How to Request Extended Visiting Hours at William P. Clemens Unit (for long-distance travelers)
Traveling a long way to visit someone at the William P. Clemens Unit? You may be able to request an extended visit. Here's how eligibility works, what to ask for, and what to realistically expect.
Extended visits at the Clemens Unit are available to visitors traveling more than 250 miles one way. But approval isn't automatic - extended visits depend on available time and space, and the warden (or their designee) makes the final call.
Tip: Call the unit before you travel to confirm current visitation details and whether anything has changed since you last checked.
If approved, an extended visit at the Clemens Unit can last up to four hours. Regular visits are two hours, and that clock starts when both you and the inmate are present together - not when you arrive at the unit or get in line.
To request an extended visit, you or the inmate submit a special-visit request to the warden or their designee. Requests can be made in writing or by phone. Some units also accept email.
Note: Procedures can vary by unit and change over time. Call the Clemens Unit to confirm the exact process, whether email requests are accepted there, and what dates may be available.
What to Include
- ✓ A clear statement that you’re traveling more than 250 miles one way (include where you’re coming from)
- ✓ The date(s) you’re requesting and the time window you can be there
- ✓ The inmate’s name and any identifying details the unit asks for when handling visitation requests
- ✓ The full names of the visitors who plan to attend
- ✓ A polite, flexible request acknowledging the visit is subject to time/space limits and approval by the warden or designee
Reminder: Extended visits are approved at the warden’s (or designee’s) discretion. A courteous, flexible request gives staff more room to work with your travel plans.
If your request is denied - or the unit can't give you the full time you asked for - you still have options. One is a split visit: regular and special split visits allow up to four adults total, divided into increments during the visit. To arrange this, tell the visitation officer when you check in. You can also ask about a different weekend, or whether a special visit might work under different terms if time and space open up.
Tip: Before you commit to a long drive, call the unit for final confirmation. Visitation information is updated frequently, and a quick check can save you a wasted trip.
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