What to Expect at Check-In for a Visit to Broward County Detention Center
Visiting someone in detention can feel stressful the first time, especially when you don't know what check-in looks like. Here's the typical flow so you can show up prepared and avoid the most common reasons people get turned away.
Bring proper photo identification. Without it, you'll be denied entrance at check-in. Travel light, too. Visitors can't bring personal items into the secure area, including keys, purses, and packages. The easiest way to avoid problems at the door is to leave anything you don't absolutely need in your car before heading to the entrance.
- ✓ Keys
- ✓ Purses or wallets that are not necessary for your ID
- ✓ Packages (including wrapped items)
- ✓ Any item you are not prepared to have screened as part of security
- ✓ Anything that could be treated as contraband
When you arrive, you'll sign in on the youth's Visitor's Log. You'll also need to sign out when you leave. Don't skip this step. Staff use the log to document who is in the facility for a visit and when the visit ends.
After sign-in, expect security screening. All visitors go through an electronic search when entering the facility. This is standard, and it applies to everyone, even repeat visitors.
Heads up: You can be denied entrance if you refuse to be searched, refuse to comply with officer instructions, are disruptive or uncooperative, appear to be under the influence, fail to present proper photo ID, attempt to introduce contraband, or arrive in inappropriate attire.
Check-in goes smoother when you follow staff directions quickly and keep your hands free for screening. If an officer asks you to remove or set aside something for the electronic search, do it right away. Refusing a search or ignoring instructions can end your visit before it starts.
Visits take place in a designated area or room inside the facility. That space is managed to keep things safe and secure for youth, visitors, and staff. You may notice staff paying close attention to the room before and after visits. Visitation rooms and common areas are searched both before and after visitation to make sure there are no hazardous items or contraband.
This is why screening at the entrance is strict. Electronic searches at check-in and searches of the visitation area work together to prevent contraband or dangerous items from entering or being left behind. Keep your belongings minimal and follow instructions, and you'll help the process move faster for everyone.
- Pause and ask what needs to be fixed - If staff flag your ID, your behavior, your clothing, or an item you brought, ask what the issue is so you know whether you can correct it right away.
- Comply with screening and directions - Refusing a search or refusing officer instructions can lead to denial of entry, even if you came for a scheduled visit.
- Set aside personal items and try again (if allowed) - If the problem is a personal item, remove it from what you are taking into the secure area.
- Complete the log requirements - Make sure you sign in on the youth’s Visitor’s Log at the start of the visit and sign out when you leave.
- Be ready to reschedule if you cannot meet the requirements - If you cannot present proper photo ID, if you appear intoxicated, or if the issue cannot be corrected at the door, staff may deny entry.
Case-specific questions: If your question is about the youth’s case, charges, or special arrangements for visitation, contact the youth’s assigned Juvenile Probation Officer.
Before you travel, confirm the local details for this facility: the current visiting schedule, any arrival-time expectations, and anything else that might affect your visit. Policies can be enforced strictly at the door, so a quick call before you leave can save you a wasted trip.
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