Understanding contact vs. regular visits at W. F. Ramsey Unit

The Online Visitation Scheduler shows three visit types: Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet. Here's where it gets confusing - that

At the Ramsey Unit, Contact visits happen in one of two places: inside the unit in a designated visiting area, or outside the main building but still within the fenced perimeter.

Why do families prefer Contact visits? Physical contact. During a Contact visit, you can actually touch your loved one - unlike Regular (non-contact) visits, where you're physically separated. Staff supervision and specific limits still apply, so expect a structured visit rather than a casual hangout.

You might not see every visit type when you try to schedule. When you submit a Relationship Request to add an incarcerated person, that request goes to the inmate's unit for staff verification. Until they verify your relationship (and depending on how it's recorded in the system), some visit types may not appear as options.

Even if you're eligible, visit types can be turned off temporarily. Visitation is a privilege - it can be restricted for an inmate or visitor after rule violations or due to security concerns. The whole unit can also suspend visits during lockdowns, escapes, disturbances, or health emergencies. If you suddenly can't book the visit type you expected, a temporary restriction is usually why.

How to Know Which Type to Request

• ✓ Check the Online Visitation Scheduler first - it will show you which visit types (Regular, Contact, Video/Tablet) you’re eligible to request.
• ✓ If you’re new to the system, submit the Relationship Request and remember it must be verified by the inmate’s unit staff before certain options may appear.

1. Look at the options the scheduler is offering you - if Contact (or another type) isn’t listed, treat that as a signal that it may not be available right now.
2. Call the unit to confirm what’s going on - staff can tell you whether the visit type is temporarily restricted due to a lockdown, security issue, rule violation, or a health/safety emergency.