What to Expect During Searches (and Why You Can't Bring a Phone) at Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Walking into a prison visit can feel stressful, especially if you don't know what the search process looks like. At Oklahoma State Penitentiary (ODOC), searches are a standard part of every visit. And bringing a phone into a secure area? That can carry serious criminal consequences.
Before visitation at Oklahoma State Penitentiary, facility staff will pat search all inmates and all visitors. This is completely routine. Knowing it's coming can help you plan ahead: dress simply, leave bulky accessories at home, and you'll avoid surprises at the door.
Note: A pat search before visitation is standard for everyone. You're not being singled out.
Under ODOC policy, entering prison grounds counts as consent to a pat-down search and a search of your vehicle. Put simply: driving onto the property means staff can check you and your car as part of security. If you want to keep something private or avoid delays, handle it before you arrive.
- ✓ Assume your vehicle can be searched once you enter prison grounds
- ✓ Keep your car free of anything you would not want inspected
- ✓ Minimize what you bring onto the property so there is less to search and less to worry about
A strip search is not part of routine visiting. ODOC policy only allows staff to request a strip search when the warden (or a designee) determines there is probable cause to believe a specific visitor possesses contraband. That's a high threshold, and the decision has to come from the facility head or someone authorized to act for them.
- A probable-cause decision is made - A strip search request can happen only if the warden/facility head or a designee determines there is probable cause to believe you have contraband.
- Two trained staff conduct the search - If a strip search is ordered, it is conducted by two trained staff members.
- Same-gender staff are required - The two trained staff members must be the same gender as the visitor.
Note: A strip search request requires probable cause and authorization from the warden (or designee). If it happens, it must be conducted by two trained staff of the same gender as the visitor.
Oklahoma treats phones and similar devices differently from ordinary personal items because they can send and receive electronic communications. Knowingly, willfully, and without authority bringing a cellular phone or other electronic device into any secure area is a felony. The penalty: up to two years' imprisonment in ODOC custody, a fine up to $2,500, or both.
Warning: Bringing a phone or other electronic device into a secure area without authority can be charged as a felony, with penalties up to 2 years and up to a $2,500 fine.
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- ✓ Leave your phone and other electronic devices at home whenever possible
- ✓ If you drive, keep electronic devices out of your hands and do not take them further onto the property, since entry onto prison grounds is presumed consent to a vehicle search
- ✓ Do not assume “silent” or “powered off” makes it acceptable, the issue is possession in a secure area without authority, and it can be a felony
- ✓ Keep what you bring onto the grounds to the minimum, so a pat-down or vehicle search does not turn into a long, stressful check
The safest approach: treat phones and all electronics as "do not bring" items. Between the policy that entering prison grounds is presumed consent to a vehicle search and the felony penalties for carrying an electronic device into a secure area, it's not worth the risk of forgetting something in a pocket or bag.
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