Visiting checklist for Southeastern Correctional: what to wear, what to leave at home, and visiting with kids

At Southeastern Correctional, every visitor should expect to be searched when entering the facility. That’s routine, and it’s one of the main reasons it helps to travel light and show up prepared - anything that slows screening can slow (or shorten) your visit.

The most common holdups? Items that trigger the metal detector - hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots or shoes, clothing with lots of zippers, and too much jewelry. Visitors also agree not to bring prohibited items like weapons, drugs, intoxicating liquor, cash, or electronic communication devices (including cell phones and two-way radios) into the prison.

Think of your outfit as "wear it in, keep it on." Everything you wear into the facility stays on for the entire visit - coats and gloves are the only exceptions. If you're unsure about a layer, assume you won't be able to remove it once you're inside.

The dress code is enforced, so keep it simple and fully covered. Appropriate undergarments are required, and see-through clothing is not allowed. That includes torn or ripped jeans and anything with holes - no skin should show through your clothing. Halter tops, tube tops, cropped tops, tank tops, and muscle shirts are all prohibited.

Prohibited-items-infant-allowances

• ✓ Electronic devices (including smart watches, cell phones, and pagers)
• ✓ Purses, handbags, backpacks, or similar items
• ✓ Strollers
• ✓ Weapons, ammunition, or other dangerous ordnance
• ✓ Drugs or intoxicating liquor
• ✓ Cash
• ✓ Two-way radios or other electronic communication devices

Bringing an infant? There are a few specific exceptions, but they're narrow. You can use a clear bag as a diaper bag containing: a reasonable number of diapers, baby wipes (in a clear bag or container), up to three clear plastic baby bottles, three clear plastic containers of baby food, and one pacifier. Infant carriers are allowed but will be searched. Strollers aren't permitted, so plan to carry your baby in.

Have a pacemaker? Bring medical documentation. You'll need it when going through the metal detector at entry screening.

Prescription medication is allowed if you'll need to take it during the visit. Log it at the entry officer's desk when you arrive.

For parents and caregivers, packing light matters even more. Southeastern Correctional allows clear diaper bags with only approved baby items: a reasonable number of diapers, baby wipes in a clear bag or container, up to three clear plastic baby bottles, three clear plastic containers of baby food, and one pacifier. Stick to that list and you won't have to make a trip back to your car.

1. Arrive ready for a search - Everyone entering is subject to search, so keep pockets empty and bring only what you truly need.
2. Reduce metal-detector hassles - Skip hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots/shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry to avoid delays.
3. Have your ID copy and application details in order - Visitor applications must include a legible copy of your government-issued photo ID, and questions should be answered fully and truthfully.
4. Leave prohibited items at home or locked away - Don’t bring weapons, drugs, intoxicating liquor, cash, cell phones, two-way radios, or other electronic communication devices.