What Physical Contact Is Allowed During Visits at Louisiana Prisons (Including Richland Parish)

Under Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections policy (which governs facilities like Richland Parish Detention Center), a

If the person you're visiting has contact-visit privileges, Louisiana DOC guidance allows a quick hug and a brief kiss at the start and end of the visit. Brief is the operative word here. Lingering kisses aren't permitted - even when that feels like the most natural thing after time apart.

During the visit, you can hold hands. It's a simple, non-sexual way to stay connected while keeping things easy for staff to supervise. Anything beyond that - especially anything that looks like an "excessive display of affection" - can put your visit at risk.

Louisiana DOC draws a clear line: holding hands is okay, but excessive displays of affection and any sexual misconduct are prohibited. In practice, avoid prolonged or escalating physical contact. Not sure if something crosses the line? Keep your hands where staff can see them and stick to the basics.

These limits might feel strict. The policy explains the reasoning: visitation rules center on safety, security, and the facility's ability to supervise effectively. Louisiana DOC also recognizes that family and community ties matter. Restrictions on visiting privileges are supposed to be rationally connected to legitimate security interests - not arbitrary preferences.

Even when you follow every rule, staff have broad authority. The warden (or designated staff) can end a visit at any time if they believe it's in the best interest of facility safety or the people involved. If your visit gets cut short, stay calm, follow directions, and address questions later through proper channels.

• ✓ Confirm that the person you’re visiting has contact-visit privileges (contact visiting is the type of visit that happens without barriers).
• ✓ Plan your greeting and goodbye around what’s actually allowed: a brief hug and brief kiss at the beginning and end, not a lingering kiss.
• ✓ During the visit, stick to what’s permitted: holding hands only, with no excessive displays of affection or anything sexual.