What You Can't Bring to Piedmont Correctional: A Visitor's Checklist
A smooth visit starts before you leave the house. Use this checklist to avoid the most common gate problems at Piedmont Correctional, especially phones and anything that triggers extra screening.
At Piedmont Correctional, you need to be approved before you can visit. That means the "what can I bring" question starts earlier than the front gate. Your visitor application has to be reviewed and approved by facility staff before you can schedule a visit. Once you're on the approved list, you still need to follow entrance procedures and item restrictions to avoid delays or getting turned away at check-in.
Tip: The fastest way through check-in is to arrive with as little as possible. If you're unsure about an item, leave it behind.
Top Never Allowed
- ✓ Cell phones. They are considered contraband and are prohibited, so leave your phone at home or locked in your vehicle before you head to the entrance.
Start by confirming your visitor approval status. Your application must be approved by facility staff before a visit can occur, so verify you're cleared before making the trip. When you schedule or confirm your visit, ask any last-minute questions about what to leave behind. Better to know ahead of time than be surprised at the gate.
If you're 16 or older, expect screening before you enter. You'll go through a pat/frisk search and an electronic device search before entering the facility. Staffing rules determine who conducts the pat/frisk. Male officers only pat/frisk male visitors. Female officers may pat/frisk either male or female visitors. If you're nervous about this, know that it's a standard part of entry, not a sign you did something wrong.
Good to know: During a search, you won't be asked to place your hands against a partition.
You'll need to complete the screening to enter. Visitors 16 and older must go through the pat/frisk and electronic device searches. Refusing ends your visit before it starts. The same goes for approval status: your visitor application must be approved by facility staff before a visit can occur. Double-check that piece early.
- Ask why you were denied: Confirm whether the issue was your approved-visitor status (your application must be approved by facility staff before a visit can occur).
- Clarify what needs to change before you try again: Ask if the denial was tied to required screening (visitors 16 and older are subject to pat/frisk and electronic device searches) or to something you brought or wore so you can fix it for the next attempt.
Before you reschedule or come back another day, tighten up the basics. Confirm you're actually approved to visit and that your application is complete and cleared by facility staff. Then do a quick dress-code check: shirts and shoes are mandatory, and revealing clothing is not allowed. Fix any issues before you make the drive again.
Pre Visit Checklist
- ✓ Confirm you are an approved visitor (a completed visitor application must be approved by facility staff before a visit can occur).
- ✓ Leave your cell phone behind. It is considered contraband and is prohibited.
- ✓ Dress for entry. Shirts and shoes are mandatory, and revealing clothing is prohibited.
- ✓ Give yourself extra time at the entrance for required screening so you are not rushed at check-in.
Reminder: If you're 16 or older, you'll go through a pat/frisk search and an electronic device search before entering. You won't be asked to place your hands against a partition during the search.
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