Before Your First Visit to a Rhode Island Correctional Facility: What to Bring and Leave Behind

Before you head out, confirm the visiting schedule for the specific facility you're going to. At Rhode Island DOC facilities, the warden sets visiting days, hours, visit length, how many visits an inmate can have each week, and how many people can visit at once. Double-check the current rules before you travel - schedules and limits vary by location.

What to Bring ID Change Meds

• ✓ Valid driver’s license (photo ID)
• ✓ Valid military ID
• ✓ Passport
• ✓ Valid ID issued by a state Department of Transportation/Division of Motor Vehicles
• ✓ Birth certificate (accepted only for visitors under 18)
• ✓ Leave at home: Social Security cards and Welfare IDs (not accepted as proper ID)
• ✓ If you’re making a deposit into an inmate’s account, bring your photo ID - it’s required

Want to use the vending machines during your visit? Bring change - up to $10 total - in a clear plastic bag. Showing up with more than that, or with loose items that aren't allowed, is an easy way to get held up at the door.

1. Bring only nitroglycerin if you need life-saving medication - it’s the only life-saving medication visitors are approved to bring to a visiting session.
2. Keep it in the original container - don’t transfer it into another bottle or organizer.
3. Tell the reception officer you have medication - the reception officer will call the Visiting Room and let staff know you have it.
4. Place it where staff directs - you must place the original container on the front right corner of the Visiting Room Officer’s desk.
5. Don’t take it into the Visiting Room - the medication is not allowed in the Visiting Room itself.

Don't plan on bringing food or drinks to hand to your loved one. Only inmates in Minimum Security/Work Release can receive food from a visitor, and visitors can't give inmates anything to drink. Tobacco is also a hard no - smoking is prohibited in visiting areas, and all tobacco use is banned on RIDOC buildings and property.

Expect airport-style screening when you arrive. All visitors pass through a metal detector before entering any ACI facility. You may also be asked to submit to a same-sex pat-down or a hand-held metal detection wand search. Refuse, and staff may deny your visit.

If you get stopped at reception - because of your ID, something you brought, or a rule you didn't expect - stay calm and ask for clarification. The warden sets visiting rules for that facility, so it's reasonable to politely ask to speak with the warden or their designee if you need an explanation.

1. Identify the issue - confirm whether the problem is your identification.
2. Come back with acceptable ID - return with a proper photo ID (for adults) so you can be admitted to visit.