Before Your First Visit to Northwestern Detention Center: ID, dress code, and what not to bring
Your first visit goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, dressed within the rules, and without anything prohibited. Here's a quick prep list specific to Northwestern Detention Center.
Before you make the drive, confirm you're on the inmate's approved visitor list. Northwestern Detention Center won't let you in without prior approval, so check with the inmate or call the facility ahead of time. Getting turned away at the lobby is no fun.
Bring a valid state driver's license or another current photo ID. Staff will ask for it at check-in, and without it, your visit won't happen.
You must be at least 18 to visit. Anyone under 18 needs to come with an adult who's at least 21.
Morning visitation has a hard cutoff: no visitors accepted after 11:00 AM (effective 7/7/2025). Arrive late, and you'll be turned away.
Afternoon visitation closes to new arrivals at 3:15 PM (effective 7/7/2025). Plan accordingly.
Dress conservatively. Provocative or revealing clothing isn't allowed - that means no see-through garments, nothing unfastened, and nothing obscene. Show up in something questionable, and you'll be asked to change or cover up before visiting.
Leave weapons, illegal substances, tobacco, drugs, and any other contraband at home. Bringing prohibited items into the detention center isn't just against the rules - it can be prosecuted as a violation of the Code of Virginia.
Lockers are available for personal items you can't bring into the visitation area. Use them.
Stay in your assigned seat once you're in the visitation area. No swapping, no giving up your spot. If anyone in your group leaves the visitation area, the visit ends for everyone.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list before you go
- ✓ Bring a valid state driver’s license or other current photo ID
- ✓ Dress appropriately: no provocative, revealing, see-through, unfastened, or obscene clothing (be ready to cover up or change if asked)
- ✓ Leave prohibited items behind: weapons, illegal substances, tobacco products, drugs, and any other contraband
- ✓ Arrive early enough to be admitted before the onsite cutoff time
Entry cutoffs are strict: 11:00 AM for morning visitation, 3:15 PM for afternoon (effective 7/7/2025). Schedules can change, so call the facility to confirm before you travel.
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