How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI)

At SMCI (and MDOC facilities generally), you don't start the visitation application on your own. The inmate has to initiate the process by sending the Application for Visiting Privileges to the people they want on their visitor list. If you haven't received the application package yet, ask your loved one to send it to you.

This inmate-driven setup means you may need to rely on your loved one for details. MDOC provides written visitation information to inmates within 24 hours of arrival, and the inmate is responsible for passing along the rules, schedules, and other visit details to prospective visitors.

When you receive the Application for Visiting Privileges, slow down and fill it out carefully. MDOC requires prospective visitors to complete every section, then mail it to the MDOC address shown in the visitor application package. Follow the instructions exactly. Missing sections or sending it to the wrong address can delay your approval.

One reason the inmate has to be involved: MDOC ties your application to the inmate's approved visitation list. Each inmate may list up to ten (10) visitors. If the list is already full, the inmate will need to remove someone before a new person can be added.

MDOC treats immediate family differently once they're approved. Immediate family members stay on the visitation list permanently unless the inmate removes them, so the inmate controls who remains on the list over time.

Some situations require extra review. A visit between an offender and the offender's victim is prohibited unless the superintendent approves it in writing in advance. People convicted of felonies are generally prohibited from visiting, except when immediate family status can be established and the superintendent grants written permission. That written authorization must be shown each time you visit.

Don't book a trip just because you mailed the paperwork. MDOC strongly encourages applicants to wait until they've confirmed their visitation application was approved before making travel plans.

If your application is denied, or you're waiting longer than expected, the reason usually ties back to eligibility or restrictions. Visitation is a privilege and can be revoked or suspended for rule violations or facility conditions. Applications may also be blocked if the proposed visit would be between an offender and the offender's victim without superintendent approval, or if the visitor has a felony conviction without the required immediate-family relationship and superintendent's written permission.

1. Ask the inmate to confirm what was sent: The inmate is responsible for initiating the process by sending the Application for Visiting Privileges, so start by confirming you received the correct packet and completed the right form.
2. Recheck the application for completeness: MDOC requires you to complete all parts of the application. If anything was skipped, correct it and follow the mailing instructions in the application package.
3. Handle special-approval issues through the inmate: If your situation involves a restriction that requires written permission, the inmate will need to pursue the proper written approval through the facility process before a visit can be permitted.