Checklist: Preparing for Your Otisville Visit
A little prep goes a long way at Otisville. This checklist helps you confirm you're coming on the right weekend, take advantage of the Visitor Hospitality Center, and avoid package mistakes that could derail your day.
Before you travel, check the official Otisville visitation schedule and confirm you're eligible for that specific weekend. Weekend visits are divided by the incarcerated person's last-name initial - A–L visits one weekend, M–Z the next. Don't assume it's the same every week. Verify the initials listed for the date you plan to go.
Holiday weekends: If a holiday falls on a weekend, the schedule opens visitation to everyone - no last-name restrictions. Look for the schedule marking that indicates it’s open to “ALL.”
Stop at the DOCCS Visitor Hospitality Center before you enter the facility. It gives visiting families a place to wait and regroup, with shelter, restrooms, and a baby changing station if you're bringing a little one. Lockers let you store personal belongings, and you'll find visitor information there - including guidance on visitation rules and how packages work - so you're not scrambling to figure things out at the door.
Thinking about bringing something for your loved one on visiting day? Don't. DOCCS doesn't allow it. Packages and articles must come directly from vendors through delivery services like U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS. Family and friends can't bring packages during visits, and you can't mail them directly to the facility yourself. This policy is laid out in DOCCS guidance and Department Directive #4911 - it's enforced to control contraband and keep the facility secure.
Tip: Set up vendor orders ahead of time so everything arrives through approved channels. Don't try to handle it on the day you visit.
Final Checks
- ✓ Re-open the official Otisville visitation schedule PDF and confirm the weekend matches the incarcerated person’s last-name initial (A–L vs. M–Z).
- ✓ If your visit falls on a holiday weekend, check the schedule for the “ALL” marking (open to all last-name initials).
- ✓ Plan to use the DOCCS Visitor Hospitality Center before entry (shelter, restrooms, baby changing station, lockers, and visitor info about visitation and packages).
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