What You Can't Bring When Visiting Western Correctional Institution
Visiting is hard enough without getting turned away at the door. Use this checklist to avoid bringing items that'll block your entry—and to understand what staff can search when you arrive.
By stepping onto Bureau grounds - or even attempting to - you're consenting to searches under Bureau policy and federal regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 511). Staff can search you, your bags, outerwear, and anything in your vehicle. Refuse, and you won't be allowed in.
Note: If you refuse a search, you may be denied entry to Bureau grounds or facilities.
Prohibited Objects List
- ✓ Weapons - do not bring any weapon onto Bureau grounds or into the facility.
- ✓ Explosives - any explosive items are prohibited.
- ✓ Drugs - illegal drugs are prohibited.
- ✓ Intoxicants - items that can intoxicate you are prohibited.
- ✓ Currency - cash and other forms of currency are listed as prohibited objects.
- ✓ Cameras (any type) - do not bring a camera with you.
- ✓ Recording equipment - recording devices are prohibited.
- ✓ Telephones (any type) - leave phones behind.
- ✓ Radios - radios are prohibited.
- ✓ Pagers - pagers are prohibited.
- ✓ Electronic devices - electronic devices are listed broadly as prohibited; plan to leave them at home or secured elsewhere before you enter.
Medication follows different rules. If you're carrying any - prescription or otherwise - you must list it on the visitor notification form. You also can't take it past the entry point. Leave all medication at the entry area before proceeding.
- List every medication you have with you - all types of medication carried must be written on the visitor notification form.
- Show it during entry processing - be ready to identify what you listed when staff review the form.
- Leave it at the entry area - medication carried by a visitor must be left at the entry area before you go further.
Show up with prohibited items - weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, currency, cameras, recording equipment, phones, radios, pagers, or other electronics - and your visit ends before it begins. Refusing a search has the same result. Entering Bureau grounds means consenting to be searched, no exceptions.
- ✓ Do a quick pocket-and-bag check before you leave home (especially for phones, cameras, and other electronics).
- ✓ Keep your vehicle free of prohibited items before you drive onto Bureau grounds.
- ✓ Don’t bring currency, intoxicants, drugs, weapons, or anything that could be treated as an explosive.
- ✓ If you need medication, list it on the visitor notification form and plan to leave it at the entry area.
Warning: Bringing prohibited objects or refusing a search can get you denied entry to Bureau grounds or facilities.
Find an Inmate at Western Correctional Inst., Cumberland, MD
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
