What You Can (and Can't) Bring Into a Visit at Richland Correctional Institution

Travel light. Leave all electronics in your car - that means cell phones, smart watches, and pagers. Don't bring purses, handbags, or backpacks into visitation. And keep anything tobacco-related out of your pockets: cigarettes, lighters, matches, and chewing tobacco are all prohibited.

No electronic devices during visits. Cell phones and pagers are obvious, but don't forget about smart watches - people often walk in wearing them without thinking. Everyone gets searched at entry, so bringing electronics means delays or a denied visit. Leave them in your car.

Bags are a common reason visitors get stopped at the door. Purses, handbags, backpacks - none of these are allowed into visitation. You'll be searched when entering, so plan ahead and leave anything you can't bring inside in your vehicle.

One exception for caregivers: clear bags can be used as diaper bags. Even then, you're limited to specific baby items - keep it simple and bring only what you'll actually need during the visit.

Tobacco products and smoking items are banned from visitation. This covers cigarettes, loose tobacco, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, and tobacco substitutes. Lighters, matches, cigarette papers, and rolling machines are also prohibited.

Medical equipment is allowed when needed. You can bring oxygen, heart monitors, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and inhalers into visitation. Prescription medications are also permitted - but only what you need to take during the visit, and you must log them at the officer's desk when you enter.

Bringing medical equipment or medication? Give yourself extra time. Everyone gets searched, and prescriptions must be logged at the officer's desk. Have your items easy to access and any paperwork ready.

Visiting with a baby? Strollers aren't allowed in visitation. Infant carriers are permitted but will be searched like everything else.

• ✓ Clear diaper bag only
• ✓ A reasonable number of diapers
• ✓ Baby wipes (in a clear bag or container)
• ✓ Up to three clear plastic baby bottles
• ✓ Up to three clear plastic containers of baby food
• ✓ One pacifier

1. Bring documentation if you have a pacemaker - medical documentation is required to support passage through the metal detector.
2. Pack only what you need for the visit - prescription medications are authorized only if they’re taken during the visit.
3. Log medications at the officer’s desk at entry - your prescription medication must be logged when you arrive.
4. Expect screening at the door - all visitors are subject to search, so keep medical items accessible for inspection.
5. Confirm special needs ahead of time - if you’re unsure whether a medical device will be allowed, contact the facility before you travel.