Requesting a Special Visit at North Central Regional Jail: When and How

A "special visit" at North Central Regional Jail is any visit outside the standard schedule. These aren't granted automatically. The Chief of Security, Chief Correctional Officer, or a higher authority reviews each request and decides based on extenuating circumstances. Be ready to explain what makes your situation unusual and why a regular visit won't work.

• ✓ A family emergency that makes a regular visit impractical
• ✓ Long-distance travel where you won’t be able to return during normal visiting opportunities
• ✓ A visit related to a hospitalized inmate
• ✓ A request involving an inmate in disciplinary status
• ✓ A visit with an inmate’s clergy (handled as a special visit request unless you’re an approved religious leader arranging access)

You'll need to fill out the facility's Special Visit Request Form: NCRJ&CF Form 5-0031. Skip the form, and you'll likely waste time - and with special visits, timing is everything.

Submit your written request to the Chief Correctional Officer at least five working days before your requested visit date. This gives the facility time to review and respond. Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you've already booked travel.

Once you've submitted your request, know that approval is entirely at the facility's discretion. The Chief of Security, Chief Correctional Officer, or a higher authority makes the call. If approved, follow the instructions exactly. Special visits are exceptions - they can be revoked if you don't stick to the terms.

1. Mark your deadline - count back five working days from the visit date you want so you’re not scrambling.
2. Wait for a response window - give the facility time to review since special visits require approval.
3. Call to follow up if you haven’t heard back - contact North Central Regional Jail at (304) 873-1384 and ask about the status of your special visit request.

Attorneys and approved religious leaders follow a different process. They can visit a client at any time, but they still need to contact the Chief of Security (or designee) beforehand with the inmate's name and their planned visit time. This advance notice prevents delays at check-in and helps staff prepare.

• ✓ Bring proper identification
• ✓ Bring the proper credentials for your role (attorney or approved religious leader)
• ✓ Be prepared for search and shakedown procedures upon arrival