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Polk County WI Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Polk County WI Jail - 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 715-485-8370 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

Polk County WI Jail Visitation

To ensure the opportunity for Inmates to maintain ties and contacts with family, friends, attorneys, and clergy persons, regular visitation will be provided. Visiting is scheduled to allow such access on a regular basis, limited only by staff demands, visiting schedule, and the safety and security of the facility. All Inmates will be afforded the opportunity for regular scheduled visitation with in these guidelines.

Each Inmate, depending on security classification, may be allowed a Maximum of 50 minutes of visiting each week. Visiting days are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Visits will be 25 minutes in duration.

Visiting at the Polk County Jail shall be permitted, by appointment during the prescribed posted times. Appointments must be made by 8 pm the day prior to the scheduled visit.

  • Visiting for Female Inmates will be Wednesday and Thursday 6pm to 7pm, Saturday 1pm to 2 pm.
  • Visiting for Male Inmates will be Wednesday and Thursday 7pm to 9pm, Saturday 2pm to 4pm.
  • First appointment scheduled will be honored

A maximum of four persons will be allowed to visit an Inmate during the 25 minute visiting session.

All visitors wishing to visit must be on an approved visiting list before a scheduled visit will be granted.

Visits by family members or clergy outside of normal visiting hours or without appointment, may be allowed in special circumstances, such as a death in the family. This will be done only with approval from the Shift Supervisor.

Visitors are to be advised to bring a Picture Id with them to visiting.

  • Visitors must show at least one of the following forms of identification
      1. Wisconsin Drivers License
      2. Wisconsin Identification Card
      3. Military Identification Card
      4. Out-of State Drivers License with picture
      5. Any School Identification card with picture
      6. Any Official Form of identification that can be corroborated with other forms of ID
  • Visitors must be at least 18 years of age to visit without a parent or legal guardian. An Inmate’s juvenile children visiting must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must be an authorized visitor of the inmate.
  • No Visitor shall be allowed to visit who does not conform to the proper dress code.
  • All visitors will be required to wear shirt, pants or shorts, and shoes.
  1. No visitor who is wearing clothing that may offend or provoke someone will be allowed
  2. Male and Female visitors must cover their bodies from top of the shoulders to the mid thigh. Transparent material, tank tops, tube tops or clothing suggestive of gang affiliation will be cause for denial of visitation.

Visitors may bring in acceptable property for the inmate. Acceptable property is:

  • Prescription Glasses
  • Prescription Medication
  • Dentures
  • One soft cover bible or other religious text
  • Personal clothing appropriate for court appearances ( by court order only)
  • Approved medical devices (heart monitors, braces, etc. Written documentation outlining the need is required.
  • New undergarments in unopened packages

All visitors are subject to NCIC and Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau checks and may be detained or taken into custody if necessary

Any visitor or civilian caught bringing contraband into the Jail shall be turned over to Law Enforcement for arrest, interview, and prosecution.

Pre-arraignment detainees may have visits from parents or spouses only.

Visitors are not allowed to bring food, candy, or beverages into the visiting area unless necessary for childcare.

There will be no loitering in the visiting area. When a visitor is finished they must go to the waiting area to wait for others who are visiting or exit the facility.

If a visitor is disruptive, exhibits symptoms of intoxication, or violates safety and security guidelines of the facility, they may be denied a visit or have a visit terminated.

All visitors wishing to visit an inmate shall be 100% sober when entering the Polk County Justice Center.

Any and all types of cell phone use during visiting hours are prohibited. Such use may result in the visit being terminated and loss of visiting privileges up to 90 days.

Visiting Inmates at Polk County WI 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 Balsam Lake WI 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 Polk Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Polk County WI Jail, located in Balsam Lake, WI, 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.