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Visitation

The Dress Code at Sheridan Correctional Center: What You Can and Can't Wear to a Visit

Sheridan Correctional Center follows Illinois Department of Corrections visiting rules, and the dress code is one of the most common reasons people get delayed or turned away. Dress conservatively, follow the coverage rules below, and you'll save yourself a lot of stress at the door.

• 2 min read • idoc.illinois.gov
The Dress Code at Sheridan Correctional Center: What You Can and Can't Wear to a Visit

Hemlines matter at Sheridan. Dresses, shorts, and skirts must extend to the knee. If you're unsure whether something is "close enough," go with the longer option - it's not worth risking a denied entry.

Clothing that's sexually explicit, offensive, or degrading isn't allowed. Nothing that reveals the buttocks or breasts is permitted, so plan for coverage when you sit, stand, and move around during check-in and the visit itself.

Dress-code detail that can stop your visit: All adult visitors must wear underwear, and female visitors must wear a bra.

Religious headgear may be allowed, but there are conditions. Kufis, yarmulkes, turbans, habits, and fezes can be permitted if you indicate the item has religious significance, there are no safety or security concerns, and you remove it for a thorough search before entering.

Always Denied Clothing

  • ✓ Clothing that is sexually explicit
  • ✓ Clothing that is offensive or degrading
  • ✓ Clothing that reveals the buttocks
  • ✓ Clothing that reveals the breasts
  • ✓ When in doubt, choose neutral, conservative clothing that clearly meets coverage expectations
The Dress Code at Sheridan Correctional Center: What You Can and Can't Wear to a Visit

Expect screening when you arrive. Visitors, vehicles, and belongings are all subject to search. Keep what you bring simple and be ready to follow staff directions during check-in.

Refusing a search means the facility can deny your visit and suspend or restrict your visiting privileges going forward. If you're frustrated, pause and ask a clarifying question before deciding whether to proceed. A refusal today can affect future visits, not just this one.

  1. Take the first correction seriously - the Visiting Room Officer will give one warning for a minor violation of the visiting rules.
  2. Fix the issue immediately - any further disruption must be reported, so it can escalate quickly.
  3. Know what’s at stake - disruptive behavior or rule violations can lead to the visit being terminated and can result in loss of visiting privileges.

Bring your ID: All adult visitors must produce photo identification and verification of date of birth at check-in.

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