Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your First Visit to River City

Your first visit to River City goes smoothly when you show up with the right ID, the right approvals, and nothing that could get you turned away at the door. Use the checklist below to prep once and walk in confident.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Before you plan the trip, confirm you're actually approved to visit. River City requires everyone on a resident's Visitation Form to be approved by the resident's Case Manager. If you're not on the approved list yet, you can show up with your ID and still be denied.

  • ✓ Official driver’s license or state ID (you’ll present this at check-in for verification)

Prohibited Items and Kiosk

  • ✓ Food
  • ✓ Beverages

Warning: If you bring a weapon, drugs, or other contraband identified by River City, the facility can file criminal charges against you.

Planning to use the lobby kiosks at 3220 Colerain Ave for a deposit or payment? Bring smaller bills. The kiosk doesn't accept anything larger than $20, so leave the $50s and $100s at home.

No exceptions: Being under the influence is prohibited, and drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products are not allowed in the facility.

Once you're inside visitation, keep the rules simple: no touching between adults, and don't pass anything back and forth. That means no handing over items of any kind during the visit.

  1. Confirm you’re approved: Make sure you’re listed on the resident’s Visitation Form and approved by the resident’s Case Manager.
  2. Bring the right ID: Have an official driver’s license or state ID ready for check-in.
  3. Arrive early: Give yourself extra time for verification and processing so you are not rushing at the door.

Plan your group size and timing ahead. A visit may include one adult and up to three minor biological children (anyone over 18 counts as an adult). Visits are permitted once weekly for 45 minutes. Need to confirm details before you go? River City Correctional Center is located at 3220 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225. The main phone number is (513) 946-6800 and the fax number is (513) 946-6833. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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