First-Time Visitor Guide: What to Expect When Visiting Someone at SMCI (Leakesville)
Your first visit can feel overwhelming when you don't know what to expect. This guide covers where to go, how check-in works, what ID to bring, and the rules you'll need to follow at SMCI.
South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) is located at 22689 MS Hwy 63 North, Leakesville, MS 39451. Use that full address for your GPS so you don’t end up routed to a back entrance or a nearby location with a similar name.
Call ahead before making the drive. Confirm that visitation is happening the day you plan to go and that you're up to date on current requirements. MDOC provides written visitation information to incarcerated individuals to share with visitors - it covers contact details, visiting days and hours, ID and dress code rules, what you can bring, rules for children, and how to request special visits for emergencies. Keep in mind: visitation is a privilege, not a right. Schedules can change, and rule violations can affect future visits.
Once you arrive, you'll drive onto the grounds and park. From there, walk to the visitation processing center to register. Give yourself a little extra time - rushing in never helps.
ID Registration
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older, bring valid photo ID (for example: a driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
- ✓ Use the written visitation information you were given (through your loved one) to double-check current identification requirements and the approved dress code before you leave home.
- Walk to the visitation processing center - after you park, head to the processing center to start check-in.
- Register at check-in - this is where you complete the registration process before you’re allowed into the visitation area.
- Be ready to follow staff direction - once you’re processed, you’ll be directed where to go next.
Note: While you’re on MDOC prison grounds, you can be searched at any time - your person, your vehicle, your personal property, or anything you have with you.
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Wallets
- ✓ Purses/handbags
- ✓ Similar personal items (anything you don’t need for check-in)
- ✓ Any other items that aren’t listed as allowed in the written visitation information you received
Physical contact during visits has clear limits. You're allowed a brief kiss and embrace at the start and end of your visit. Holding hands is fine, as is sitting or walking with an arm around the shoulders or waist. Keep hands in appropriate places - anything that could be considered sexual isn't permitted.
Reminder: Visitation is a privilege, not a right. If rules aren’t followed, the visit can be cut short and visitation privileges can be taken away.
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