What to Expect During Security Screening at Tipton Correctional Center

Tipton Correctional Center uses the Intercept full-body scanner as part of visitor screening, along with walk-through and hand-held metal detectors and X-ray baggage scanners. The goal: keep weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items out of the facility. One detail that surprises a lot of first-time visitors is that the scanner system is tied to your identity. Before your first scan, staff enter your name and an ID number into the body scanner system, and that information is stored. For visitors, your visitor ID number serves as the scanning ID. For other non-staff members, the ID number from a driver's license, non-driver's license, or passport is used.

Expect more than one type of screening. Tipton uses a layered approach: the full-body scanner is one tool, and the facility also runs walk-through and hand-held metal detectors plus X-ray baggage scanners. Metal detectors are standard at all Missouri Department of Corrections facilities, including Tipton, so plan on going through one even if you've already completed other checks.

Anyone 18 or older at Tipton is subject to a full-body scan unless they have an approved exception. Exceptions can include a verified medical condition or pregnancy. If you think you qualify, handle it ahead of time. You don't want to be sorting it out at the door while other visitors wait behind you.

1. Start the request before your visit. Non-staff members, including visitors, can submit a request for an exception to the facility warden or superintendent.
2. Explain why you need an exception. Keep it simple and specific, for example pregnancy or a verified medical condition.
3. Bring supporting documentation. If your exception is medical, have paperwork that supports what you are requesting so staff can review it.
4. Follow the facility’s direction on next steps. Once the request is reviewed, staff will tell you what to do when you arrive for your visit.

Screening starts as soon as you enter prison grounds. At Tipton, you, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are all subject to search. Think of the whole visit as a controlled entry process, not just a quick check at the front door. Metal detector screening is also part of the routine. Metal detectors are used at all Missouri Department of Corrections facilities, including Tipton. You may go through a walk-through unit, get checked with a hand-held wand, or both, depending on what staff need that day.

You may also be asked to complete an Itemizer check. Staff hand you a towelette and have you wipe your shirt front, your pockets, and the palms of your hands. The towelette goes into a machine that detects traces of narcotics or explosives. It's quick, but it can feel personal the first time. Knowing ahead of time that this is a standard screening tool helps take the edge off.

Privacy Tips

• ✓ Bring the ID you plan to use for entry. The scanner system uses an ID number as your scanning ID (visitor ID number for visitors, or the number from a driver’s license, non-driver’s license, or passport for other non-staff).
• ✓ Expect full-body scanning if you are 18 or older, unless you have an approved exception.
• ✓ If you may need an exception (for example pregnancy or a verified medical condition), request it ahead of time through the warden or superintendent and bring documentation.
• ✓ Know that the scanner system stores your name and ID number before your first scan, and it takes a photograph that is kept in the scanner system.