Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Inmates in New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Corrections has endorsed and encouraged inmate visitation for maintaining interpersonal relationships.  The support you give to your inmate, and the support the inmate gives to you, can make a significant difference in the health of your relationship.  Potential visitors often feel overwhelmed at the thought of visiting a prison, and unsure how to start the process.  To make it easier for everyone, we have amassed the most important information you need to know in order to visit your inmate in New Mexico.

• The inmate must request for you to be added to his or her visitation list.  Upon the request, a New Mexico Inmate visitation application will be mailed to you.
• You can review the New Mexico Inmate Visitation Application here.  You must fill the application out completely and accurately and mail it back to the facility.
• The security level of the inmate will determine the type of visit, the frequency of visits, and the number of visitors allowed at one time.
• All visitors 16 years and older must bring a valid photo ID.  Valid identification includes a driver's license, immigration card, state-issued ID, military ID, passport, high school photo ID, or senior citizens ID.
• All visitors are searched and must pass through a metal detector.  In some instances, if the officers feel there is cause, you may be asked to submit to a pat down or strip search.  Pat downs and strip searches may only be conducted with your consent.  If you are asked and do not consent you may be denied visiting or restricted to non-contact visits only.  The facility may also utilize electronic detection systems and canine units to aid in the detection of narcotics and other contraband.
• If your car is on institutional grounds it may also be subject to search.
• Leave all items in your car except for your ID, $20 in coins for the vending machines, and a single car key.  You can carry these items in a clear Ziploc bag, do not bring a purse or wallet into the facility.
• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, music devices, and all other electronics are prohibited from entering the facility, leave these items in your car.

Additional information about visiting inmates in New Mexico:

• Non-contact visitation is conducted behind a window, or partition that keeps you physically separate from the inmate.
• Contact visits allow a brief hug and a kiss at the beginning and end of each visit.
• If you are traveling an extremely long distance (over 500 miles) to visit your inmate, or are making a one time visit, or are a member of law enforcement, you may be eligible for a special visit, contact the inmate's counselor for more information.  Special visits are decided on a case by case basis.
• Tobacco and tobacco-related products including lighters and matches are not allowed to enter the facility, these items must be left in your car.
• If you are traveling with an infant you are allowed to bring 2 clear plastic bottles, 3 diapers, baby wipes, a small single ply blanket, a single sippy cup, factory sealed baby food in a plastic jar, a single non-metallic baby spoon, a single pacifier, and a baby carrier.  Call the facility prior to visiting for information on additional items.
• Some facilities have small lockers available to store your personal belongings in while you visit.  These storage lockers are not available at all prison locations.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of New Mexico Inmates

For the safety, security, and order of the institution, all visitors must adhere to a dress code.  The dress code is strictly enforced so be sure to read over all the rules.  Failure to follow the dress code will result in a denial of visitation.  We suggest you leave a change of clothing in your car so that in the event that an item of clothing you are wearing is deemed inappropriate, you can quickly change and not miss out on visiting your loved one.

• Any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothes or the staff's clothes is prohibited.  Certain colors of clothing may be restricted if it resembles the inmate's uniform color, check with the facility.
• Plain white undershirts and muscle shirts are not allowed when worn as an outer garment.
• Beachwear, shorts, cut-off jeans etc are not allowed.
• Undergarments must be worn at all times, but should not ever be visible.
• Flip flops, sandals, and slippers are prohibited.  Shoes must be worn at all times.
• Sweats and athletic (warm-up) clothing is allowed as long as they are not shorts.
• Baggy or sagging clothing which is normally associated with gang dress is not allowed.
• Hats, bandanas, sunglasses and other headgear is not allowed.
• Spaghetti straps, tube tops, halter-tops, tank tops and sleeveless shirts of any kind are prohibited.
• Clothing that is tight such as spandex or made of spandex-like material are not allowed.
• Clothing that has holes, is see-through or sheer, shows cleavage, the midriff, shoulders, exposes excessive skin is strictly prohibited.
• Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.
• Skirts and dresses must be longer than 3" inches above the knee and may not have a slit higher than mid-thigh.
• If your clothing contains offensive language or images or promotes drugs, alcohol, or sex you will not be allowed to visit.  Clothing promoting gangs or that has gang symbols is prohibited.