Visiting Application and FAQ for Visiting a Vermont DOC Inmate

Visiting in correctional facilities is an important part of keeping your loved one connected with family and friends during the incarceration. The DOC recognizes that visiting is an avenue to maintain healthy family relationships, but also views personal visits as a privilege. During visits, staff will be focused on maintaining order and security in the facility. For this reason, it is important to know the visiting rules and follow them. Knowing what is expected of you and your loved one will allow you to feel as comfortable as possible, focus on your relationships and make the most of each visit.  Because the process of visiting an inmate can be confusing and many people don't know how to start the process we have outlined all the important information you need to know when visiting an inmate in Vermont.

• When inmates are initially processed into the Vermont Department of Corrections they will fill out a visitation list.  You can view a sample of the Vermont Inmate Visitors form here.
• An inmate will have to submit a visitor's full name, date of birth, relationship, home and mailing address on the visitation form.  If you think the inmate does not know all of this information you can send them a letter or tell them over the phone the next time they call.
• Once you are on an inmate's approved visitors list you can attend a visiting session.
• All visitors over the age of 16 must provide a valid photo government issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.  The name and address on the ID must match the name and address submitted by the inmate on the visitor's form.
• Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult legal guardian.  Additionally, visitors under the age of 16 must bring their birth certificate with them to visit.
• Visiting hours are posted for each facility on our site.  The processing of visitors will stop during the last 30 minutes of the visiting times posted.
• All visitors are required to enter through the main entrance and record their name on the visitor's log.
• You will be required to pass through a metal detector and may be searched.  The prison may utilize canine units to aid in their search for contraband.  Your car may be searched if it is on institutional grounds.

Additional information you should know when visiting inmates in Vermont:

• Anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to visit.
• If you are denied visitation or have been directed to leave you must do so immediately.  Failure to do so may result in a trespass citation being issued by local law enforcement.
• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, music devices, and electronics of any kind are prohibited from entering into the facility, leave these items in your car.
• Food and drinks are also restricted from entering into the prison.
• Money, jewelry purses, wallets etc. are not allowed to enter into the visiting area.
• Tobacco and tobacco-related products are not allowed in any of the Vermont correctional facilities.
• During the visit, inmates hands and visitors hands must be visible on top of the table at all times.
• Inmates are allowed a maximum of three visitors at a time.
• Read the full list of rules and regulations for visiting inmates in Vermont here.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Vermont Inmates

All visitors of Vermont inmates are required to follow a dress code.  The dress code is in place to preserve the safety, security and order of the institution and is strictly enforced.  We recommend all visitors leave a change of clothes in their car so that they may quickly change in the event an article of clothing they are wearing is deemed inappropriate.  The Vermont prisons dress code is as follows:

• All visitors and inmates are required to talk in a quiet manner.  Loud and disruptive behavior is not tolerated and will result in the visit terminating.
• Sweatshirts and hooded shirts are not allowed.
• Clothing that contains holes or has rips in them is prohibited.
• Sheer and transparent clothing is restricted from being worn.
• Any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothes or the staff's clothes is prohibited.
• Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.
• Any items that cover the face including hats, headbands, scarves etc. are not allowed to be worn.
• Outerwear that includes coats, gloves, and jackets are not permitted to enter into the visiting room.
• Any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed.
• Clothing that is tight such as spandex or leggings is not allowed.
• Low cut clothing, v-neck shirts, tank tops, halter tops, and tube tops are prohibited.
• Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be no higher than two inches above the knee when standing.
• Clothing that contains offensive language or images is prohibited.
• Tattoos must be covered especially if they are of an inflammatory nature.
• Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.