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Please call (509) 573-6318 to make arrangements to visit work-release inmates
All visitors must complete and submit an Online Visitor Application . A separate application must be completed for each proposed visitor (minor or adult). It is recommended that applicants have all required documentation ready and available prior to filling out the online application to ensure successful completion and submission. The Department only accepts Electronic Visit Applications for prison visits at this time.
Applications are generally processed in three weeks, though in some cases more time may be needed. Please allow a minimum of one month before inquiring with a facility regarding application approval status. Submitting multiple applications for an individual visitor will cause a delay in processing.
DOC Policy 450.300 Visits for Prison Offenders
Additionally, each facility has its own visiting guidelines detailing important notices, visiting rules, visit guidelines, family friendly events, and visit schedules, which can be accessed in the table below. See the Prison Alerts & Notices for information that may impact your travel plans.
In addition to what is applicable for all visitors, below are guidelines that apply for friends and family depending on the nature of the visit.
The visitor application approval process must be completed before an individual is placed on an inmate's Approved Visitor List. Inmates are responsible for notifying visitors of approved applications.
Minor Visitors
Minors are those individuals who are under 18 years of age. The following are required for all minors who will be visiting an inmate at a Department of Corrections (DOC) prison facility:
The following may also apply depending on the nature of the minor's visit:
Per DOC Policy 590.100 Extended Family Visiting
The requirements for EFV visitors that must be met include:
Each individual visitor must complete the EFV application form. (The Department only accepts Electronic Visit Applications for prison visits at this time.)
The Visitor Medication Questionnaire is required if you will be bringing life-sustaining medication for yourself, or a minor.
In addition to the above forms, there are several criteria that must be met for family, minors and inmates to be eligible for an Extended Family Visit. Please note the EFV application process can be lengthy, and additional documentation may be requested.
WA DOC - Rules by Type
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Vehicles/Parking The speed limit on facility grounds is 15 mph. Thank you for not speeding.
Vehicles must be secured with the windows up. The Department will not be liable for lost or stolen property.
Individuals dropping off a visitor in the half circle by the flagpoles should ensure the visitor has been allowed access, but may not wait in vehicles or on facility grounds after the visitor has been processed for visiting. Pets are not permitted to wait in vehicles or on facility grounds.
Visitor Check-In
VISITOR’S GUIDELINES
You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before visits. Visitors will park in the visitor parking lot on the right at the entrance to facility grounds (first 6 rows). The main facility is the 2 story building behind the flagpoles and C-2 visitation at MSU is located at the west end of the parking lot. Please use the concrete sidewalks and do not cut through vehicles in the parking lot when going to the MSU Visiting room.
Visitors for the main facility must remain in their vehicle or in the fenced-in waiting area while the sign reads Visiting Closed in red and the red light is on. Main facility visitors may enter the building to begin processing when the sign reads Visiting Open in green and the green light is on. Visiting open in green and the green light is on at the main institution.
Please inform visit employees in advance if you intend to share difficult news during your visit. Visit personnel will attempt to make a suitable seating arrangement for the visit. Visitors approved for an Infirmary visit will check in at Public Access and be processed through the Visit Room. Visits will be conducted in a designated room with no other offenders present.
Visitors will:
• Exchange their government issued photo identification for a pink identification card and will remain under escort for the duration of the visit. The pink identification card will be turned back in at the end of the visit.
• Only be allowed to bring the pink identification card and a locker key into the facility.
• Not be allowed to converse with other offenders while in the facility.
• Not be minors.
Please inform visit personnel in advance if you intend to share difficult news during your visit. Visit personnel will attempt to make a suitable seating arrangement for the visit.
Identification
If you are 18 years of age and older, you must present a valid, current photo identification (e.g., driver’s license or state ID card, passport, military or government identification, tribal identification, alien registration). Other forms of identification may be authorized by the Superintendent/designee. Expired or non-photo identification will not be accepted unless the Superintendent/designee approves in exceptional situations (e.g., the identification is recently expired, and the visitor is known to visit personnel).
Searches
You will be required to sign a search permission form before visiting. Pat, vehicle, personal property, and/or canine searches may be conducted.
You may bring the following items in a clear plastic coin purse or bag:
• Money (for cash vending machines) - At facilities where cash is required for vending machine purchases, you will be allowed $20.00 in change or bills in denominations of $5.00 or less. You may also bring an additional $20.00 for the offender.
• Money (for debit vending machines) - At facilities with debit vending machines, you will be allowed a vending machine Zip Key with a limit of $39.00. Zip Keys can be purchased in Public Access at the main facility or in the C-2 lobby at MSU. Visitors must have $5.00 to purchase a Zip Key, which will have a balance of $0.00. Visitors may load money onto the Zip Key in Public Access at the main facility or in the C-2 lobby at MSU for use in the vending machines. Each visitor will be allowed one Zip Key.
