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Chester Co Prison Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: September 11,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 610-344-5040 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Visitation - Visits will be given once a month to schedule eligible blocks for four weeks. After the fourth week, the schedule will repeat itself. Only one visit with up to three visitors will be allowed per inmate per the four-week schedule. All visiting rules will apply. Any violation of these rules will result in the termination of the visit or visitor.

Visitation Schedule

Visiting at the Chester County Prison is a privilege, governed by strict rules to ensure the security and safety of the institution. Visits are permitted only during authorized hours on designated days, with inmates allowed one visit per day. Each visit can include up to three visitors, who must enter the visiting area together, and are limited to a 30-minute session. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved list, which is managed by the inmate’s counselor. Changes to the list are allowed but require a 30-day waiting period.

All visitors must present valid identification upon arrival, with accepted forms including a photo driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military card. Visitors aged 12 to 18 are required to provide a photo ID with their name. Non-photo identification must be supplemented with supporting documents such as a utility bill or credit card statement showing the visitor’s name and address.

Visitors are subject to searches, and anyone refusing will be asked to leave. Outer garments must be left in the lobby, and items such as money or personal belongings are prohibited in the visiting area. Inappropriate clothing, including revealing attire like tank tops, see-through garments, and short skirts, is not allowed. Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry.

Behavior during visits must remain orderly, and any disruptive conduct may result in the suspension or revocation of visitation privileges. Video visits are subject to monitoring, and inappropriate behavior, dress, or communication will lead to the loss of visiting privileges. Adults are responsible for supervising children, and visitors aged 16 and older may visit without adult supervision, but are accountable for their own actions.

Visits start and end promptly as scheduled, and delays in exiting the visiting area may result in suspension of privileges. Money for inmates may be deposited through specific methods such as money orders or certified checks at designated drop points.

Inmate clothing exchanges must be initiated by the inmate, and are allowed only on weekends with prior written approval. Transfers within the prison may change an inmate’s visiting schedule, and inmates are responsible for notifying their visitors. Former inmates are barred from visitation for at least one year following release, and any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Warden.

For residents in the Work Release Center, one visit per week is allowed. Visiting days are assigned during intake and can be changed upon request. Visiting sessions are split into two periods, depending on the resident’s last name, with visits scheduled on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Visiting Inmates at Chester County PA Prison

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this West Chester PA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Chester Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Chester County PA Prison, located in West Chester, PA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.