What to Expect When You Arrive at Southwestern: Check-in, Searches, and Dress Code
Your first visit to Southwestern can feel stressful—there are a lot of rules at the door. But the process is straightforward once you know the order: call when you arrive, follow staff instructions, show ID, and be ready for screening and a dress-code check.
When you arrive at Southwestern, don't just walk in. Call the facility first - staff will tell you when it's safe to enter. This quick step keeps the entry process organized and moving smoothly.
Before you make the trip, confirm you're actually approved to visit. Unless you're a government official or legal visitor, you must be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list. Not sure if you're on it? Write to the incarcerated person and ask - IDOC staff won't verify visitation-list status over the phone.
ID and Vehicle
- ✓ Bring two forms of identification if you are an adult visitor
- ✓ Make sure one of those IDs is a current, state-issued photo ID
Staff will ask for your vehicle information during check-in. Have your make, model, and license plate ready so you're not scrambling at the front desk.
Visits are scheduled online through an IDOC SignUpGenius link. If you haven't booked yet - or need a different time - handle that before you head out. You'll want to arrive for the exact slot you signed up for.
Expect to be searched when you enter through the Visitor Center. Officers conduct body searches as part of the normal entry process. Dress simply, bring minimal items, and be ready to follow directions.
Warning: If you’re intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will not be permitted entry.
Southwestern enforces an "appropriate for a prison environment" dress standard for adult visitors. Staff can turn you away if your outfit doesn't meet it. When in doubt, go conservative - getting denied at the door is a hard way to learn the rules.
- ✓ Dresses, shorts, and skirts must extend to the knee
- ✓ Do not wear see-through or sheer clothing
- ✓ Avoid clothing with gang-affiliated symbols or messaging that could raise security concerns
- Fix what you can immediately - If the issue is ID or clothing, swap to acceptable items before you try again.
- Reschedule your visit online - Use the IDOC SignUpGenius scheduling link to select a new time if you can’t be admitted for your current slot.
Turned away because you aren't approved? Your next step is to write the incarcerated person and ask them to confirm your visitor-list status. Staff can't verify this over the phone.
Quick Tips and Reminders
- ✓ Call the facility when you arrive and wait for staff to tell you when it’s safe to enter
- ✓ Bring two forms of ID if you’re an adult visitor (one must be a current state-issued photo ID)
- ✓ Be ready to provide vehicle information during check-in
- ✓ Expect a body search by officers at the Visitor Center
- ✓ Don’t arrive intoxicated or under the influence - entry will be denied
- ✓ Dress appropriately for a prison environment or your visit may not be permitted
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