How Many People Can Visit? Understanding Visitor List Limits and Revisions at Souza-Baranowski

Massachusetts DOC caps how many pre-approved visitors an inmate can have, and the limit depends on the facility's security level. At maximum security, the list tops out at 8 pre-approved visitors. Medium security also allows up to 8. Minimum security and pre-release facilities have a higher cap: up to 10. These numbers refer to the approved list size - not how many people can visit at once. If you're hearing "the list is full," it usually means your loved one has hit the maximum for their current security level. They'll need to revise the list or request an exception before anyone new can be added.

Visitor lists can't be updated whenever you want. Under DOC rules, an inmate may revise their list three times per year. That means it's worth planning ahead before swapping names - especially if you're coordinating around school breaks, holidays, or travel plans.

If the standard visitor cap doesn't work for your situation - maybe there's a large immediate family or key support people who need access - you can request an exception. The DOC allows inmates to exceed the maximum when they submit a request and the Superintendent approves it in writing. The key detail: the inmate has to initiate the request, and approval must be documented. If you're the family member helping out, your job is to coordinate with your loved one on who needs to be added and why.

1. Confirm you’re using the pre-approval process - You’ll need to complete and mail a Visitor Application Form to the institution so you can be added to the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list before visiting.
2. Have the inmate request an exception - If the list is at the maximum, the inmate can request permission to exceed the cap.
3. Wait for written Superintendent approval - The exception only applies if the Superintendent approves it in writing; until then, the standard maximum still controls who can be added.

If your loved one was recently committed to a Massachusetts DOC facility, there's a temporary allowance while the formal visitor list gets set up. During this pending period, newly committed inmates can have two visitors, plus a reasonable number of children. This bridges the gap while approvals are processed. It doesn't replace the normal application - so get those names submitted and paperwork moving as soon as possible.

• ✓ Newly committed inmates must submit an Inmate Visitor Listing within 30 days of admission.

1. Start with the Visitor Application Form - Each visitor must complete and mail a Visitor Application Form to the institution to be added to the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list before visiting.
2. If your loved one is newly admitted, watch the 30-day window - Newly committed inmates must submit an Inmate Visitor Listing within 30 days of admission.
3. Plan changes carefully - An inmate’s visitor list may be revised three times per year, so try to group updates together (for example, adding several family members at once) instead of making one-off changes.

Not sure which form you need or where to send it? Contact the institution directly for current procedures. That's also the best way to find out what the Superintendent requires for a written exception when the standard limit doesn't fit your situation.