How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
To visit someone at USP Big Sandy, you must be on the inmate's approved visiting list and complete any required approvals before scheduling. Inmates are guaranteed at least four hours of visiting time per month by law, though the institution may offer more—and the Warden can restrict visits to manage overcrowding. Dress carefully: revealing shorts, bathing suits, see-through garments, and anything resembling an inmate uniform aren't allowed. Entering Bureau grounds means consenting to security screening. Refuse, and you'll be denied entry. Expect metal detectors and other screening measures. Leave prohibited items at home—weapons, explosives, drugs, currency, cameras, recording equipment, phones, radios, pagers, and other electronic devices.
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Before you make the trip to USP Big Sandy, you need to know if you're actually eligible to get through the door. Federal prison visits depend on two things: the inmate adding you to their visiting list, and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) clearing you.
Getting on an inmate's visiting list at USP Big Sandy takes a few steps: confirm where they're housed, have the inmate add you to their approved list, wait for BOP clearance, and show up ready for screening and the facility's rules.
Visiting USP Big Sandy for the first time? A little prep goes a long way. Use this checklist to pick clothing that meets the dress code and make sure prohibited items—especially common electronics—stay out of your pockets and bags.
The inmate must add you to their approved visiting list, and you must complete any required approvals or forms before you try to schedule a visit. Follow the facility’s approval and registration steps to become eligible.
Do not bring weapons, explosives, drugs, currency, cameras, recording equipment, telephones, radios, pagers, or other electronic devices. Dress code violations—like bathing suits or clothing that resembles inmate uniforms—can also keep you from visiting.
Yes. By entering or attempting to enter Bureau grounds, you consent to searches, and you can be refused entry if you decline screening. Expect metal detectors and other standard security checks.
Sending commissary money to someone at USP Big Sandy through MoneyGram? The details you enter matter more than you'd think. Most problems come from sending too early or formatting the register number wrong. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Want to send reading material to someone at USP Big Sandy? Here's the key rule: books and magazines must come directly from the publisher. Packages mailed from home are almost always rejected unless you've gotten prior written approval.
Show up with the wrong item—or the wrong outfit—and you can lose your visit before it starts. Here's what to leave at home and what to expect from screening.
