Bringing Prescription Medication to Your Visit at South Mississippi Correctional Institution

South Mississippi Correctional Institution handles visitor medication two ways. If you just need a dose during your visit, you'll turn it over at the Visitor Center so staff can control access to it. But if you have a condition that requires keeping medication on you at all times (heart medication, for example), you'll need written approval from the Area Warden before bringing it into the visiting area.

1. Bring only what you need for the visit. If you will need to take medication while you are there, plan the dose so it covers the visit window.
2. Turn the dose over during processing. Give the medication to the Visitor Center Officer as you check in so it can be secured.
3. Tell staff when you need it. Let the officer know the time you are required to take the medication.
4. Take the dose when staff return it to you. You will be permitted to recover the necessary dosage from the officer at the appropriate time.

• ✓ Bring proper photographic identification (Visitor ID card, driver’s license, military ID, or state ID) and be ready to sign the visitor sign-in log when you register.
• ✓ Park in designated visitor parking areas.
• ✓ Leave prohibited items and personal possessions (wallet, cell phone, purse, etc.) locked in your vehicle before you go into processing.

If you can't safely part with your medication at any point, get approval before you show up. South Mississippi Correctional Institution requires a written request to the Area Warden before you bring medication into the visiting area.

You'll also need a written doctor's statement. It must verify your name, the prescribed medication, and that you're required to keep it on you at all times. Once you've submitted everything, the Area Warden (or designee) will notify you in writing whether your request is approved. That written approval is what lets you keep the medication on your person during visits.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Start the written request process well before your travel day so the Area Warden has time to respond.
• ✓ Get the doctor’s statement in writing, and make sure it includes your name, the medication, and that you must keep it in your possession at all times.
• ✓ Keep a copy of the Area Warden’s written approval with your visit paperwork so you can present it as needed.
• ✓ Bring medication in its original container so it is clearly identifiable.

Give yourself extra time for processing. You'll need to show a valid photo ID and sign in, and you may be searched or asked to walk through a body scanner. Before heading inside, park in the designated visitor area and lock personal items like your phone, wallet, and purse in your car. Bringing them to the door could get you turned away.