When a friend or loved one has been incarcerated, it’s natural that you’ll want to go visit them — but the idea of jail visitation can be intimidating.
Before you go, learn the rules and regulations for visiting an inmate who is incarcerated in the Raleigh, N.C. jail.
Who Can Visit?
In order to visit someone who has been detained in Wake County, you must:
- Be over the age of 18, or if under the age of 18, accompanied by your parent or legal guardian
- Submit a complete application
- Show government-issued ID if you are over the age of 16
Who Can’t Visit?
Official approval for jail visitation either will be denied or may be denied if you:
- Are on felony probation
- Have a prior felony conviction (in most cases)
- Are a co-dependent with the inmate in a pending case
- Have a warrant out for your arrest
- Do not pass a background check
- Are court-ordered not to have contact with the inmate
The Wake County Detention Center reserves the right to deny visitation to anyone at any time or for any reason.
When and How Often Can Someone Visit An Inmate?
Each inmate may receive up to two visitors each week, either two adults or one adult and one child. However, both visitors must visit at the same time. This is because inmates in Wake County are allowed only one 30-minute visit each week.
Visiting days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, except on holidays. You can visit anytime between 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and again between 4–6:30 p.m., but visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling the detention center.
Visitors who are traveling a long distance, or who are from out-of-state, may be granted a longer visitation period.
What Should A Visitor Wear to the Detention Center?
Jail visitation requires adherence to a dress code for safety reasons. Visitors may not wear:
- Revealing or see-through clothing
- Skirts or dresses that do not reach mid-thigh
- Tank tops or sleeveless shirts (all shirt sleeves must reach halfway to the elbow)
- Clothing that depicts obscenity, profanity, drug use, or gun use
- Clothing that portrays or indicates gang affiliation
- Clothing that reveals undergarments
The staff at the jail will turn away anyone who doesn’t follow the dress code.
Is There Anything Else to Understand Before A Jail Visitation?
If you’re apprehensive or anxious about visiting an inmate in the Wake County Detention Center, you may find it helpful to understand what jail visitations entail.
When you arrive, you’ll be asked to put all personal items, with the exception of your government-issued ID, into a locker. After checking in, you’ll be escorted to the visiting area, where your visit will take place from behind a plexiglass shield. Some visits may occur via video conferencing.
You won’t be allowed to give anything to the inmate. Leave presents, books, and money at home. Anyone who brings contraband into a jail may face prosecution.
If you’re bringing children with you, they must be supervised at all times. Visitors who are disruptive will be asked to leave the facility, and may even have future visiting privileges revoked.
Your loved one or friend will probably be eagerly anticipating your visit, so it’s important to abide by the rules of the detention center to ensure that your visit takes place as scheduled. If you have additional questions, call the Wake County Detention Center at 919-856-5952.
