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Otsego Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: September 30,2024


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 607-547-4252 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

The visiting hours at the facility are as follows:

Saturday:

  • 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday:

  • 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

These designated hours provide visitors with multiple time slots over the weekend to connect with incarcerated individuals. It is recommended to check with the facility in advance to confirm specific visitation guidelines and procedures.

The visitation rules and regulations at the facility are designed to maintain a secure, orderly, and respectful environment for both inmates and visitors. The following guidelines outline the expectations and procedures for visits:

General Visitation Rules:

  1. Inmates will receive an order and be escorted from the cellblock to the visiting room. They will be strip-searched before and after each visit and must wear their regulation jail uniform, along with briefs or boxer shorts, a T-shirt, shoes, and socks throughout the visit.
  2. Each visit is limited to one (1) hour, with any part of an hour counting as a full hour. Inmates may have no more than two (2) visitors per visit. Children must remain on the visitor's lap and are not permitted on the visiting counter.
  3. Inmates are not allowed to receive any items from visitors in the visiting room. Any items a visitor wishes to leave must be left at the control room window in the visitor's lobby, where they will be inspected by staff.
  4. General and Close Custody secured inmates are allowed two (2) one-hour visits per week, while Trustees are allowed three (3) one-hour visits per week.
  5. Visitors aged 16 and 17 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian, who must accompany them on the first visit. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and only children of the inmate who have been approved during the initial visit will be admitted.
  6. Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied visitation.

Behavior and Conduct: 7. Inmates and visitors are expected to conduct themselves quietly and respectfully. Profanity, vulgarity, loud or boisterous talking will not be tolerated and may result in the termination of the visit. 8. Physical contact is limited to a handshake, kiss, or embrace at the beginning and end of the visit. Prolonged or inappropriate contact is not permitted. 9. Inmates must remain seated with their feet on the floor and hands on the visiting counter throughout the visit. 10. Either party or the staff may terminate a visit immediately if necessary.

Special and Emergency Visits: 11. Ex-inmates of this facility may be allowed visitation at the discretion of the Jail Administrator or their designee. 12. Emergency visits may be approved or denied by the Administrator or their designee. An emergency visit will not be approved if the inmate was aware in advance of the visitor’s arrival.

Dress Code: 13. All visitors must be appropriately attired. Hooded sweatshirts, pullovers, coats, half shirts, mini skirts, short shorts, and open shirts are not permitted. Clothing must be deemed appropriate for a public setting.

Identification Requirements: - Visitors must provide valid identification for each visit, such as a New York State Driver's License, Military ID, DMV ID, or other state-issued driver's licenses.

Time Charges Visits on regular visitation days or non-visitation days will be charged against the inmate's allowed visitation time. If the inmate has no remaining time but the visit is approved, it will not be charged.

Conduct of Visitation - Contact visitation is allowed during regular visitation hours. Non-contact visitation applies if the visit occurs on a non-visitation day or time.

Consequences for Violations: Any violation of these rules will result in disciplinary sanctions, including loss of contact visitation privileges or a reduction to one hour of visitation per week. The Chief Administrative Officer or their designee may amend these rules and regulations at any time. Visitors are encouraged to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure a positive visiting experience.

Visiting Inmates at Otsego County NY Jail

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 Cooperstown NY 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 Otsego Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Otsego County NY Jail, located in Cooperstown, NY, 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.