How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Start by checking the facility's official visitation schedule for current days, hours, and any weekend or holiday changes. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches your visitor registration—you won't get in without it. The jail enforces a dress code and conduct standards, so showing up improperly dressed or appearing intoxicated means you'll be turned away. Special or confidential visits happen through the video visitation system and have specific eligibility requirements. These can include inmates sentenced on pending charges who've been incarcerated at least 30 days, or in some cases six months. Out-of-town requests may need prior approval.
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You'll need valid ID to check in at Roanoke County/Salem Jail. The jail doesn't list exactly which IDs are accepted, so your safest bet is a current, government-issued photo ID. Not sure if yours will work? Call ahead. It's better than driving out and getting turned away at the door.
Trying to arrange a confidential or special visit? Understanding who qualifies—and what the jail requires—makes the process easier. Here's what Roanoke County/Salem Jail allows for confidential visits and when special visits may be granted.
Use Roanoke County/Salem Jail’s official visitation schedule to find the current visiting days and hours. That schedule is the best source for weekend and holiday variations.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your visitor registration. Minors must be listed on and accompanied by an approved adult’s application.
Special and confidential visits are held in the visitation area through the video visitation system. Eligibility can include being sentenced on pending charges and incarcerated at least 30 days, or having been incarcerated six months, and some situations (like awaiting transfer or out-of-state pickup) may qualify but often need prior approval.
If your loved one is housed at Roanoke County Jail, the Inmate Work Force program is one way they may be able to spend their time working on county projects while in custody. Here’s what the program does, who tends to qualify, how the schedule works, and what the potential upside can be.
The Roanoke County Sheriff's Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Reports are taken seriously, with a focus on safety and accountability. Their program covers prevention, detection, response, investigation, and tracking. The idea isn't just reacting after something happens—it's having systems to spot problems early, respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and document what comes of it.
