Understanding the Intercept Body Scanner at Missouri Prisons (What to Expect at SCCC)
Visiting someone at South Central Correctional Center (SCCC)? The security screening is often the most nerve-wracking part—especially your first time. Here's what the Intercept full-body scanner is, why it's used, and how to prepare so you can get through with fewer surprises.
At SCCC, searches are part of how the prison keeps the facility safe. When you enter prison grounds, you, your children, your packages, and your vehicle are all subject to search. The goal is to stop contraband and other prohibited items from coming in and creating safety risks for staff, residents, and visitors.
Screening ties directly into visitation rules. You must be pre-approved to visit, and your application needs to be completed thoroughly and honestly. Once approved, the offender gets notified and is responsible for letting you know. SCCC offers in-person visits Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in two sessions: 9:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–6:30pm.
SCCC uses the Intercept full-body scanner as part of Missouri Department of Corrections screening at adult institutions. It helps detect prohibited items and reduces the chances of contraband getting inside during visits.
- Confirm you’re approved to visit - SCCC requires pre-approval, so make sure your visitor application has been submitted completely and honestly and that you’ve been notified you’re cleared to come.
- Check in when you arrive - staff will verify you’re approved for visitation as part of the entry process.
- Provide your identifying information - your name and ID number are entered into the body scanner system before screening.
- Complete the body scanner screening - you’ll be directed through the Intercept full-body scanner as part of the facility’s standard entry screening for visitors.
Quick prep: Planning to use vending? Bring coins in a clear sandwich bag or transparent plastic pouch. If you need life-sustaining medication or equipment (insulin supplies, nitroglycerin, oxygen, or an asthma inhaler), bring it in the original container and notify staff when you arrive. Give the case manager advance notice.
If you have a verified medical condition or are pregnant, you may be exempt from body scanner requirements. Even with an exemption, plan ahead if you'll need medication or equipment during the visit. Missouri DOC allows certain life-sustaining items - insulin and supplies, nitroglycerin, oxygen, asthma inhalers - in their original containers, and only in the dosage you'll need for the visiting period. Let staff know when you arrive, and give the case manager advance notice so your needs are on record.
- ✓ Confirm you’re pre-approved to visit before you travel.
- ✓ Bring any approved medication or life-sustaining medical supplies in the original container, in only the necessary dosage for the visiting period.
- ✓ If you have a verified medical condition or you’re pregnant, be prepared to tell staff so they can apply the appropriate exception.
- ✓ Notify staff upon arrival if you’ll need medication during visitation.
- ✓ Provide advance notice to the case manager so staff are aware of your medical needs.
Trying to bring contraband into SCCC isn't just a rule violation - it can mean criminal charges. Under Missouri law (Statute 217.360), bringing drugs, alcohol, firearms, or any other prohibited article into a correctional facility is a criminal offense and may be charged as a felony.
If visiting sanctions are imposed, the institution will send written notice explaining what happened and what sanctions apply. Think a restriction was applied unfairly? You can appeal in writing to the Missouri Department of Corrections at the Jefferson City address provided in the notice.
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