Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

Before Your First Visit to Trenton: What to Bring and What to Leave in the Car

Your first visit goes a lot smoother when you show up with the right ID for everyone in your group—and leave prohibited items locked in the car before you walk up to the entrance.

• 2 min read • doc.sc.gov
Before Your First Visit to Trenton: What to Bring and What to Leave in the Car

Bringing kids? ID rules depend on their age. Children age 10 and older need a government-issued photo ID. For children age nine and younger, bring a certified long-form birth certificate - staff use this as the child's identification. Double-check that you have the right document for each child before you leave home. Getting turned away at check-in is a frustrating way to end the trip.

Leave wireless devices in the car: Personal wireless communication devices - including fitness trackers and smartwatches - are prohibited inside SCDC institutions (this policy has been in effect since February 1, 2016).

SCDC is tobacco-free. That means tobacco products, tobacco-related items, and lighting devices aren’t allowed on agency property - leave them secured in your vehicle before you enter.

Expect a search when you arrive. Visitors age 18 and older entering Level II and Level III institutions must submit to a pat/frisk search, along with other search procedures. Build extra time into your arrival so you're not rushing.

Search procedure: Female visitors will be searched by female employees only during pat/frisk searches.

Before Your First Visit to Trenton: What to Bring and What to Leave in the Car

Practical Tips Checklist

  • ✓ For children 10 and older: bring a government-issued photo ID
  • ✓ For children nine and younger: bring a certified long-form birth certificate
  • ✓ Leave all personal wireless communication devices behind (including fitness trackers and smartwatches)
  • ✓ Do not bring tobacco, tobacco-related products, paraphernalia, or lighting devices onto agency property
  • ✓ If you’re 18+: be ready to submit to a pat/frisk search when entering Level II/III institutions
  • ✓ If you’re a female visitor: expect the pat/frisk search to be conducted by a female employee

Before you leave, do one last pocket-and-bag check in the car: phone, smartwatch, vape, lighter - anything on the

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