Before Your First On‑Site Video Visit at South County: Check‑In, Dress Code, and What to Leave at Home
Your first on-site video visit at South County will go much smoother if you plan for check-in, dress conservatively, and travel light. Think of this as your quick prep guide—so you don't get turned away at the door or have your visit cut short.
Bring the required ID for every person who’s scheduled to visit. Staff check ID at check-in, and they expect it for each scheduled visitor - not just the person who booked the visit.
Arrive early. You need to check in at least five minutes before your on-site video visit starts - that's the minimum. I'd recommend giving yourself a bit more buffer so you're not rushing through check-in.
No-show reminder: Need to cancel? Do it at least 24 hours before your visit starts. Cancel later than that without showing up, and it counts as a no-show.
Dress Code
- ✓ No nudity
- ✓ No tight-fitting clothing
- ✓ No provocative clothing
- ✓ If you show up in clothing that violates the dress rules, you can be barred from both off-site and on-site video visitation
Leave your phone and electronics behind. Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, and other electrical devices aren't allowed in the visiting area - period.
Quick tip: Bringing a prohibited device into the visiting area can put your entire visit at risk. Leave it in the car.
Each visiting station at South County holds a maximum of two people (infants don't count toward that number). Coming with a larger group? You'll need to split up or book separate sessions.
- Count your visitors - If more than two people (excluding infants) need to visit, plan on splitting the group into separate sessions.
- Show up early - Make sure everyone who’s scheduled checks in at least five minutes before the visit starts.
Break the rules - whether you're the visitor or the person inside - and the facility can end the visit on the spot. Violations can also cost you or your loved one future visiting privileges. Treat every rule as
If your visit gets cut short because of inappropriate behavior, dress code violations, or any other policy issue, you won't get a refund. Protect your time and money: follow the dress rules, leave prohibited items out of the visiting area, and do what staff tell you.
Refunds: If the facility cancels your visit for reasons that aren't your fault, you'll get a full refund.
Find an Inmate at South County Detention Facility, CA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
