Potter County Jail's Two 20‑Minute Visits Per Week: How to Make Them Count

At Potter County Jail, an inmate is allowed two 20‑minute in-person, non-contact visits per calendar week. The jail defines that calendar week as Sunday through Saturday, which matters when you’re trying to space visits out or decide whether you can fit two visits into the same week.

Visits are tied to a specific day based on the first letter of the inmate's last name: A–D on Monday, E–J on Tuesday, K–N on Wednesday, O–R on Thursday, and S–Z on Friday. You don't get to pick whichever day works best - you're working within your loved one's assigned day, then deciding how to use your two visits during that Sunday–Saturday week.

On the scheduled weekday, visitation runs twice: 8:30 AM–11:30 AM and 6:30 PM–9:30 PM (Monday through Friday). If you've got work, school pickup, or a long drive, that evening window can be the difference between making it and missing out. Decide early which session you're aiming for and build the rest of your day around it.

Maximize Time

• ✓ Coordinate who goes, since only two adults can visit at a time (or one adult with children under 16).
• ✓ Decide ahead of time what matters most to cover in 20 minutes (family updates, court dates, urgent paperwork, or just encouragement).
• ✓ If several people want to visit, rotate visitors across weeks so more family members get a chance over time.
• ✓ Pick the time window (morning or evening) that gives you the best shot at arriving calm and on time, not rushed.

1. Make a short topic list - write down the 3–5 things you don’t want to forget, because 20 minutes goes fast.
2. Assign roles if two adults are going - decide who will handle which topics so you’re not repeating the same questions.
3. Show up ready to register - visitor registration begins 15 minutes before visiting hours start, so plan your arrival around that window.

If two visits a week still isn't enough, the jail allows special visits only for confirmed emergencies - specifically, a serious illness or death in the immediate family. You'll need approval from the supervisor on duty, and situations involving travel over 150 miles may be reviewed case by case. Even then, special visits are capped at two within any 30-day period, at the facility supervisor's discretion.

1. Reach out as early as you can - special visits require supervisor approval, so give the jail time to review the request.
2. Be ready to confirm the emergency - special visits are only for confirmed emergencies like serious illness or death in the immediate family.
3. Explain travel circumstances if they apply - travel over 150 miles may be reviewed case by case by the supervisor on duty.
4. Plan your arrival around check-in - visitor registration begins 15 minutes before visiting hours start, and you’ll still need to be registered before entering the visitation area.

Pre Visit Checklist

• ✓ Bring photo ID: a current Texas or out-of-state driver’s license/ID card is accepted.
• ✓ If you have a paper license, bring another picture ID with the correct address.
• ✓ You can also use a current military ID or a current alien identification card.
• ✓ Plan your group size: only two adults may visit at a time, or one adult with children under 16.

• ✓ Leave cell phones, cameras, purses, packages, umbrellas, bags, and other containers in your car or outside.
• ✓ Time your arrival for registration: visitor registration begins 15 minutes before visiting hours start.