Your First Visit to Northampton County Jail: A Complete Checklist
Your first visit to Northampton County Jail goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right clothing, and enough time to sign in at the correct building. Use this checklist to avoid the most common reasons visits get denied or canceled.
Checklist
- ✓ A valid photo ID for every adult visitor (it must show a current address)
- ✓ The incarcerated person’s full name (and any identifying information you have, like an inmate ID number)
- ✓ An outfit that meets the dress code (when in doubt, keep it simple: jeans/slacks and a fully covering top)
- ✓ A plan for kids (only one adult and two children are allowed per visit, and you’ll need to supervise them closely)
Before you leave, confirm which building your loved one is housed in - showing up at the wrong one wastes the trip. Build in extra time for sign-in, too. Being late doesn't just shorten your visit here. It can end it entirely.
Sign in at the building where your loved one is housed. At Northampton County Jail, that's the Main Prison, the Tower Lobby Area, Work Release, or West Easton. Know the correct location before you head out.
The jail limits visitors to one adult (18 or older) and two children per inmate, per visit. If you're coordinating with other family members, plan ahead - arrive with too many people and you'll get turned away at the door.
Note: Children may not run free during visits. The parent or guardian is responsible for supervising them the entire time.
Want the safest "no-drama" option? Start with jeans or slacks. They're specifically listed as acceptable, and they're the easiest base for a compliant outfit.
- ✓ If you wear a skirt, dress, or shorts, it must be no more than 2 inches above the knee and worn at the waist
- ✓ Tops, shirts, and sleeveless blouses must fully cover your torso and not expose underclothing; shirts/blouses must cover from neck to arm and either hang lower than slacks/skirts or be tucked in
- ✓ Don’t wear clothing that references alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, or includes vulgar/obscene language
- ✓ No halter tops, midriffs, half shirts, tank tops, pajamas, lingerie, or see-through clothing of any kind
- ✓ No excessively tight clothing
- ✓ Unacceptable dress includes gym shorts, boxers, short shorts, swimwear, yoga pants, and skinny jeans
- ✓ No ripped or torn clothing that reveals holes
- ✓ No bare feet, and no heels that are 3 inches or higher
- ✓ No wrap or button-down skirts/dresses, and no garments with zippers that go top-to-bottom (front or back)
- ✓ No hooded apparel, hats, or non-religious headgear
Visits last 45 minutes. That time goes fast, so arrive calm and ready - especially if you're bringing kids or coordinating transportation.
Warning: If you are late for your visit, it will be canceled.
- If they’re in Main Prison or the Tower, sign up early - Sign-ups open at 6:30 AM and run until 15 minutes before the visit start time.
- If they’re in Work Release, time it tightly - Work Release sign-ups begin 30 minutes before the visit start time.
- If they’re in West Easton, watch the clock - West Easton sign-ups happen on the hour during the scheduled visitation period.
If your visit gets canceled because you arrived late, you won't be able to make up the lost time that day. Late is late here. Head to the front desk, ask about your next available option, and make sure you understand what time you need to be signed in for the next attempt.
- ✓ Confirm the incarcerated person’s housing location so you sign in at the correct building (Main Prison, Tower Lobby Area, Work Release, or West Easton)
- ✓ Match your arrival to the correct sign-up window for that building
- ✓ Bring a valid adult photo ID that shows a current address
- ✓ Re-check your outfit against the dress code (especially tops coverage, shorts/skirts length, and prohibited items like hoodies or certain footwear)
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