• Keys - Drivers may keep one car key and/or remote on a single ring key chain. The keys will be secured in lockers in Public Access at the main facility and in the lobby. Visitors are required to bring their own quarter to use in the locker, which will be refunded after visitation. Visitors will be allowed to bring locker keys into the visiting room.
• Identification - You may be allowed to have one form of identification with you in the visiting area.
• Medical - You are allowed medications or medical equipment that is needed during the visiting period, if you provide proof of prescription or medically authorized need. Prescription medication must be in the original container and only in the limited amount needed during the visit. The original container must list your name and the names of the medication, pharmacy, and prescribing physician. Medications must be stored in your locker and you can request access to them from the visiting room employees. Nitroglycerin pills and rescue inhalers may be kept on your person. If you cannot clear screening due to a medical device/condition, additional search will be required.
• Small comb or brush.
• Two pair of eyeglasses, including one pair of reading glasses, or non-reflective sunglasses for facilities allowing outside visits.
Items for Infants (birth-18 months) and Toddlers (18-36 months) Infant and toddler items must be stored in a clear plastic bag or container. The following items are allowed:
• Two empty, clear plastic bottles that can be filled with water, juice, milk, or formula.
• One plastic Tupperware type child’s cup with lid.
• Two unopened plastic containers of formula, juice, or other infant specific fluids (e.g., Pedialite). Breast milk may be allowed if it is in a clear plastic bottle that employees are able to inspect.
• Two unopened plastic containers of baby/snack food in their original packaging with one plastic baby spoon.
• Two bibs.
• Two pacifiers or teething objects.
• One non-quilted child’s blanket.
• One change of baby clothing.
• One disposable diaper per hour of visit.
• Baby wipes that have been transferred to a zip lock plastic bag before the visit. If facility resources are available, nursing mothers may be asked to relocate to a non-restroom location identified by facility employees. If there is no suitable location for nursing, mothers may nurse in the visit room, provided they maintain reasonable modesty while nursing.
Service Animals
Service animals must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support animals and in-training service animals do not meet ADA requirements and will not be allowed.
The animal’s owner is responsible for the animal, including:
• Cleanup of waste and disposal in the following area(s): Garbage can in the waiting area.
• Ensuring the animal remains on a leash under their control at all times. Service animals may not interact with offenders or other visitors.
WA DOC - Rules by Security
OVERCROWDING IN THE VISIT ROOM
When the visit room reaches maximum capacity, the following practice will be implemented to allow as many visitors as possible the opportunity to visit:
• Visit personnel will maintain a log of visitors entering the visit room and the time that they arrive.
• After you have been in the visit room for 1½ hours, you may be instructed to leave the visit room to allow another visitor(s) to enter. Visit personnel will ask for volunteers before ending any visits.
• In limited circumstances, an offender and his/her visitor(s) may not have their visit ended (e.g., visitors who have traveled over 300 miles, rely on specialized public transportation, etc.).
• If an offender has already had a visitor(s), additional visits may not be allowed for that day. When the visit room drops below maximum capacity, these limitations will be suspended.
CLOTHING STANDARDS
Dress standards are necessary to ensure the safety and security of visitors and offenders and to promote a positive environment. You should wear clothing that is conservative in nature in order to maintain a respectful visiting environment and ensure processing time is kept to a minimum. The Visiting Sergeant/Shift Commander/designee will make the final determination regarding the appropriateness of any clothing, footwear, or accessories.
You must wear appropriate clothing. To ensure the safety of all individuals if an emergency arises, clothing that resembles state issued offender clothing (e.g., red shirts, khaki pants, gray sweatpants and sweatshirts) or Department uniforms is not allowed.
The following guidelines apply to visitors 8 years of age and older:
• Buttons or closures will be fastened to the degree necessary to provide proper coverage.
• All clothing must be clean and in good repair, free of holes, rips, or tears. A rip that does not show skin is acceptable.
• Undergarments must be worn, to include bras and panties for females, and briefs or boxers for males. Underwire bras are permitted, but may require additional search.
• Clothing will not reveal breasts or expose undergarments, cleavage, stomach/midriff, or bare chest or back, including when arms are raised.
• Camouflage, bibbed attire, and pants with multiple side pockets may not be worn. While camisoles or light layering of T-shirts/sweaters is allowed, excessive layering that could conceal contraband is not allowed.
• Outer garment shirts must have sleeves.
• Sweaters, blazers, and sweatshirts are permitted.
• Hooded clothing is not allowed.
• Shorts must not fall more than 3 inches above the middle of the kneecap when standing. This standard also applies to women’s dresses, skirts, capris, skorts, and slits in clothing.
• You may be prohibited from bringing hooded or heavy, parka style coats into the visit room. The placement of these items will be in the visitor’s locker in Public Access/C-2 Lobby.
• Shoes, sandals, flip flops, and boots must be in good repair, free of holes, rips, or tears. Quilted, fur lined, or steel toed footwear is not allowed. High heels must be no more than 3 inches high from the heel of the visitor’s foot to the ground.
