Contact Visits at Rogelio Sanchez: What Physical Contact Is Allowed
Contact visits are a relief—they allow limited physical contact with your loved one. But the rules are specific. Here's what TDCJ permits during a contact visit so you can focus on your time together without risking a violation.
The TDCJ visitation scheduler groups visits into different types: Regular visits, Contact visits, and Video/Tablet visits. Which type you can request depends on your relationship to the incarcerated person, the visiting area setup, and their current visitation privileges.
A contact visit takes place either inside the unit in a designated visiting area or outside the main building within the fenced perimeter. It's still a controlled setting - just one where certain forms of physical contact are allowed.
During a contact visit, TDCJ permits physical contact between the incarcerated person and their visitor. That doesn't mean unlimited touching. Contact is limited to a few specific, clearly defined actions that staff can easily monitor.
- ✓ Embracing is permitted once at the beginning of the visit.
- ✓ Kissing is permitted once at the beginning of the visit.
- ✓ Embracing is permitted once at the end of the visit.
- ✓ Kissing is permitted once at the end of the visit.
- ✓ Holding hands is allowed during the visit.
- ✓ Hands must stay on top of the table.
- ✓ Hands must remain in full view of staff.
Not every unit offers every visit type, and availability depends on several factors. Before making plans, confirm the person you're visiting is assigned to that unit and currently has visitation privileges.
Before you travel: Call the unit for final confirmation. Visitation information updates regularly, and details can change.
- Keep greetings and goodbyes brief - Contact is allowed, but the embrace/kiss is limited to once at the beginning and once at the end of the visit.
- Hold hands the way staff can see - If you hold hands, keep them on top of the table and in full view.
- Follow staff directions right away - If you’re corrected about where your hands are or when contact is allowed, adjust immediately so the visit can continue.
- ✓ Alcoholic beverages
- ✓ Controlled substances or any drug
- ✓ Firearms or other deadly weapons
- ✓ Paper money
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Lighters or matches
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Smartwatches
- ✓ Laptop computers
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Digital recorders (and other electronic or wireless devices)
Find an Inmate at Rogelio Sanchez State Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
