What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) When Visiting Richland Correctional Institution

What you wear matters at Richland Correctional Institution. Everyone entering goes through a search, and certain clothing or accessories will slow you down at the metal detector. Staff enforce attire rules to keep visits safe and running on schedule. The easiest way to protect your time? Dress so you won't trigger extra screening - and pick an outfit you can keep on the entire visit.

Prohibited Clothing

• ✓ Skin-tight clothing isn’t permitted (including jeggings, leggings, spandex, or tights).
• ✓ Appropriate undergarments must be worn (for example: a bra, slip, and underwear).
• ✓ Don’t plan to carry extra clothing into the visiting area - additional clothing isn’t permitted to be carried into the visit.

Metal Detector Triggers

• ✓ Hairpins
• ✓ Underwire bras
• ✓ Certain boots and shoes
• ✓ Clothing with multiple zippers
• ✓ Excessive jewelry

These items get flagged because they set off the metal detector. Repeated alarms mean extra screening - and less time with your loved one.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Skip hairpins if you can, or keep them minimal so you’re less likely to set off the detector.
• ✓ Choose a non-underwire bra to avoid detector issues.
• ✓ Wear simple footwear - certain boots and shoes can trigger the detector.
• ✓ Avoid outfits with multiple zippers.
• ✓ Keep jewelry simple; “excessive” jewelry can cause delays.
• ✓ Pick clothing that isn’t skin-tight (no jeggings, leggings, spandex, or tights).
• ✓ Make sure you’re wearing appropriate undergarments (bra/slip/underwear).
• ✓ Don’t bring extra clothing to carry into the visit; if you think you’ll be cold, wear appropriate outerwear instead of packing an extra layer.

1. Tell staff what you’re bringing for medical needs - if you have prescription medication you’ll need during the visit, declare it at entry and have it logged at the officer’s desk.
2. Bring documentation for a pacemaker - pacemakers require medical documentation to support passage through the metal detector.
3. Know what’s permitted - oxygen, heart monitors, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and inhalers are permitted.

Visiting areas are accessible to disabled visitors, including restrooms and entrance ramps. Worried about barriers or special equipment? Good to know: devices that prevent physical contact aren't used during visits unless there's a documented security risk.