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The Visitor Search Process at Riverside and What to Do If Something Feels Wrong

Visiting someone at Riverside can feel stressful the first time—especially when you don't know what to expect from the search process. Here's what happens when you arrive, what staff may ask you to do, and how to handle it if something doesn't feel right.

• 2 min read • phila.gov
The Visitor Search Process at Riverside and What to Do If Something Feels Wrong

Riverside's screening process has a few steps. First, you'll walk through a metal detector - similar to airport security. Then an officer will search you in a private room. During that private search, staff may ask you to loosen undergarments. It catches a lot of people off guard, so knowing ahead of time that this might happen can help you feel more prepared.

Note: At Riverside, each visitor is searched in a private room, and staff may ask you to loosen undergarments as part of that search.

Bring government-issued ID - staff will ask for it at check-in. You'll also need the name and ID number of the person you're visiting, so have that ready before you reach the front of the line. Once your ID is verified and they've confirmed who you're there to see, you'll move on to screening.

After check-in, staff will walk you through screening. You'll go through a metal detector, and you may also be taken to a private room for an individual search. In that private room, an officer may ask you to loosen undergarments. The whole sequence - ID check, then screening - moves quickly. Knowing what's coming can make it feel less jarring.

The Visitor Search Process at Riverside and What to Do If Something Feels Wrong
  1. Ask to speak to a supervisor - If you feel a search was improper, request a supervisor at the facility as your first step.
  2. Contact the Office of Community Justice Outreach (CJO) - If you still feel uneasy or the issue isn’t resolved, call (215) 685-8909 or (215) 685-7288.

If something feels wrong: Ask to speak to a supervisor, or contact the Office of Community Justice Outreach (CJO) at (215) 685-8909 or (215) 685-7288.

Even if you've made the trip and cleared the search, the visit won't happen if the person you're there to see refuses. Staff won't force anyone to meet with a visitor - if they don't want to see you, you won't be allowed in.

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