Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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How to Request a Special Visit at PNM: Long‑Distance Travel and Other Exceptions

Traveling more than 500 miles to visit someone at PNM? You'll need to request a special visit using NMCD's Special Visit Request form (CD-100201.3).

• 2 min read • cd.nm.gov
How to Request a Special Visit at PNM: Long‑Distance Travel and Other Exceptions

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The most common reason for a special visit? Long-distance travel - NMCD specifically mentions visitors coming from over 500 miles away. But the same form covers other exceptions too, like visits from prospective employers or law enforcement officers. The bottom line: you're asking for approval outside the standard visiting process.

The form you need is the Special Visit Request (CD-100201.3). This is different from the Visitor Application for Visiting Privileges (CD-100201.1), which gets you on the regular visiting list. Think of it this way: CD-100201.1 is for standard visiting approval. CD-100201.3 is for exceptions - like when you're making a long-distance trip.

Heads up: If you aren’t already approved for visiting privileges, you’ll need to submit the Visitor Application for Visiting Privileges (CD-100201.1). That application has to be renewed every two years.

How to Request a Special Visit at PNM: Long‑Distance Travel and Other Exceptions
  1. Get initial review/approval - Special visit requests require prior initial approval by the Unit Manager, Programs Director, or Classification Supervisor.
  1. Wait for final sign-off - After the initial approval step, the request still needs final approval from the Deputy Warden. Because NMCD policy doesn’t spell out an exact processing timeline, submit the request as early as you can - especially if you’re coordinating flights, time off work, or other travel plans.

Note: NMCD’s Visitor Statement of Understanding explains that visitors may be subject to searches and must sign acknowledging that. If there’s reasonable suspicion, the Warden may order a more thorough search, including a strip search done by same-sex staff in a private area.

Tips Increase Chances

  • ✓ Fill out the Special Visit Request form (CD-100201.3) completely and neatly.
  • ✓ If your request is based on long-distance travel (over 500 miles), include clear travel details that support the request.
  • ✓ Explain the reason for the exception plainly (for example, long-distance travel, employer-related visit, or another special circumstance).
  • ✓ Submit your request well in advance - policy doesn’t give a guaranteed turnaround time, and approvals require multiple sign-offs.

Denied? Find out why. Sometimes the issue is fixable - maybe you need to clarify something or provide additional documentation. If that's the case, resubmit with the missing info. And if an in-person visit isn't going to work out, consider a video conference instead. NMCD has a separate scheduling form for that.

To schedule a video conference with NMCD ITD, complete the Video Schedule Request form (CD-044101.1) and email it to NMCD-video@state.nm.us.

  • ✓ CDFamilySrvcs@state.nm.us
  • ✓ NMCD-Inquires@state.nm.us
  • ✓ (505) 827-8710
  • ✓ (505) 231-4762

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