What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for Check-In at SD Women's Prison
Check-in goes smoothly when you show up prepared. This quick checklist helps you avoid the common mistakes that get visitors turned away at SD Women's Prison.
Before you leave, double-check your scheduled visit time - and make sure you're reading it in the right time zone. SD DOC lists all visitation times in Central Standard Time (CST). Traveling from somewhere else? Convert it before you hit the road. One more thing: the visitation schedule runs Monday through Sunday, so when you're looking at "this week," that's the cycle they're counting.
Note: SD DOC publishes a policy called "300-23 Offender Visiting." If you have questions about visiting rules beyond check-in basics, that policy and the facility's DOC pages are your best sources.
Arrive early. You need to be fully checked in at least 15 minutes before your visit start time - that's posted in the SD DOC visitation portal. Cut it too close, and your visit could be over before it begins.
Have a valid, government-issued photo ID ready when you reach the check-in desk. You’ll be asked for it at check-in, so don’t bury it at the bottom of a bag or leave it in the car.
Everyone entering a South Dakota DOC facility must complete and sign a Consent to Search Authorization. This isn't optional paperwork - refuse to sign, and you won't be allowed on DOC property.
Reminder: If you don’t sign the Consent to Search Authorization, you will be denied entry to DOC property.
If you’re refused entry at check-in and you don’t understand why, contact the facility for clarification as soon as you can. SD Women’s Prison’s DOC-listed phone number is 605-773-6636.
- Ask what caused the refusal - If you’re at the desk, calmly ask staff what specific issue prevented check-in.
- Call the facility to follow up - Use SD Women’s Prison’s DOC-listed number (605-773-6636) to confirm what needs to be fixed before you try again.
- Review the statewide visiting policy - Check SD DOC policy “300-23 Offender Visiting” for the official visiting rules that may apply to your situation.
Final Tips
- ✓ Follow staff instructions during check-in, even if the process feels rushed.
- ✓ Re-check SD DOC policy “300-23 Offender Visiting” before you go if you’re unsure about any visitor requirement.
- ✓ Look at the facility’s DOC pages for any updates that could affect your visit.
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