What You Can and Can't Bring to a Visit at Tensas Parish Detention (electronic devices, food, and medication)
Visitation rules are strict—no way around it. Focus on three categories: electronics, food, and medication. Get these right, and you'll avoid most of the reasons people get delayed or turned away at the door.
At Tensas Parish Detention, Louisiana DOC visitation rules classify several everyday items as contraband. The categories that trip people up most? Electronics and telecom items (including parts), cameras or recording devices, and comfort items like food, toiletries, or extra clothing. Bring something prohibited, and staff can seize it - plus it may disrupt your entire visit.
"Electronics" doesn't just mean your phone. The DOC rule covers any telecommunications equipment or component hardware - cellular phones, pagers, and the small stuff people forget is in a pocket or bag. SIM cards, portable memory chips, batteries, chargers, cameras, recording devices: all contraband during visitation. If it can communicate, store data, take pictures, or record audio/video, assume it stays outside.
Note: Device “parts” count too. A loose SIM card, memory chip, spare battery, or charger can be handled the same way as a full phone if it’s found during screening.
Food catches people off guard. Under DOC visitation rules, any article of food counts as contraband - same goes for toiletries and clothing. Even with good intentions (a snack for your kid, gum, a small hygiene item, an extra jacket), those items can be taken at the door.
Medication works differently, but the exception is narrow. You can bring prescribed medication only if it's life-saving or life-sustaining, and only in the amount you need for the visit itself. Anything extra can cause problems at check-in.
Have permitted medication with you? Tell staff immediately when you arrive. The rule is clear: advise institutional staff at the visiting desk that you're carrying medication so it can be handled properly during screening.
Tip: Bring permitted medication in its original prescription container and be ready for staff to look at it. Declaring it at the visiting desk helps you avoid delays.
Have a special circumstance? Ask before you show up. The Warden can authorize exceptions to visitation contraband rules, so contact facility staff ahead of time and get clear direction for your situation.
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- ✓ Leave all phones and telecom/electronics in your car or at home, including “parts” like SIM cards, memory chips, batteries, and chargers.
- ✓ Don’t bring cameras or any recording devices.
- ✓ Don’t bring any food into visitation.
- ✓ Skip toiletries and extra clothing items - assume they won’t be allowed in.
- ✓ If you must carry medication, bring only prescribed life-saving or life-sustaining medication, limited to what you need for the visit.
- ✓ Tell staff at the visiting desk right away if you have permitted medication with you.
- ✓ Expect screening; prohibited items can be seized and may cost you time - or the visit.
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