This is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to visit a friend or family member who is incarcerated in Alabama. Most of what is highlighted on this page comes straight from the Department of Corrections Visitation administrative regulation.
When an inmate is first incarcerated in Alabama they will be required to fill out ADOC Form 303-F which allows them to list all immediate family members. This form must be returned within 30 days. In addition an inmate will fill out a Form 303-A which will list visitors who the inmate wants on their active visitation list.
Before an inmate can have visitors they have a 60 day waiting period in which they earn their visiting privileges.
Each inmate is allowed no more than eight adult visitors to be active at any given time on their visitation list.
Those incarcerated who have children will identify them on ADOC form 303-A and fill out form 303-B which is the Request for Minor Children to visit. Only 4 minors are allowed to visit with an inmate in a single visit.
Visitors of Alabama inmates must abide by the following rules:
All adult visitors must have a valid photo ID and be on the inmates approved visitation list, or have their special visit pre approved by the warden.
All visitors and their belongings will be searched.
All unapproved items found on visitors must be returned to their vehicle.
Visitors providing false information are attempting to bring in contraband may face possible criminal charges.
Visiting schedules can change suddenly and without notice.
Visitors must wear a complete set of undergarments.
Visitors with babies are allowed no more then 4 disposable diapers, one of which is changed and searched during entry. A single small baby blanket and 2 plastic baby bottles.
Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts must extend below the knee. Splits/Slits must be knee length or lower.
All blouses and skits must be long enough to cover the waist and chest area.
Sitting in laps and showing affection through inappropriate ways is prohibited. Only a brief hug and kiss at the time of entry and the time of exit is permitted.
Visitors may not bring or leave any items for inmates.
Visitors who appear under the influence of any intoxicant will be reason to be denied entry to visitation.
Adult visitors may bring no more then $20 for the vending machines.
Refusal to comply with visitation rules and procedures will result in removal from visitation.
Inmates may not carry any items away from the visitation area.
Inmates are strip searched once they exit visitation.
If you are the victim of the inmate you will not be allowed to visit.
If you are a current or former ADOC employee you will not be allowed to visit an inmate without special approval from the warden.
Visitors who are planning on wearing religious headwear must submit a written request a minimum of 30 days prior to their visit, upon approval they may visit but their headwear will be searched.
Up to four adults and four minors may visit an inmate at a single visitation session, but all must be on the approved visitors list. Additionally, children must be supervised and not cause a disruption during visitation.
Restricted/Prohibited Items:
Sunglasses (with the exception of prescription)
Electronics, including cell phones, video games, radios, laptops, etc
Jewelry, except a wedding band
Medication, except prescribed by a doctor and approved by the warden
Tobacco products of any kind
Firearms and other weapons
Purses, briefcases and duffel bags
Hats, caps, scarves
white or clothing that appears white
wigs, except if prescribed by a doctor and with approval from the warden
scrubs
sundresses/sleeveless shirts
shorts, stretch pants, and tight fitting trousers/elastic type fabrics
slippers, beach shoes
tight fitting, sheer and see through clothing is not allowed
Attorneys follow a different set of rules for visiting, they must first submit a written request to the warden, or to a special designee who handles such matters for the warden. The request requires a minimum of 24 hours to be considered for approval. All attorney request should include the following:
- The inmates full committed name and AIS number with the specific legal reason for the visit.
- Date and time requested
- The attorney or legal assistants valid drivers license number, state issue including the bar identification number and professional organization number.
- Any other information that should be conveyed about the visit
For more information you can read the Alabama administrative regulation on visitation here.