What to Expect During Your First Visit at Southeast Correctional Center
First visits can feel overwhelming when you don't know what to expect. Here's everything you need to know about Southeast Correctional Center's visiting hours, arrival rules, ID requirements, security screening, dress code, and contact policies—so you can walk in prepared.
Southeast Correctional Center (SECC) offers visiting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each day has two sessions: 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Know which session you're attending before you leave - you don't want to arrive during the break between sessions.
Reminder: SECC restricts how early you can arrive to park, so time your trip carefully.
You can arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts. Show up too early, and you'll have to wait off grounds until that window opens.
Visitors are admitted first-come, first-served. Since you can't park more than 30 minutes early, aim to arrive close to the session start - early enough to get through check-in, but within the allowed window.
Heads up: No one - including pets - can stay in a vehicle on SECC grounds.
Bring a valid photo ID. SECC accepts a current driver's license or Department of Revenue ID card. Staff will check it during entry.
Teens ages 13–18 need ID too. SECC accepts a current school photo ID with the teen's name, or a valid federal or state government-issued ID.
Anyone under 18 must come with an authorized adult visitor - unless they're married to the offender. Plan your group accordingly so a minor doesn't get turned away at the door.
Visitor limit: A visit is limited to three visitors per offender, with up to three additional visitors who are age 5 and under.
Expect security screening at entry. You, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are all subject to search. Metal detectors are used at all facilities.
You may also be asked to complete an "itemizer" test. You'll wipe a towelette across your shirt front, pockets, and palms, and staff will test it for traces of narcotics or explosives. It's quick.
Adults 18 and older may be scanned in the Intercept full-body scanner unless they have an approved exception.
Storage tip: Small lockers are available at most institutions, so you can usually store items like a purse, wallet, or keys during the visit.
What you wear matters. SECC follows a DOC dress code that prohibits tight, transparent, or revealing clothing, gang symbols, inflammatory graphics, and camouflage. Skirts, dresses, and shorts can't be very short, wrap-around, or slit. Pants can't have holes or slits. Tops must cover your chest, back, and stomach, with sleeves that cover the shoulders.
Think about the metal detector when getting dressed. Undergarments with wire or metal supports can slow you down during screening.
Physical contact is limited. You can share one greeting embrace, one departing embrace, and a brief kiss. Holding hands during the visit is allowed. Children age 6 and under may sit on the offender's lap - unless the offender is a sex offender - and kids must be attended by an adult visitor at all times.
Break the visiting rules or refuse a search, and the facility can impose sanctions. If that happens, the institution will send written notice explaining what occurred and what restrictions apply.
Appeals: You can appeal visiting restrictions in writing to Missouri Department of Corrections, 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
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