Visiting Applications and Rules for Visitors of Kentucky Inmates

When someone you love or are friends with goes to prison it can strain your relationship.  Incarceration can create a large obstacle for maintaining face to face communication, but these familial and community ties can often make a huge difference in the success of an inmate's rehabilitation.  People can often feel overwhelmed when they think of visiting a correctional institution and can become discouraged.  To make it easier and more straightforward for everyone we have gathered the most important information you need to know before visiting an inmate in Kentucky.

• The first thing you need to do before you can visit an inmate fills out a Kentucky inmate visitors application.
• Inmates are limited to visits from immediate family members and three other adults.  In addition, inmates may have one clergy on their visitation list.
  • Immediate family members are defined as parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, children (step and adopted included), in-laws, grandchildren, and a child to whom the inmate acted as a parent.
• Visitation lists can be updated twice a month, the dates they can be updated depend on the last digit of the inmate's ID number.
• The visiting application must be fully and honestly completed, a background check will be performed.  If you falsify any information on the application it will be denied.
• You can only be on one inmate's visitation list.
• Minors who wish to visit an inmate must fill out an application and be on the inmate's visitation list.  They also must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is on the inmate's visiting list as well.
• Attorney's and law enforcement are exempted from the visiting list.
• All visitors 18 and older must show valid photo ID such as a state ID or driver's license to visit.
• You must register for visitation once you enter the facility.
• All visitors will be searched and must pass through a metal detector.  Canine units may be utilized to aid in searches.

Additional information about visiting inmates in Kentucky:

• Inmates who have regular visitation are allowed a brief hug and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit.
• Children must behave and the visiting parent/guardian is responsible for controlling them at all times.
• Visitors must be respectful of staff and other visitors.  This includes speaking quietly with your inmate and following all instructions.  Disruptive visitors will have their visit terminated.
• Do not bring tobacco products, lighters, cell phones, cameras, recording devices or other electronics into the correctional facility.
• If you are traveling with a baby you may be allowed to bring additional items into the facility, including a diaper, blanket, and bottle.  You will need to contact the institution for the specific items and rules.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Kentucky Inmates

One of the most important things you need to know and follow when visiting an inmate in Kentucky is the dress code.  All institutions have a dress code that is strictly enforced.  If an item you are wearing violates the dress code you will not be allowed to enter into visitation, because of this we recommend you always bring a change of clothing and leave it in your car.  This enables you to change your clothes in the event that a staff member objects to an article of clothing you are wearing.

• All visitors must wear appropriate undergarments at all times., this means a bra for women, underwear for men and women, and a slip if you are wearing a dress or skirt.
• Dresses, skirts, and shorts must come down to or past the knee.
• Tight clothing, including spandex, tank tops, tube tops, leggings, tight fitting or low cut pants, fishnet clothing, low cut shirts, sleeveless shirts, sheer or see-through clothing, any clothing that exposes excessive skin such as the back, midriff, shoulders, or cleavage is not allowed.
• Hats or items that cover the face are not allowed.
• All visitors must wear shoes at all times, flip flops, sandals or shoes that are not enclosed on all sides are not allowed.
• Visitors may not wear gloves, coats, jackets, or hooded sweatshirts.
• Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn for security reasons.
• Any clothing that contains offensive language or images is restricted from being worn.