Before You Drive to USP Atwater: Why You Must Call Ahead

In the federal system, things change fast. People get moved after they arrive - sometimes for a program, sometimes for medical treatment, sometimes for security reasons. The facility you *think* they're at may not be where they actually are. Recent transfers create another snag: when someone lands at a new facility, their visiting list may not exist yet or could still be getting set up. That delays visits even if you've seen them elsewhere before. The Bureau of Prisons is clear on this: call the prison before you go to confirm your visit will actually be permitted.

Confirm When Call

• ✓ Is my loved one currently housed at USP Atwater, or have they been moved recently?
• ✓ Am I on their approved visiting list, and have I been cleared by the BOP to visit?
• ✓ What are USP Atwater’s current visiting days and visiting hours (and do they vary by inmate or day)?

• ✓ What identification is acceptable for visitors?
• ✓ What is the dress code being enforced right now? (For example, the BOP generally does not permit items like bathing suits, crop tops, low-cut blouses or dresses, spandex, miniskirts, backless tops, hats/caps, or skirts two inches or more above the knee.)

Ask if there are any temporary issues that would make your loved one unavailable. People get moved for medical care, programs, or security reasons - and that kind of movement can turn a planned visit into a wasted trip if you don't confirm first.

One of the most common reasons visits fall through is simple: the inmate isn't where you expected, or they can't be brought to visiting that day. In the BOP, someone may be moved to another facility for a specific program, medical treatment, or security concerns. If you don't verify their location and availability before you leave home, you can end up at USP Atwater with no way to visit.

Even when your loved one is there and visits are running, the visiting room can fill up. By law, each inmate gets at least four hours of visiting time per month - but the Warden can restrict visit length or limit how many people can visit at once to prevent overcrowding. That can mean a shortened visit or being told to come back another time.

Pretrip Checklist

• ✓ Call USP Atwater before you leave to confirm your loved one is there and your visit will be permitted.
• ✓ Confirm you’re on the approved visiting list and cleared by the BOP.
• ✓ Verify visiting days and hours for USP Atwater.
• ✓ Bring acceptable ID and follow the dress code (avoid revealing or inmate-like clothing).

Can't get through by phone? Check the BOP Inmate Locator before you drive. It's a reliable way to confirm whether someone is still listed at USP Atwater or shows as moved or released. Keep in mind: the locator's release-date information may lag behind reality because First Step Act sentence reviews and recalculations can change dates. Check periodically, especially if you're planning a long trip.

1. Try calling again later - phone lines can be busy, and a second attempt can save you days of waiting.
2. Use the BOP’s contact options if you need a paper trail - email and written correspondence are handled similarly.
3. Plan for a slow response if you email - the Bureau processes emails like written correspondence, and a response can take about 20–30 working days.