Getting approved for visits: forms, lists, and background checks
Approval rules depend on the system your loved one is in. For federal facilities (Bureau of Prisons), the BOP states you can only visit if the inmate places you on their visiting list and you are cleared by the BOP. When an inmate arrives at a new prison, they create a visiting list that can include relatives and up to 10 friends or associates. Some approval processes require paperwork. The BOP's visitor questionnaire and release form tells prospective visitors they must complete and return the questionnaire and release form to the institution address. You may also run into fingerprinting and background check steps depending on the purpose and the local process. A Geneva County instruction sheet states fingerprints may be taken at the Geneva County Jail by appointment only and gives a phone number to schedule. That same document describes an FBI mail option involving mailing a signed application, fingerprint card, and an $18.00 payment to an FBI CJIS Division address. Once your loved one is in an ADOC facility, day-to-day privileges depend on following institutional rules. ADOC's inmate handbook states inmates are required to follow handbook and institutional rules, and violations will result in disciplinary action.
- Get on the visiting list. In some systems, the inmate must place you on their approved list before anything else can happen.
- Complete required forms. Some facilities require a visitor questionnaire and release form to be filled out and returned.
- Ask about clearance requirements. Some systems require you to be formally cleared before visits are allowed.
- Schedule fingerprinting if required. Geneva County states fingerprints may be taken at the county jail by appointment only.
Common Questions
Q
How can I get notified if someone is released?
In Madison County, release notifications are handled through VINE, not by detention staff. Madison County states VINE is available 24/7 for custody status changes and that you can register online or by phone, and it also states detention facility staff does not make release notification phone calls.
Q
How do I schedule a visit and are there visit limits?
Scheduling is often done through a vendor site or system, and some facilities also provide a lobby kiosk for setting up accounts and scheduling. Cullman County states scheduling must be completed by the visitor using the listed phone or website and that a visitation kiosk in the lobby can be used; Madison County states inmates are allowed up to three visits a day and uses an online scheduling system.
Q
Where can I find forms or instructions for visitor background checks or fingerprinting?
If your loved one is in a federal facility, the BOP provides a visitor questionnaire and release form (BP-A0629) that must be completed and returned to the institution address for visiting privileges to be considered. For fingerprinting, a Geneva County instruction sheet states fingerprints may be taken at the Geneva County Jail by appointment only and includes details about an FBI mail option for background checks.
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