Before Your First Visit to Pickens County Detention: What to Bring, What to Leave, and What to Expect
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Bring a valid photo ID (you can be turned away if you can’t produce identification)
- ✓ Leave all personal items in your car or at home: no purses or bags, no cell phones, and no cameras
- ✓ Don’t bring weapons or sprays: firearms/weapons of any type and chemical sprays aren’t allowed inside
- ✓ Dress conservatively: short-shorts, miniskirts, bathing suits, halter tops, tank tops, low-cut shirts, and other revealing clothing can prevent you from visiting
- ✓ Keep children supervised and under control the entire time
- ✓ Be ready for a pat-down search when you enter
Heads-up: Staff can refuse or end your visit if you appear intoxicated, act disorderly, won't cooperate, or can't show ID. Refuse a pat-down search? You won't be visiting that day.
Bring ID and have it ready at check-in. Officers can refuse your visit - or cut it short - if you appear intoxicated, won't cooperate, can't produce identification, or act disorderly. Once inside, follow staff instructions. If you don't, they can end your visit and ask you to leave.
Note: Refusing to cooperate with staff can get you removed - and may cost you visiting privileges going forward.
Travel light. Purses and bags aren't allowed inside. Neither are firearms, weapons, chemical sprays, cell phones, or cameras. Leave everything in your vehicle or at home - otherwise you'll be walking back to the parking lot or getting turned away at the door.
Dress conservatively. Revealing clothing will get you turned away. That means no short-shorts, miniskirts, bathing suits, halter tops, tank tops, or low-cut shirts. Not sure if something's too revealing? Go with the more conservative choice. It's the easiest way to avoid problems at check-in.
Warning: Any visitor who intentionally exposes themselves in violation of state law during a visit will be prosecuted criminally.
Expect a pat-down search when you arrive. It's part of the entry process for all visitors.
You can refuse the pat-down - but if you do, your visit ends there. No search, no entry.
- Stay calm and ask what happened - If your visit is refused or ended, ask the officer what rule triggered it (common reasons include appearing under the influence, disorderly behavior, not cooperating, or not producing ID).
- Call for help if you need clarification - For problems encountered with visitation, contact the on-duty Sergeant or the facility Lieutenant at (864) 898-1434.
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