Utah State Prison Orientation for Inmate Friends and Family

VISITING

Q.        Do inmates have the right to visitation?
A.            Visitation serves an important role in preserving the relationship between inmates and their families and friends.  However, visitation is a privilege, not a right, and is subject to rules, regulations, and procedures (Appendix B).  Inmates are not assigned to specific facilities for the convenience of visitation.

Q.        How do I get on an inmate's visiting list?
A.        Once the inmate you would like to visit starts the process by applying to have your name placed on his/her visiting list, you will be required to fill out an application.  After you have returned your application to the appropriate visiting office, officers will perform a background check on you.  If you are approved, your name will be placed on the inmate's visiting list.

Q.        How will I know if I am approved, and when I can visit?
A.        The inmate will be notified, and it is their responsibility to let you know that you have been approved and what time to visit.

Q.        Are children under 18 allowed to visit inmates?
A.        Minor children are only allowed to visit inmates when accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or an immediate family member possessing a notarized statement from the child’s parent or legal guardian.  You will need to provide copies of birth certificates and/or adoption documentation and/or court documents establishing legal guardianship, and fill out a Declaration of Minor Visitors form prior to visitation.  Only minor children who are listed on the form will be allowed to visit.

Q.        How much information does the Prison need to do a background check?
A.        The visitor application asks for your full name, previous names or aliases, date of birth, and street address, as well as copies of your Social Security card and driver license or state I.D. number.  Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to send your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to verify your relationship to the inmate.

Q.        How long does the process take?
A.        Usually it takes two to three weeks for approval once the request has been received by the Department of Corrections, however, it may take up to 45 days.

Q.        What can I do if my visit request has been denied?
A.        You can appeal to the Warden in writing.  The Warden's decision is final.

Q.        If I have been on an inmate's visiting list in the past, do I have to reapply?
A.        Each time inmates enter the R&O unit, they will be asked to update their visiting list.  Parole violators need to resubmit visiting applications.  All visiting files are reviewed and updated every year.  If you have voluntarily taken your name off an inmate’s visiting list, you must wait for three months before you can reapply.

Q.        How do I find out the visiting schedule?
A.            Different facilities have different visiting schedules.  Visiting days for most facilities are Friday through Tuesday.  Inmates can tell you when you can come out to visit.  You may also call the facility where the inmate is housed to verify the schedule, which is rotated monthly.  An inmate's classification determines how long they can visit.
Draper site: Lone Peak - 576-8200, Oquirrh - 576-7178, Timpanogos - 576-7800, Wasatch - 576-7014, Uinta - 576-7300.  Web address is http://corrections.utah.gov/.  Click on "Institutional Safety" then click on "Visiting" to see the schedule online.
Gunnison site: All housing units - (435) 528-6500

Q.        Is there a dress code?
A.        Yes.  The complete dress code has been included in Appendix C.

Q.        Will I be searched when I go in to or out of the Prison?
A.        As a condition of entering a secured facility, all staff, visitors, and business contractors coming onto Prison property are subject to a search and inspection of their vehicles and property by officers or canine units.  If you do not give consent to a search of your property, you will be denied entry and/or required to leave Prison property.
Officers search vehicles and property to ensure everyone's safety and to look for items that are not allowed into the Prison.  Some items such as tobacco and pepper spray, which are not illegal, are considered contraband inside the Prison.  Some other items not allowed on Prison property include, but are not limited to, alcohol, explosive items, poisons, weapons, and controlled substances.  Any visitor who brings controlled substances onto Prison property and attempts to give them to an inmate may be charged with a felony.
When leaving Prison property, all vehicles are searched again.  An officer will ask you to open the trunk of your car for a visual inspection.

Q.        What will happen the first time I visit an inmate?
A.        During your first visit you will be given a set of rules and regulations to read prior to visiting.  You will also be asked to sign a visitor consent form indicating that you have read and understand the rules and regulations.

Q.        What can I bring to a visit?
A.        Visitors are not permitted to bring items of any kind to inmates.  Visitors may bring up to $10 cash, in change only, to purchase soft drinks for consumption during the visit.  Visitors with infants or small children may bring one transparent bottle and two diapers.  The facilities are tobacco free.  Visitors are not permitted to bring cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches, or any tobacco products into the facilities.

When coming on Prison property, you will be asked to provide identification, either a driver license or a State ID card, and to show the identification at several checkpoints while on Prison property.  You need to leave your purses and coats in your car.   Prior to visiting, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector.

Q.        What are the reasons I would not be able to visit with an inmate?
A.        You will be turned away from visiting for any of the following reasons:
            1.            You are not an approved visitor
            2.            You are visiting at the wrong time
            3.            You are not within dress standards
            4.            The inmate is locked down
            5.            The facility is locked down
            6.            You have violated a rule during a previous visit
            7.            You have litigation pending
            8.            You have an extensive criminal history
            9.            You are a crime partner or victim of the inmate
            10.            You are a former employee, volunteer, contractor, or student intern
            11.            You are under the influence of an illegal substance or intoxicated; or
            12.            The inmate is in the R&O unit.

 

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