Physical Contact During Visits at Clemens Unit: What’s Allowed and What Isn’t

At the Clemens Unit, you're allowed one embrace at the start of a contact visit. Just one. If you're seeing your loved one after a long stretch, plan for that quick hello hug and then settle in.

You’re also allowed one embrace at the end of the contact visit. Think of it as a brief goodbye hug - save it for the final moments rather than trying to make physical contact part of the whole visit.

One kiss is permitted at the beginning of a contact visit - a quick greeting kiss, nothing more. Extended kissing isn't allowed.

You can also have one kiss at the end of the visit. Keep it simple and brief - one goodbye kiss, then wrap up.

Holding hands is allowed during the visit, but your hands must stay on top of the table in full view of staff. If your hands drop below the tabletop - even innocently - it can look like you're hiding something. Keep them visible the entire time.

Visits at the Clemens Unit may be electronically monitored (attorney-client visits are the exception). Assume your conversation and behavior could be observed or recorded. That's especially worth remembering if you're tempted to bend the physical-contact rules.

Tips to Avoid Violations

• ✓ Do: give one quick embrace at the beginning of the visit.
• ✓ Don’t: keep hugging after the initial greeting.
• ✓ Do: give one kiss at the beginning of the visit.
• ✓ Don’t: kiss repeatedly during the visit.
• ✓ Do: save one embrace for the end as your goodbye.
• ✓ Don’t: turn the goodbye into lingering physical contact.
• ✓ Do: give one kiss at the end of the visit.
• ✓ Don’t: keep kissing while you’re trying to leave.
• ✓ Do: hold hands with both hands resting on top of the table where staff can see.
• ✓ Don’t: hold hands under the table or out of staff’s view.

If staff correct you about hand placement or contact, adjust immediately and keep the rest of the visit calm. Since visits may be electronically monitored, violations are likely to be noticed. The fastest way to lose time with your loved one? Arguing or testing the boundary after you've already been warned.

1. Stay calm and cooperate - getting upset can escalate the situation and won’t restart the visit.
2. Ask what rule was cited - a simple, respectful question can help you understand what staff observed.
3. Write down what happened - note the date and what you were told, while it’s still fresh.
4. Follow up through the appropriate channels - if you need to, ask who you should contact next (and remember that electronic monitoring may have contributed to the decision to end the visit).