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

Electronic devices are not allowed in the visiting area at Richland Correctional Institution. That means no smart watches, cell phones, or pagers, even if you plan to keep them in your pocket or on silent.

Personal bags are also off-limits. Purses, handbags, backpacks, and similar items aren't permitted inside visitation. Plan ahead and leave them somewhere secure before you enter (most people use their locked vehicle).

Don't bring tobacco or smoking-related items. Richland prohibits anything containing tobacco: cigarettes, loose tobacco, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco, plus tobacco substitutes. Smoking paraphernalia is banned too, including matches, lighters, cigarette papers, and rolling machines.

Bringing a baby or toddler? Plan around the stroller rule. Strollers are not permitted in the visiting area at Richland. Infant carriers are allowed, but expect them to go through the standard search before you enter.

• ✓ A reasonable number of diapers and baby wipes
• ✓ 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

Medical needs are accommodated, but be ready for screening at the entrance. If you have a pacemaker, bring documentation that supports your passage through the metal detector. Richland also permits medical oxygen, heart monitors, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and inhalers during visits.

Prescription medications are allowed only in a narrow situation: you must actually need to take the medication during the visit. When you arrive, it has to be logged at the officer's desk.

1. Do a pocket check before you walk in. Electronics like phones, pagers, and smart watches are prohibited during visits.
2. Leave bags behind. Purses, handbags, backpacks, and similar items cannot go into visitation, so secure them in your vehicle or leave them at home.
3. Plan for no stroller access. Strollers are not permitted in the visiting area, so bring an infant carrier instead if you need one.
4. Pack baby supplies the allowed way. Use a clear diaper bag and stick to the permitted items and quantities (diapers and wipes, up to three clear bottles, up to three clear baby-food containers, and one pacifier).
5. Get medical items ready for screening. Bring documentation for a pacemaker, be prepared to log any prescription you will take during the visit at the officer’s desk, and expect permitted equipment (like oxygen, mobility aids, and inhalers) to be checked as you enter.