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Lew Sterrett North Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 20,2024


Visitation Hours

Lew Sterrett North - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am - 6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 214-653-2930, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

Dallas County TX North Tower Jail (Lew Sterrett Jail) - Visitation

Visitation Hours:
Monday and Thursday: Inmates with the last names A-L. (No children under age of 17 allowed)
Tuesday and Friday: Inmates with the last names M-Z (No children under age of 17 allowed)
Saturday and Sunday: Open visitation - all children may visit.

Visiting hours at all jail facilities is as follows: Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. *****Wednesdays no visitation****

Each visitor may visit only once per calendar week. The visitor must arrive at least thirty minutes before the end of visiting hours to ensure ample time for processing.

Frequency:
Each inmate will be allowed two visits per week, the weeks run from Sunday-Saturday.

Example: If the father, mother and sister visit on the appropriate day at the same time that is considered one visit. If the wife visits the next day, then that inmate's visitation is done for the week.

What to expect:
Upon arrival at the detention facility, each visitor will fill out a visitor's slip to visit the inmate. The officer working the visitation lobby will write the inmate's booking number and tank location on the slip. The visitor will write on the back of the visitors slip the name, race, date of birth and sex of each person under the age of 17 who will accompany them to the jail floor to visit the inmate. Only two children per adult. Persons 17 years of age and older will be required to have proper identification and must be listed on the inmate's visitors card.

The visitor will then be directed through a metal detector or scanned by a hand-held metal detector prior to going to the jail floors. Any visitor is subject to a physical search if probable cause exists. The officers in the visitation lobby will ensure no items are carried to a jail floor that is prohibited.

Dallas County Jail now provides video visitation please click here for further information.

Prohibited Items:
Cameras, purses, umbrellas, packages, mace, handbags, paper sacks, cell phones, pagers, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches,or any glass or metal containers. Prohibited items also include glass baby bottles, blankets, strollers, or toys for babies. Pocket knives and sharp objects, weapons of any kind, or other items which can be used either in its present form or by alteration, as a weapon in the jail are prohibited.

Jail Visitation Rules:

  • A parent or a legal guardian must accompany minors under the age of 17. Only two children per adult may visit.
  • Physical searches of visitors may be conducted with probable cause.
  • Visitors shall not give any items directly to inmates.
  • Visitors are required to successfully clear the metal detector before being allowed entrance into the secured area.
  • Any disruption in the visitation process could result in visit termination and/or visit restriction.

Age of Visitors:
Children under 17 years of age will not be allowed to visit unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are the legal guardian documentation showing proof may be required. All children shall visit the same inmate being visited by the accompanying parent or guardian and shall be kept under the supervision of the accompanying adult. Visitors under the age of 17 who are married to an inmate shall show proof of marriage before visits shall be allowed.

Identification:

  • All persons requesting visitation privileges must be in possession of a VALID State Driver License, State ID, or one of the following identifications:

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE THE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPIES!

  • Valid state driver's license, paper license renewal must be accompanied by other photo identification
  • Texas Department of Public Safety photo identification card
  • Jail Identification Card
  • Official Government Issued Passport
  • Military Identification Card
  • Alien Registration Card or other valid photo identification card for the United States Government

A Dallas County jail visitation card can be obtained between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Probation Check located in front of the North Tower Jail Main Control Center, located at 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas Texas 75202.

The applicant for an identification card must produce their birth certificate and social security card. The cost of the identification card is $5.00. Click here for details about obtaining a Dallas County jail visitation card.

Special Visits:
Special visits are allowed for persons living more than 75 miles from Dallas. A person seeking a "Special Visit" is not required to be on the inmate's visitors card. The visitor must show valid proof of residence to qualify for a special visit. Visits for a person living more than 75 miles from Dallas may be at any time other than the regular visitation hours excluding feeding times or emergency conditions.

Special visits are provided on a one time only basis for those persons who live more than 75 miles from the facility and could not have reasonably anticipated to visit, at the time the inmate completed the visiting card.

Non-Contact Visitation:
With the exception of "Special Visits" all visitors 17 years of age and older must be on the inmate's visitors card. All visits are non-contact visits. No exchange of paperwork, property, pictures, letters, books, legal work, or money will be allowed. These items, with the exception of books, may be sent in the U.S. Mail. An inmate may receive books, but they must be sent directly from the publisher.

Prior Incarcerations:
Persons who have been in jail during the last six months will not be allowed to visit unless the visitor is the inmate's legal spouse and prior authorization has been obtained by the jail supervisor.

Dress Code:
All visitors must be in proper attire at all times. No one will be allowed entrance wearing the following:

  • Transparent Clothing
  • Seductive Clothing
  • Tube Tops
  • Halter Tops
  • Strapless Tops
  • Backless Tops
  • Spaghetti Straps
  • Short must be at knee length
  • Skirts must be at knee length
  • Visitors who are inappropriately dressed with gang-related clothing, hairstyles or graffiti will be denied visits.

Orderly at All Times:
Any visitor, guest, or child of the visitor is expected to be orderly at all times. Visitor's children will not be allowed to run and or play in the visitation areas. A visitor will be warned that the children must be kept in control at all times. If, after the warning, the problem persists, a detention supervisor will be called to the floor. The supervisor, at their discretion, may allow the visitor to remain or ask the visitor to leave. No child may be left unattended while in the lobby area or during visitation.

Visitors will not be allowed to conduct themselves in a manner which may be considered as lewd. Visitors may not become loud or obscene with their voice or language. Visitors that are disruptive or who violate jail security may be asked to leave by a jail supervisor. Visitors may be banned from future visits by the facility commander based on their actions during the visit. Once a visitor leaves the secured area of the jail they will not be granted return to the secured area during the visiting day.

Visiting Inmates at Dallas County - Lew Sterrett North Tower 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 Dallas TX 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 Dallas Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Dallas County - Lew Sterrett North Tower Jail , located in Dallas, TX, 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.