What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) When Visiting South Mississippi Correctional Institution
A smoother visit starts before you leave home. This checklist covers the ID you'll need, what must stay locked in your car, and the few items allowed if you're bringing an infant.
Adults 18 and older need a valid photo ID. South Mississippi Correctional Institution accepts a driver's license, state ID, or passport - you'll show it during processing.
Anyone 16 or older needs a picture ID showing their date of birth and must be on the offender's approved visitor list. Visitors under 18 also need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Children 15 and under need a legible birth certificate. Have it ready at check-in to avoid a wasted trip.
Leave personal items locked in your car. Cell phones, wallets, purses, handbags, and loose change all stay behind - bring only what's allowed in the visitation area.
Reminder: MDOC isn’t responsible for personal possessions that are lost, stolen, or damaged while you’re on prison property.
When you arrive, head to the visitation processing center to register and sign the visitor log.
Staff will stamp the top of your right hand before you enter the visitation center. Expect a search for contraband and possibly a walk through a body scanner.
Note: Visitation is a privilege. If rules are violated, visitation privileges can be taken away.
Bringing an Infant Allowed Items
- ✓ One (1) diaper bag
- ✓ Up to four (4) diapers
- ✓ Two (2) bottles
- ✓ One (1) change of baby clothes
- ✓ One (1) pacifier
- ✓ Diaper wipes in a zip-lock bag
- ✓ Any necessary medication for the infant
Need to carry prescribed medication at all times - like heart medication? You can't bring it into the visiting area without prior approval. Submit a written request to the Area Warden ahead of time, along with a doctor's statement confirming the medication and that you must keep it with you. The Area Warden (or designee) will notify you in writing whether it's approved.
Practical Pre Visit Checklist
- ✓ If you’re 18+:
- ✓ Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- ✓ If you’re 16+:
- ✓ Bring a picture ID that shows your date of birth
- ✓ Make sure you’re on the offender’s approved visitor list for that visit
- ✓ If you’re visiting with a child age 15 or under:
- ✓ Bring a legible birth certificate
- ✓ Before you get out of the car:
- ✓ Lock your phone, wallet, purse/handbag, change purse, and similar personal items in your vehicle
- ✓ If you’re bringing an infant:
- ✓ Pack only one diaper bag and keep it within the allowed limits (diapers, bottles, change of clothes, pacifier, wipes in a zip-lock bag, and any necessary infant medication)
Build extra time into your day for on-site steps: registering at the processing center and signing the visitor log. Having your documents ready and personal items already locked in the car makes check-in go much faster.
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