Understanding Physical Contact Rules During Visits at William P. Clemens Unit

Visits at the William P. Clemens Unit are supervised, and contact rules are enforced in real time. All inmate visits - except attorney-client visits - are subject to electronic monitoring. Assume staff can see and hear everything. If contact goes beyond what's permitted, they'll step in.

Visitation is a privilege, not a right. Rule violations can lead to temporary restrictions for the inmate, the visitor, or both. Even when you're following the rules, visits can be interrupted or ended early if the unit responds to a lockdown, escape, disturbance, or health emergency. If you're traveling any distance, plan with that possibility in mind.

Allowed Contact

• ✓ One embrace at the beginning of each contact visit
• ✓ One kiss at the beginning of each contact visit
• ✓ One embrace at the end of each contact visit
• ✓ One kiss at the end of each contact visit

During the visit itself, holding hands is allowed, but there’s a clear boundary: hands have to stay on top of the table, in full view of staff. If your hands drop below the table or move out of view, it can look like hidden contact - and that’s the kind of thing that can quickly end a visit.

Think of physical contact as

1. Stop immediately and follow directions - if staff tells you to separate, move your hands, or end contact, comply calmly so the situation doesn’t escalate.
2. Assume the visit could be restricted - visitation is a privilege, and rule concerns can lead to temporary restrictions for you or the inmate.
3. Call the unit later for clarification - if you’re unsure what triggered the warning or whether a restriction was placed, follow up by phone after you leave.
4. Call before you travel next time - visitors should call the William P. Clemens Unit for final confirmation before heading to the unit.