How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Sampson Correctional Institution

Before you can visit someone at Sampson Correctional Institution, you need to be approved. Facility staff must review and approve your completed visitor application before any visit can happen. Even if you're immediate family or you've visited other prisons before, you still need approval on file at this facility before you try to schedule or show up.

What to Include and Common Errors

• ✓ Use the original application form, not a copied version (a copied form can be disapproved).
• ✓ Fill out the application completely and include any proper attachments the form requires.
• ✓ Double-check every answer for accuracy. Applications that contain false information can be disapproved.

Common Disapproval Reasons

• ✓ You have a prior criminal record.
• ✓ You were a participant in the criminal activity for which the person is incarcerated.
• ✓ You are an ex-offender and have not been released for at least 12 months.
• ✓ You are currently on probation, parole, or supervised release, or you have not been off probation/supervised release for at least 6 months.
• ✓ The application is incomplete or does not include proper attachments.
• ✓ The application contains false information.

Some disapprovals come down to eligibility, not paperwork. A prior criminal record can be grounds for denial. So can being a participant in the criminal activity the incarcerated person is serving time for. If either applies to you, expect the facility to take a closer look at your application.

Other disapprovals are time-based. If you're an ex-offender, your application may be denied if you haven't been released for at least 12 months. Currently on probation, parole, or supervised release? That can also lead to disapproval. The same applies if you haven't been off supervision for at least 6 months.

After you submit your application, you wait. You cannot visit until the facility approves it. If you're planning travel or time off work, build in extra time. Don't count on a visit that hasn't been approved yet.

1. Schedule your visit by appointment - Visits are by appointment only. Call or email the prison to schedule once you are approved.
2. Confirm the day before - Call the prison the day before your scheduled visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status.

If Denied Options and Fixes

• ✓ Resubmit using an original application form (not a copy) if that was the problem.
• ✓ Go back through the form and complete every section, then add any proper attachments that were missing.
• ✓ Correct any inaccurate answers. If anything was wrong on the application, fix it before you try again.

Not every denial can be fixed with paperwork. Some disapprovals are based on eligibility factors: criminal history, involvement in the offense, being too recently released, or currently on supervision. If you're not sure why you were denied or what to do next, contact the prison directly and ask.

Before you send anything or make travel plans, verify the details directly with Sampson Correctional Institution. Visits are scheduled by calling or emailing the prison. Staff can tell you exactly where to send completed applications and walk you through any facility-specific instructions.

Final Reminders

• ✓ Make sure your completed visitor application has been approved by facility staff before you try to visit.
• ✓ Schedule your visit in advance. Visits are by appointment only, and you must call or email the prison.
• ✓ Call the day before your visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status.