What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) When Visiting Richland Correctional Institution
What you wear can make or break your visit at Richland Correctional Institution. Use the quick rules and checklists below to avoid extra screening, delays, or getting turned away at the door.
Pick your outfit with security screening in mind. All visitors are subject to search at Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities. Anything that needs adjusting, removing, or explaining will slow you down and cut into your visit time.
- ✓ Wear only what you can keep on for the full visit. Everything you wear into the facility must stay on, except appropriate outerwear like a coat and gloves.
- ✓ Do not carry extra clothing into the visiting area.
- ✓ Wear appropriate undergarments (for example: a bra, slip, and underwear).
- ✓ Do not wear skin-tight clothing (including jeggings, leggings, spandex, or tights).
- ✓ Skip items that commonly set off metal detectors, including hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots and shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry.
If you have a pacemaker, bring medical documentation for the metal detector. You're also allowed to bring certain medical items: oxygen, heart monitors, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and inhalers.
Hairpins are an easy-to-miss metal detector trigger. Leave them at home or in the car if you can, and go with a hairstyle that doesn't rely on pins. It's one less thing to deal with at the entrance.
Underwire bras can set off the metal detector and delay entry. A non-underwire option keeps things simple. And if you have a pacemaker, bring your medical documentation to support passage through the detector.
Some boots and shoes have metal components that trigger the detector. Pick footwear without steel shanks, buckles, or reinforced toes for a smoother check-in.
Multiple zippers and heavy jewelry can both set off the metal detector. Keep accessories simple and choose outfits with fewer metal fasteners. Less metal means less time at screening.
The clearest "no" on the list: skin-tight clothing (including jeggings, leggings, spandex, and tights) is not permitted. Also keep in mind that whatever you wear inside has to stay on for the entire visit, except appropriate outerwear like a coat and gloves. Don't plan on removing layers to make an outfit work once you arrive.
Note: Staff decide what qualifies as appropriate attire. If you are unsure about an outfit, go more conservative to avoid being denied.
- Do a metal check before you leave: Take out hairpins and pare jewelry down to the basics.
- Choose a simple bra option: Underwire bras can trigger the metal detector, so consider a non-underwire style.
- Pick footwear with minimal metal: Certain boots and shoes may set off the detector.
- Avoid “hardware-heavy” outfits: Clothing with multiple zippers can slow screening.
Wearing or carrying anything that could trigger extra screening? Build in extra time. All visitors are subject to search. If you need prescription medication during the visit, bring only what you'll take during that time and be ready to log it at the officer's desk on entry.
Pacemaker wearers need medical documentation for the metal detector. You're allowed to bring in oxygen, heart monitors, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and inhalers. Prescription medications are authorized only if you'll take them during the visit, and they must be logged at the officer's desk on entry.
Visitation areas are required to be fully accessible to disabled visitors, including restrooms and entrance ramps. If you use a mobility aid, that should help you plan your day with fewer surprises.
Heads up: If you expect an issue with the metal detector (a pacemaker, for example) or you're bringing permitted medical equipment, contact the facility ahead of time. That way you'll know exactly what documentation or screening to expect.
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