one visitor per visit. Units Q, R, and T also allow just one visitor per time slot because those visitation rooms are smaller. Find out the housing unit first so you don't arrive with more people than the room allows.

Bring approved photo identification. All visitors must show approved photo ID when they arrive. Staff will check it before you're allowed into visitation.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Some facility guidance also limits how many adult guests can attend per visit, so coordinate your group size with the inmate's appointment details and housing-unit rules.

Items Policy

• ✓ Bring your approved photo ID.
• ✓ Do not bring packages, books, magazines, or other items to hand to the inmate. The facility cannot accept items presented by visitors for safety and security reasons.

1. Confirm the appointment with the inmate: Since the inmate must schedule the visit, make sure you know the date and time they set.
2. Verify the housing unit: Visitor limits can change by unit (some units allow only one visitor), and that affects who should come with you.
3. Call ahead to confirm current limits and time slots: Ask about weekly visit limits, how many visitors are allowed for that unit, and any current notices that restrict scheduling.
4. Arrive with the basics only: Bring approved photo ID and leave items you would want to give the inmate at home, since visitor-presented packages and reading materials are not accepted.
5. If minors are coming, confirm the plan: Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, so sort out who is attending before the appointment is scheduled.