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Sarasota County South Jail - West Wing Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Sarasota County South Jail - West Wing - 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 941-480-3351 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

Sarasota County Main Jail - West Wing - Visitation

VISITATION HOURS
Internet Visits: 0830am – 1100am and 1200pm – 1800pm Everyday
On-Site Visits: 0900am – 1100am and 1200pm – 1800pm Everyday

VISITATION DAYS
Visitation is available seven days a week.

Inmates that have not yet been classified (typically less than 3 days in jail) or are under special medical observation may not receive personal visits unless approved by administration. Legal visits will be allowed but may be subject to certain restrictions based on client’s condition.

Regulations concerning dress and conduct for all visitors are posted at the entrance to the facility. Failure to follow visitor rules and regulations may result in loss of visitation privileges for the visitor. Visits shall be terminated without notice for any violation of visitation rules.

In addition to on-site visits, friends and family members can choose to schedule a video visit from the comfort of home.

Each internet video visitation session will be $12.00 per 25-minute visit. On-site video visits will continue to be free. Visits can be scheduled and cancelled using either the website or the App. Refunds for internet visits will not be issued. Friends and Family members can schedule an on-site or internet video visit by visiting https://jailvisit.scgov.net/app or by downloading the Android app "GTL Vismobile."

The purpose of visitation is to encourage family contact and provide opportunities for association beneficial to the inmate's overall adjustment.

Appointments can now be made online in the Quick Links section of this Web site's home page or on this page. A kiosk is also available in the Sarasota County Jail lobby for those without internet access. Visits may be scheduled two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours prior to your desired visit. Visits may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to visit. If a visit is canceled in less than the required time frame visitation staff may do so; however the inmate may lose that time block for the week except in special circumstances. Assistance is also available by phone if needed, 941.861.4692.

Inmates are allowed three (3) fifty-minute visitations per week. The maximum number of visitors allowed at each visit is three (3).

Visitors must be an adult (18 years or older) with UNDAMAGED valid photo identification (driver's license, Florida I.D. card, Military I.D. card or passport). Expired, taped or broken identification WILL NOT be accepted. Children may visit only when accompanied by a parent or guardian, and children must have either a photo I.D. or birth certificate, or other legal custody papers such as adoption, ward of court, etc.

  1. Unaccompanied children will not be permitted in the visitation center or jail front lobby. If children are not controlled in visitation or the jail front lobby, the visitor may be asked to leave.
  2. Each inmate is permitted up to three (3) visitors at a time, including children and infants.
  3. Visitors with infants and small children may bring one baby bottle/one diaper/baby wipes/and a blanket. A diaper bag, which will be searched, shall be permitted. No strollers or baby carriers will be allowed.

If you have a visit scheduled and something (such as a court date or medical appointment) interferes with the schedule of the person you are visiting, after you've scheduled the visit, the scheduling program will cancel the visit. You must reschedule the visit once the inmate has returned to his/her housing area. Cancellations may occur due to disciplinary reasons. You will not be able to visit until the inmate has served their disciplinary time and returns to population. Check your email often (& voicemail if applicable), prior to your scheduled visit to make sure your visit hasn't been cancelled. A visit cannot be granted if you show up for a cancelled visitation.

Attorneys generally visit during normal business hours but will be accommodated at any time. However, reasonable delays may occur during certain periods (e.g. meal times, headcounts).

Special visits (family emergencies, death, grave illness) must be approved through Administration.

DRESS CODE

  • No miniskirts
  • No short shorts
  • No halter tops or tops with spaghetti straps
  • No tank tops or muscle shirts
  • No see-through tops
  • No tops that reveal cleavage or midriff
  • No improper messages or images
  • No bare feet

Photographs, writing materials and cell phones are NOT allowed in the visitation area. Visitation can be denied if rules are violated.

ALL VISITS ARE SUBJECT TO MONITORING AND RECORDING

Visiting Inmates at Sarasota County South Jail - West Wing

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 Venice FL 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 Sarasota Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Sarasota County South Jail - West Wing, located in Venice, FL, 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.