What You Can (and Can't) Bring When Visiting SMCI: A Complete Checklist
Visiting South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) goes smoother when you show up with only what's allowed. Use the sections below as a quick bring/leave guide—especially if you're visiting with an infant or need medication during the visit.
Travel light. Leave common personal items locked in your vehicle: cell phones, wallets, purses, change purses, and extra clothing. Not sure if something counts as personal property? Leave it in the car. Better to play it safe than get turned away at check-in.
Warning: While you’re on MDOC prison grounds, you (and your vehicle and property) can be searched at any time. If you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol - or have alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia on the grounds - your visit can be denied or ended and your visitation privileges can be suspended.
Diaper Bag Rules
- ✓ One diaper bag (only one)
- ✓ Up to four diapers
- ✓ Up to two bottles
- ✓ One change of baby clothes
- ✓ One pacifier
- ✓ Diaper wipes in a zip-lock bag
If your baby needs medication during the visit, MDOC rules allow you to bring it along with the diaper bag. Pack only what you actually need. Bringing your own prescription medication? That's handled separately - you'll hand it to the Visitor Center Officer rather than keeping it on you.
Note: MDOC's written visitation information covers special rules for children and lists what's authorized in the visitation room. Check it before you pack.
Need to take prescription medication during your visit? MDOC allows you to bring only the necessary dosage. You won't keep it with you - hand it to the Visitor Center Officer when you arrive, then coordinate with them when it's time to take it.
- Bring only the necessary dosage - Don’t bring extra beyond what you need during the visit.
- Leave the medication with the Visitor Center Officer - You’ll hand it over instead of carrying it into the visitation area.
- Tell the officer when you need to take it - Let them know the specific time.
- Take your dose at the appropriate time - You’ll be allowed to retrieve the necessary dosage from the officer when it’s time.
Over-the-counter medication isn't allowed on MDOC facility grounds - none of it. If you rely on pain relievers or allergy medicine, take them before you arrive.
Expect strict enforcement. While on MDOC prison grounds, you, your vehicle, and anything in your possession can be searched at any time. Another good reason to show up with as little as possible.
Warning: If you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or you have alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia on prison grounds, the facility can deny or terminate your visit and suspend your visitation privileges.
For finer details - what's authorized in the visitation room, special rules for children - check the written visitation information provided to inmates and visitors. That's the document families use to double-check what can come inside and what stays behind.
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