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Visitation

What happens to your belongings during a visit at Onondaga (lockers and prohibited items)

Visiting someone at Onondaga is easier when you plan for what you can’t carry in with you. Here’s how lockers work, what items are prohibited, and what to do if you need to pass something to the person you’re visiting.

• 2 min read • sheriff.ongov.net
What happens to your belongings during a visit at Onondaga (lockers and prohibited items)

Onondaga provides lockers for your personal belongings - you'll store everything before entering the visitation area. Nothing comes in with you. Knowing this ahead of time makes check-in faster and less stressful.

Note: Everything you bring goes in a locker, so travel light and keep it simple.

Food items are a common reason visitors get stopped at the door. Onondaga does not allow candy, food, or gum during visitation. If you’re not sure whether something counts, treat it like it does - mints, snacks for kids, and anything chewable or edible can create problems during screening and can’t come into the visit with you.

Tip: If you bring candy, food, or gum, be ready to leave it behind - don’t plan on having it with you during the visit.

If you’re hoping to give your loved one something - paperwork, photos, a note, or any other item - don’t try to hand it over on your own. At Onondaga, nothing may be given to an inmate without permission from a deputy. If you need to pass something along, ask first and follow the deputy’s instructions rather than attempting to pass items during the visit.

Reminder: Don’t attempt to pass anything to an inmate unless a deputy has given permission.

What happens to your belongings during a visit at Onondaga (lockers and prohibited items)

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  • ✓ A valid photo ID (you’ll want it ready during check-in)
  • ✓ Car keys (keep it minimal)
  • ✓ A small wallet with only what you truly need
  • ✓ Leave candy, food, and gum at home (they’re not allowed during visitation)
  • ✓ Don’t bring extra personal property you don’t want to store - anything you bring will go into a facility-provided locker
  • ✓ Don’t bring items “to give” to the inmate unless you’re prepared to request deputy permission first
  • ✓ Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visitation time

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time - Onondaga requires it. The extra buffer helps with check-in and getting your stuff into a locker without rushing.

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