How to Visit TYGART VALLEY REGIONAL JAIL (WA)

Start with the headcount rules. Each visit allows either two adults, or one adult with up to two minor children. The facility also limits each inmate to one visit per month, so coordinate with other family members before you schedule.

Visits are non-contact and last 30 minutes. You'll need to schedule in advance; walk-ins typically aren't allowed. Need more time? Extended visits require approval at least 24 hours ahead from the Superintendent or Chief Correctional Officer.

Expect airport-style screening: canine searches (if available), a magnetometer scan, x-ray machines, and pat searches. Pack light. Personal items go in lockers during your visit. You can't bring purses, cell phones, diaper bags, watches, or pocketknives into the visitation area. One pacifier for a baby is allowed.

1. Plan around the monthly limit: Each inmate is permitted one visit per month, so coordinate with others before you pick a date.
2. Schedule the visit in advance: Visits must be scheduled before the visitation day. Do not assume you can show up and be worked in.
3. Arrive ready for a non-contact, 30-minute visit: Visits are non-contact and limited to 30 minutes, so use the time well and keep expectations realistic.

• ✓ Bring a parent/legal guardian or an immediate family member to accompany any visitor under 18 (unless the minor is the inmate’s lawful spouse).
• ✓ If an immediate family member (not the non-incarcerated parent/legal guardian) is bringing the child, bring a notarized juvenile visitation form from the non-incarcerated parent/legal guardian.
• ✓ Bring the child’s birth certificate, and be prepared for the notarized permission paperwork to be required with each visit.

• ✓ Expect screening that can include canine searches (if available), magnetometer scans, x-ray machines, and pat searches.
• ✓ Secure your personal items in the provided lockers during the visit.
• ✓ Do not bring purses, cell phones, diaper bags, watches, or pocketknives into the visitation area.
• ✓ If you are visiting with a baby, one pacifier may be allowed.

Need more than 30 minutes? Request approval at least 24 hours ahead. The Superintendent or Chief Correctional Officer must approve any visit that exceeds the standard time limit.

Before you travel, call the jail to confirm: the visitor limit (two adults, or one adult with up to two minor children), the one-visit-per-month rule, and how they're currently handling scheduling for 30-minute, non-contact visits.

Bringing a minor? Verify exactly who qualifies as an accompanying adult (parent/legal guardian versus immediate family member). Also confirm whether you need the notarized juvenile visitation form and birth certificate for every visit, especially if the accompanying adult isn't the non-incarcerated parent/legal guardian.

Security rules can change. Confirm the current screening process (canine searches if available, magnetometer, x-ray, pat search) and double-check what must be locked up. Ask whether any small exceptions apply beyond the one pacifier for a baby.

If you have a special circumstance and need more than 30 minutes, verify the extension process before scheduling. Policy requires approval at least 24 hours ahead from the Superintendent or Chief Correctional Officer. Confirm the current contact and procedure.