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Winnebago County IA Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 20,2024


Visitation Hours

Winnebago County IA Jail - 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 641-585-3632, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

Winnebago County Jail - Visitation

Visiting Information

Clergy may visit Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm with 23-hour notice. Clergy may also visit other times with more notice and pre-approval.

Visitation Procedure

A visitor must be pre-approved by the inmate. Inmate visitation is on Mondays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A visit must be scheduled by calling the Jail at 641-585-3632 between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on the Saturday or Sunday before visitation Monday. Visits are limited to 20 minutes and inmates are limited to two visitation sessions per visitation day. Children must be at least 10 years old and must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other pre-approved relatives. There is only one adult allowed per session, and a maximum of two (persons) per session if one person is a child. All visitors must complete a visitation registration form. You may complete the form online using this Visitor Registration Link (or the link on the left) and hitting the submit button or can arrive early at the Jail to complete the form.

Visitation Rules

●Persons with a valid warrant for their arrest anywhere in the nation will not be able to visit an inmate regardless of the pickup limitations of the warrant.

●Persons who have been incarcerated in the Winnebago County Jail within the last 60 days may not visit an inmate. Persons directly involved with an inmate case (victim, co-defendant etc) will not be allowed to visit without a court order.

●There is no smoking on county property and all visitors are subject to search upon entering the jail facility. All Jail and County rules must be observed by visitors.

●Disruptive behavior in the visitation room by children or adults will not be tolerated. Any disruptive behavior by any person, visitor or inmate, and the visitation will be terminated.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY JAIL VISITATION RULES

1. Visitation is by video and the length of the visit is 20 minutes. Video visitation is controlled by computer and video will shut down automatically after 20 minutes.

2. Visits will be limited to a specific list of visitors identified on the inmate’s visitation list. The list may be changed once a week. The Jail Staff will approve the list prior to visitation.

3. Persons who have served any time in the Winnebago County Jail in the past 60 days will not be allowed to visit another inmate of the Winnebago County Jail. An exception may be made for immediate family members but must be pre-approved.

4. Inmates on certain types of disciplinary restriction may not be permitted visitors. JJudgmentwill prevail over rigid enforcement of the rules and under special circumstances (e.g. family has traveled a considerable distance and was unaware of restrictions). This decision will rest with the Jail Administrator.

5. If any officer has probable cause, he or she may search a visitor to ensure the security and orderly operation of the jail.

6. CELL PHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES are not allowed in the visitation area. Any visitor using an electronic device in the visitation room will lose visitation privileges. Visitors must respect the privacy of other visitors in the video visitation room. All visitors are required to keep the visitation room clean and orderly.

7. Jail Staff will be in the facility area at all times during any visit. Visitation will be monitored.

8. A visit may be denied if reasonable suspicion exists that a visitor might endanger or disrupt The facility or the security of the facility. All visitors 16 years of age and older must be able to provide a photo identification. If a person under the age of 18 can not provide an identification, pre-approval from the Jail Administrator must be obtained. All persons age 18 and older must be able to provide photo identification.

9. Personal property for an inmate is strictly limited. The only personal property allowed are (verifiable) prescription medications, cash for commissary purposes, and two items of underwear in a new package (unopened) and with a sales receipt.

10. Visitation may be cancelled, denied or revoked for loud conduct, misbehaving children, swearing or any behavior which does not respect other people present. Inappropriate dress will be cause for denial of visitation.

11. All visitors must be pre-approved by the inmate and complete the registration form. Visitors must schedule a visit by calling the Jail at 641-585-3632 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on the Saturday or Sunday prior to the visitation Monday they wish to attend.

12. Any person found to have a valid arrest warrant, in any State, will be denied visitation, regardless of the warrant jurisdiction or the warrant service area.

Visiting Inmates at Winnebago County IA 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 Forest City IA 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 Winnebago Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Winnebago County IA Jail, located in Forest City, IA, 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.