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Visitation Hours

Lenoir County NC - W.E. "Billy" Smith Detention Center - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • All federal holidays

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 252-527-0243 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

LENOIR COUNTY W.E "BILLY" SMITH DETENTION CENTER - VISITATION

INMATE VISITATION GUIDELINES:
  1. VISITATION TIMES
  • Inmate with last name beginning with letters A through M:
THURSDAYS from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., AND
THURSDAYS from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Inmates with last name beginning with letters N through Z:
FRIDAYS from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., AND
FRIDAYS from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. WHO CAN VISIT?
  • All visitors must be on a list provided by the inmate.
  • Inmates may list up to five (5) family members they desire to have visit.
  • Inmates are only allowed to make changes to their list every 90 days.
  • Visitation is conducted on a first come, first serve basis.
  • All visitors over 16 must provide valid identification to assure they are on the list.
  • All visitors under age 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent.
3. HOW LONG CAN YOU VISIT?
  • Every inmate is given a 15 minute visit per week.
  • This visit may be shared by up to two people.
4. RULES OF VISITATION:
  • All visitors should be respectful to all staff at all times.
  • No cursing or vulgar language is allowed in any part of the detention center.
  • No yelling or loud talking. You should not interupt another persons visit.
  • No showing of private genital areas, breast, buttocks, lingerie or under garments.
  • Shoes, pants or shorts, and shirts are required at all times.
  • The following items are prohibited from being worn for visitation of an inmate. Any person wearing these items may be denied visitation by the detention staff. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to the following:
TTube Tops
Swim suits
Shorts or skirts that expose a person's posterior
See through clothing
Clothing with profanity
Clothing with sexually explicit language

ATTORNEY and PROFESSIONAL - VISITATION GUIDELINES: (252) 559-6100

  1. PROFESSIONAL VISITATION GUIDELINES

  • Professional or legal visits shall include attorneys, legal represenative, paralegal, law enforcement ICE official, court official and or clergy member.

  • All professional visitation will take place in the attorney client consultation visitation rooms.

  • Unless otherwise requested by legal counsel, professional visitation will be conducted via video link. In person visitation is available upon request.

  • Clergy visits will be conducted via video only.

  • Professional visits are NOT monitored or recorded.

2. PROFESSIONAL VISITATION HOURS

  • NORMAL HOURS: Professional visistation may occur Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with no appointment provided the visit does not jeopardize the security or normal operation of the detention facility.

  • Please know that we conduct feeding schedules each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you visit during these hours, you may have to wait for an undetermined amount of time.

  • OUTSIDE NORMAL HOURS: Professional visitations by attorneys, legal counsel, legal representative, paralegal, law enforcement, ICE Official and court officials may take place outside of the normal scheduled hours, but we request the attorney contact the detention facility at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. We in no way wish to hinder professional visitation, but in fact want to assure we have enough personnel on duty to accomodate your visitation.

  • If a professional visitor shows up unannounced outside of normal hours, the staff shall work to accomodate the professional visitor provided that it does not compromise the security or normal operations of the detention facility. The on duty supervisor shall have the authority to approve or deny the visit based upon work force present and other circumstances.

  • Clergy shall only visit during normal business hours

3. PROFESSIONAL VISITATION RULES

  • All professional visitors should be prepared to provide identification of their employment. Credentials that are not official or not able to be verified may be denied until verification may occur. Official credentials, law enforcement badge, bar association card, etc. shall suffice provided it appears legitimate to the employee and/or supervisor.

  • Any professional visitor not know to staff and unable to provide valid identification will not be authorized access into the detention center for visitation.

  • All professional visitors must consent to a visual search of their briefcase or handbag. Items deemed contraband will be withheld from the visitor and returned to them upon completion of the visit.

Visiting Inmates at Lenoir County NC - W.E. "Billy" Smith Detention Center

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 Kinston NC 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 Lenoir Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Lenoir County NC - W.E. "Billy" Smith Detention Center, located in Kinston, NC, 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.