Visitation

What You Can and Can’t Bring to a Visit at St. Bernard Parish Jail

Visiting someone at St. Bernard Parish Jail goes smoother when you show up with only what's allowed. Check the lists below so you don't get turned away at the desk.

3 min read doc.la.gov
What You Can and Can’t Bring to a Visit at St. Bernard Parish Jail

St. Bernard Parish Jail follows Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) visitor guidelines. The core rule is straightforward: no contraband in the visiting area. That means no controlled substances, alcohol, marijuana, tobacco products, cameras, recording equipment, or electronic devices like cell phones.

Contraband & searches: Everyone can be searched - including minors. Staff may check your person, belongings, and vehicle using metal detectors, ion scanners, or K-9s. Refuse a search, and you won't get in. If you refuse mid-visit, it ends there.

Prohibited Items

  • Controlled substances
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana
  • Tobacco and tobacco-related items
  • Cameras
  • Video recording equipment
  • Audio recording equipment
  • Electronic devices (including cell phones)

Show up with prohibited items, and you'll have problems at the door - likely denied entry. Refuse a search at any point, and the same thing happens. If you refuse during the visit, it gets terminated.

There's one narrow exception for medication: life-saving or life-sustaining prescriptions are allowed. Think nitroglycerine, inhalers, or oxygen. Bring only what you need for the visit - nothing extra.

  1. Bring only prescribed, life-saving/life-sustaining medication - this is the only type permitted during visits, and it must be limited to what you’ll need while you’re there.
  2. Keep the quantity to the visit only - don’t carry extra beyond the duration of the visit.
  3. Tell staff at the visiting desk - you’re required to advise staff that you have the medication.
  4. Be ready for inspection - like everything else, medication is subject to the facility’s search process.

Infant Items

  • Up to four diapers
  • Up to two jars of vacuum-sealed baby food
  • Up to two plastic bottles (milk or juice)
  • One change of clothing
  • One baby blanket (maximum width and length not to exceed 48 inches)
  • One clear plastic bag of baby wipes
  • Pack everything except the baby blanket in a single clear plastic container (for example, a gallon-size zip-top bag)

All infant items get searched, so keep them easy to inspect and within allowed limits. The same search rules apply to everyone - babies don't exempt you. Staff can still search visitors (including minors), belongings, and vehicles using any screening method.

What You Can and Can’t Bring to a Visit at St. Bernard Parish Jail

Practical Tips

  • If you’re bringing an infant, put the allowed baby items (everything except the blanket) into one single clear plastic container.
  • If you need medication, bring only prescribed life-saving/life-sustaining medication, and only the amount you’ll need for the visit.
  • Tell staff at the visiting desk right away if you have approved medication with you.

At the desk: Plan on being searched. Screening can include metal detectors, ion scanning, or K-9s. Refuse, and you'll be denied entry - or have your visit cut short.

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