What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) When Visiting West Tennessee State Penitentiary
Visiting West Tennessee State Penitentiary goes more smoothly when you travel light. Here's what you can carry in, what to leave locked in your car, and how to dress so you don't get turned away at the door.
You'll go through multiple security screenings before reaching visitation, including a body scanner. Keep it simple: bring only your photo ID and car keys (or key fob). Leave everything else behind before you step up to check in.
Warning: Firearms, weapons, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on state property, and smoking or vaping of any kind isn’t allowed on state property either.
Baby Items
- ✓ Diapers (as needed) - place them in a clear plastic bag
- ✓ Formula powder (as needed) - place it in a clear plastic bag
- ✓ Unopened, sealed baby food (as needed) - place it in a clear plastic bag
Leave in Vehicle
- ✓ Phones - leave them secured in your vehicle
- ✓ Smart watches - leave them secured in your vehicle
- ✓ Wallets - leave them secured in your vehicle
- ✓ Other personal items - leave them secured in your vehicle
- ✓ Anything you wouldn’t want seen during a routine vehicle search - vehicle searches may be conducted on state property
Dress Code
- ✓ Spandex or spandex-type fabric clothing
- ✓ Transparent or translucent clothing
- ✓ Sleeveless tops that expose the chest or midriff
- ✓ Camouflage clothing
- ✓ Bandanas
- ✓ Excessive jewelry
- ✓ Flip flops
- ✓ Steel-toed or composite-toed shoes
- ✓ Shower shoes
Not sure what will pass? Stick with plain and practical: solid, non-see-through fabrics; tops that fully cover your chest and midriff; simple shoes (no flip flops, shower shoes, or steel/composite-toed boots). Keep jewelry minimal. The goal is to avoid anything that looks like a security concern or slows down screening. This goes for everyone in your group, kids included.
Planning to grab snacks from the vending machines? Most visitation areas use a debit card system instead of cash. You'll need to buy or reload a vending debit card in the lobby before entering, so budget a few extra minutes for that.
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