What happens if a visitor brings contraband to Southeastern (includes video-visit rules)
Visiting someone at Southeastern? Treat contraband rules as zero-tolerance—because Ohio does. A mistake at the door (or on camera during a video visit) can cost you visiting privileges and lead to criminal charges.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) takes a zero-tolerance approach to prohibited items. Before your first visit, you'll sign a Declaration of Understanding spelling out what you're agreeing to: no weapons, drugs, intoxicating liquor, cash, or electronics like cell phones, two-way radios, or other communication devices. If it isn't clearly allowed, don't bring it.
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Weapons (including ammunition)
- ✓ Alcohol (intoxicating liquor)
- ✓ Cash
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Two-way radios
- ✓ Other electronic communication devices
Everyone entering is subject to search. That's why "I forgot it was in my pocket" can turn into a serious problem - entry screening is designed to catch prohibited items before they get inside.
Bringing contraband onto prison grounds isn't just a rule violation - it can become a criminal case. ODRC warns that conveying drugs, alcohol, or weapons into a correctional institution may be prosecuted under Ohio Revised Code 2921.36. That same law covers cash and electronic communication devices (including cell phones and two-way radios). Your safest bet: arrive with as little as possible and follow the visiting instructions closely.
Note: Even if something doesn’t result in criminal charges, breaking the General Visiting Instructions or the Declaration of Understanding can still cost you your visiting privileges.
Video visits have their own "contraband" problem: what you show on screen. ODRC prohibits nudity, pornography, sexual acts or poses, violence, drug use, gang signs or gang activity, weapons, and any other illegal activity during a video visit. The penalty is harsh - one offense earns a permanent video-visit restriction.
Reminder: Virtual visits are treated like in-person visits - if you don’t follow the guidelines, you can lose visiting privileges.
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- ✓ Empty your pockets before you arrive so you don’t walk in with cash or a phone by accident.
- ✓ Leave electronics (cell phone, smart watch, earbuds, two-way radio, or other communication devices) behind - don’t bring them to the entry point.
- ✓ If you must take prescription medication during the visit, bring only what you’ll take and log it at the entry officer’s desk.
- ✓ If you have a pacemaker, bring medical documentation so you can pass through the metal detector without delays.
Most "accidental contraband" happens during screening - something small in a pocket, a device you didn't think counted, or medication you didn't plan for. Since all visitors are subject to search, plan around what entry staff will need to see. If you have a pacemaker, bring medical documentation to support your passage through the metal detector. If you need prescription medication during the visit, you can only bring what you'll take during that time, and it must be logged at the entry officer's desk. These steps protect you and keep the visit from turning into a preventable problem at the door.
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