What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your Ross Correctional Visit
A little prep goes a long way at Ross Correctional Institution. Show up with the right ID, leave prohibited items behind, and plan for the metal detector. You'll be far less likely to lose your visit at the front desk.
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID every time you visit Ross Correctional Institution. A driver's license, state ID, or military ID all work, but it has to be current. No valid ID? You won't get in. Once you arrive, expect standard entry procedures. You'll register for the visit, show your ID, and follow ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274). All visitors are subject to search, so keep what you bring simple and easy to check.
Bringing minor children? Plan ahead for paperwork. At Ross, children age five or older must be approved visitors. You'll need to present documentation like a birth certificate, custody paperwork, or a minor authorization entrance form (when required). Without the right documents, staff can turn you away.
ID Banned Items
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Smart watches
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Other electronic devices
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Handbags
- ✓ Backpacks
- ✓ Similar personal bags
Leave prohibited items locked in your vehicle before heading inside. Ross doesn't allow cell phones, electronic devices, keys (other than your vehicle key), or personal bags. Staff expect you to secure these in your car. Arriving by public transportation? Lockers are available to store items you can't bring in.
If you have a medical implant or condition that prevents you from clearing the metal detector, bring documentation every time. Ross requires a medical card or a note from your physician explaining why you can't clear the detector (hip replacement, knee replacement, pacemaker, etc.). Even with documentation, you'll still go through the normal entry process. Visitors must follow ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), and everyone is subject to search.
Only bring prescription medication if you'll actually need to take it during the visit. When you arrive, it must be logged at the officer's desk. If you won't need it while you're there, leave it secured elsewhere to keep check-in simple.
ID Metal Detector Triggers
- ✓ Hairpins
- ✓ Underwire bras
- ✓ Certain boots and shoes
- ✓ Clothing with multiple zippers
- ✓ Excessive jewelry
Dress with entry screening in mind. Everyone entering Ross must follow ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), and all visitors are subject to search. Your clothing choices can speed up or slow down your entry. Hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots and shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry can all set off the metal detector. Want the smoothest check-in? Keep metal accessories to a minimum.
Don't bring cash inside Ross. Cash isn't permitted in the institution. The vending machines take debit and credit cards instead.
- Pack your photo ID. Bring a current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or military ID) or you can be denied entry.
- Register when you arrive. You will register for each visit and show bona fide identification at check-in.
- Secure prohibited items before screening. Lock electronics, extra keys (anything other than your vehicle key), and bags in your vehicle, or use the lockers if you arrived by public transportation.
- Be ready for search procedures. All visitors are subject to search, and you must follow ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274) when entering.
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