What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) When Visiting Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
Showing up prepared makes visiting a loved one so much smoother. Bring the right items, leave the wrong ones at home, and you won't get turned away at the door. Here's what to pack for Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center based on IDOC visiting rules.
Adult visitors need two forms of identification. One must be a current, state-issued photo ID. Show up with just one form - or an expired photo ID - and your visit is over before it starts.
You’ll also be asked for vehicle information when you come to visit. Have those details ready at check-in so you’re not scrambling in the parking lot or holding up the line.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smart watches)
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Drinks
- ✓ Smoking materials
- ✓ Currency (cash)
- ✓ Packages
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Bags
- ✓ Books
- ✓ Magazines
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Personal keys
Free lockers are available in the Visiting Center. If you accidentally bring something that can't go into the Visiting Room, this is where it needs to stay.
Once you've secured your items, you can carry the locker key into the visiting area. It's one of the few things you're allowed to keep on you during the visit.
Note: The facility does not assume responsibility for items you place in the lockers. You’re still personally responsible for anything you store there.
Allowed Items
- ✓ Unless approved by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), carry only one identification card
- ✓ Unless approved by the CAO, carry only one key fob or car door key without a remote attachment
- ✓ One locker key (if issued)
- ✓ Approved religious headgear (per IDOC policy)
- ✓ Three diapers and wipes (for an infant/toddler)
- ✓ One blanket
- ✓ Two filled clear plastic bottles or two sealed containers of baby food
- ✓ One change of clothes
- ✓ Store all infant/toddler items in a clear bag or plastic container
Leave pills and medication at home. The only exceptions: physician-prescribed heart medication or an asthma inhaler. Everything else stays out of the Visiting Room.
Note: If you must bring heart medication, it has to be in a properly labeled container.
Dress Code
- ✓ Wear underwear (required for all visitors)
- ✓ If you’re a female visitor, wear a bra
- ✓ Dresses, shorts, and skirts must extend to the knee
- ✓ Avoid anything sexually explicit, offensive, or degrading
- ✓ Avoid clothing that advertises or suggests Security Threat Group (gang) affiliation or other illegal activity
- ✓ If you’re not dressed appropriately for a prison environment, your visit can be denied
Quick pre-visit checklist: two forms of ID (one must be a current state-issued photo ID), plus your vehicle information ready to go. Keep your pockets empty - electronics, cash, bags, and personal items aren't allowed in the Visiting Room. Use the free lockers, but remember you're responsible for anything stored there. Need medication? Only physician-prescribed heart meds (in a properly labeled container) or an asthma inhaler are permitted. And dress appropriately - underwear required, bras required for female visitors, dresses/shorts/skirts at knee length - or you'll be turned away.
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