How to Visit South Mississippi Correctional Institution (MS)
Visiting someone at South Mississippi Correctional Institution starts with an approval process. Once you understand how the application works and what IDs you'll need, planning your trip gets much simpler.
At South Mississippi Correctional Institution, the incarcerated person kicks off the process. They need to send you the Application for Visiting Privileges. Once you receive the packet, fill out every section and mail the completed application to the Mississippi Department of Corrections address listed in the package. For minor visitors, a parent or legal guardian must complete the application. Hold off on making travel plans until you've confirmed your application was approved.
ID requirements depend on age. Every visitor 16 or older needs a picture ID showing their date of birth, and they must be on the offender's approved visitor list. Bringing someone under 18? They must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children 15 and under need a legible birth certificate. If a child doesn't have a birth certificate but does have a photo ID, that ID must show their date of birth.
Warning: While on MDOC facility grounds, you, your vehicle, and your personal property can all be searched. Contraband is confiscated, and violations can be prosecuted.
Extra restrictions apply if you're a current or former MDOC employee. Former employees need permission from the superintendent (or designee) before visiting. Current MDOC employees can only visit if they are immediate family and can provide verifiable proof. The superintendent will approve or deny the request.
After someone arrives at MDOC, they receive written information about visitation procedures, rules, and schedules within 24 hours. Visitors can also access that information, but the inmate is responsible for keeping you up to date on the rules, regulations, and visitation schedule that apply to them.
Steps Follow
- ✓ Ask the inmate to send you the Application for Visiting Privileges (they have to initiate the process).
- ✓ Complete all parts of the application once you receive it.
- ✓ Mail the completed application to the MDOC address listed in the application package.
- ✓ For every visitor age 16 and older, bring a picture ID that shows date of birth, and make sure the person is on the offender’s approved visitor list for that visit.
- ✓ If anyone in your group is under 18, make sure they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- ✓ For children 15 and under, bring a legible birth certificate, or a photo ID that shows date of birth if a birth certificate is not available.
Note: Expect searches of your person, vehicle, and anything you bring onto MDOC grounds. Don't bring contraband. It will be confiscated, and you can be prosecuted.
If you're a current or former MDOC employee, plan ahead. Former employees need permission from the superintendent (or designee) before visiting. Currently employed by MDOC? You must be immediate family and provide verifiable proof. Approval is still up to the superintendent.
- Confirm the mailing address you must use: Use the MDOC address printed in your visitor application package when you mail your completed Application for Visiting Privileges.
- Confirm your application was received and approved: Before you make travel plans, verify that your completed application arrived and was processed.
- Confirm the current schedule and rules for that inmate: The inmate receives written visitation procedures (including rules and schedules) within 24 hours after arrival, and they are responsible for informing you. Ask them to share what they were given so you can follow the right schedule.
- ✓ For visitors 16 and older: confirm the photo ID must show date of birth, and confirm you are on the offender’s approved visitor list for the day you plan to go.
- ✓ For minors under 18: confirm what the facility will accept as proof that the accompanying adult is the parent or legal guardian.
- ✓ For children 15 and under: confirm whether a legible birth certificate is required in every case, and if a photo ID with date of birth is acceptable when a birth certificate is not available.
If you're a current or former MDOC employee, verify the approval process before you go. Former employees need permission from the superintendent (or designee). Current employees can only visit if they are immediate family and can provide verifiable proof, subject to superintendent approval.
Assume you and your property can be searched on MDOC grounds, including your vehicle and anything in your possession. If you're unsure what you can bring, confirm ahead of time. Contraband will be confiscated, and violations can be prosecuted.
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