- While socks/stockings are not mandatory, you will be asked to remove your shoes to clear the electronic detector, and your feet will come in contact with the floor area where other visitors have been processed.
• Accessories
- The following items are permitted: o No more than 3 rings.
--- One necklace.
--- One bracelet.
--- One watch. Watches that contain other devices (e.g., cell phones, calculators, flash drives, etc.) are not allowed.
- Metal jewelry or accessories will need to pass the electronic detector and/or be searchable by hand, which may increase your processing time. Jewelry that hides other items (e.g., broaches, lockets, pins) or jewelry that looks like a key is not allowed.
- Scarves, neck ties, hats, and gloves are not allowed.
- Belts are allowed, except money belts and belts with compartments or removable parts.
- Religious and medically necessary head coverings are allowed, but are subject to search. Searches will be conducted in a private area by a person of the same gender.
Children must wear clothing that will not reveal underwear when they crawl, spin, etc. Shorts under dresses may be appropriate.
CONDUCT DURING VISITS
The Department intends to maintain visiting programs which help offenders preserve positive ties with family and friends. Cooperation by all participants is encouraged. Please be respectful, courteous, and follow all instructions given by facility employees. The following visit room guidelines will help to ensure that visits are a pleasant experience for all participants.
The following is not allowed:
• Criminal activity
• Weapons or objects that present danger of any kind
• Visitors that have consumed alcohol, marijuana, and/or any illegal substance
• Contraband not allowed on:
- The premises: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illegal drugs, or
- Your person: gum
• Any disturbance or the creation of emergency situations within the facility
• Conduct/behavior that:
- Threatens the health and safety of any visitor, offender, or others
- May result in damage to the facility premises or equipment
- Is disrespectful or inappropriate towards facility employees
- Disrupts the visits of others
• Purchasing food and drinks for other visitors or an offender you are not currently visiting
General Guidelines:
• A brief hug and kiss (i.e., no more than 4-5 seconds in length) are permitted at the beginning and conclusion of visits. During the visit, the only physical contact allowed between offenders and adult visitors is holding hands with hands in plain view. While seated at a table, hands must be on or above the table top. As visiting areas are family friendly environments, caressing and/or sexually suggestive behavior of any kind is not allowed.
- In addition to brief, appropriate contact at the beginning and conclusion of each visit, an offender may have physical contact with his/her minor visitor(s) 8 years of age and under in a manner that respects the child’s feelings and physical boundaries. o The child may sit on the offender’s lap. o The offender may show affection toward the child (i.e., hugs or kisses). o Visit personnel will monitor the child for signs of disengagement (e.g., pulling away, crying, screaming, etc.) and will, if appropriate, instruct the offender to discontinue the physical contact or return the child to the guardian/escort.
- The Superintendent/designee may establish additional requirements for an individual offender/visitor.
• Visitors that cause significant concern during their visit may be suspended from visiting privileges.
• Visits may become emotional at times. If visit personnel observe this, they may check in with you.
• Conversations should remain quiet, without harsh language or swearing, encouraging pleasant and caring family interaction. Please avoid loud, excessively emotional, or disruptive behavior.
• Visit areas are provided for all visitors. Please use furnishings for their intended use.
• Because time is limited, the focus and interaction must remain between the offender and his/her own visitors and family. Conversations with other offenders and/or their visitors are not allowed with the exception of very brief (i.e., one or two word) courteous statements (e.g., hello, please, thank you, etc.). • During visitation, Zip Keys may be used for vending machine purchases by visitors and can be used by visitors or offenders at MSU. Once opened, purchased food items must be removed from their packaging and placed on a plate or napkin. Any unopened items may be taken home by the visitor. Visitors will take all unspent money and vending machine debit cards with them when they leave.
• Please put away all items used during visits (e.g., games, toys, books).
• Please throw trash and recyclables in provided containers at the end of your visit.
General Supervision of Children:
• Children must be under direct supervision and within sight of the visiting parent or guardian/ escort at all times. Children should remain at the table or in authorized play or break areas at all times. Roughhousing and horseplay will be stopped immediately by the visiting minor’s guardian/escort.
• The offender may supervise a child(ren) while the adult visitor uses the restroom or the vending machine, provided there is no restriction prohibiting the offender from being alone with the child(ren).
• For health and safety purposes, children under 5 years of age must have an adult escort them when they use the restroom. While an adult visitor escorts the child to the restroom, the offender may supervise remaining children, provided there is no restriction prohibiting the offender from being alone with the child(ren).
• Verbal corrections and time-outs are the only allowable forms of discipline during visits. Department employees are required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Showing affection, holding, and playing with visiting children promote positive family interaction. Please remember to be considerate of other visitors and your public surroundings.
• Grooming of children’s hair may be done during visits, unless visits occur in a dining hall.
• When changing children’s soiled garments, please use the provided changing areas.
• Adult escorts are expected to encourage children to return play items to their proper locations after use.