Visiting Federal Detention Center: Your Complete Guide to Seeing Your Loved One

Visiting Federal Detention Center: Your Complete Guide to Seeing Your Loved One

The Phone Call That Changes Everything

Your husband calls from a number you dont recognize. His voice sounds weird – strained, exhausted. “I’ve been arrested. Federal charges. I’m at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.” Then theres silence, crackling on the line. “Can you come see me? I dont know how long they’ll keep me here before I make bail.”

Your hands are shaking. You’ve never been to a jail or prison in you’re life. You dont know what a detention center even looks like, how to get in, what your allowed to bring, if they’ll even let you see him.

Your googling frantically: “How to visit federal detention center” “What to bring to jail visit” “Can I hug my husband in detention?” The information is scattered, confusing, sometimes contradictory. Some websites say one thing, facility websites say another. You need clear answers NOW because your planning to drive there tomorrow morning.

This guide tells you everything you need to know to visit someone in federal pre-trial detention – the practical details nobody explains until you’ve already made mistakes.

Understanding What Federal Detention Centers Are (And Aren’t)

First, lets clarify what your dealing with. A federal detention center is NOT the same as county jail or state prison.

Federal detention centers hold people who are charged with federal crimes and awaiting trial. They havent been convicted yet – there legally innocent until proven guilty. Some will make bail and get released. Others will stay detained until trial (sometimes 12-18 months).

These are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Major detention centers include:

• Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn, NY
• Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) Chicago, IL
• Federal Detention Center (FDC) SeaTac, WA
• FDC Houston, TX
• Many others across the country

The rules are generally similar across all federal facilities, but each detention center has its own specific policies. You MUST check the specific facility’s website or call ahead before your first visit.

How Federal Detention Is Different From County Jail

Federal facilities usually have:

• Stricter security – More thorough searches, more rules about clothing and items
• More limited visiting hours – Often only weekends or specific weekday afternoons
• Better conditions – Cleaner, less chaotic than county jails (usually)
• More professional staff – Federal corrections officers vs local sheriff deputies
• Longer distances – Fewer federal facilities mean you might drive 2-3 hours for visit

Before You Go: Essential Preparation Steps

Dont just show up at the detention center hoping to get in. You’ll be turned away. Here’s what you MUST do before your first visit:

Step 1: Confirm the Inmate Is Actually There

Inmates get moved between facilities without notice. Before you drive 3 hours to MDC Brooklyn, confirm your loved one is still there.

Use the BOP Inmate Locator: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/

Enter the inmates name or registration number. It will show:

• Current location
• Release date (if sentenced) or “Not Available” (if pre-trial)
• Inmate registration number (you’ll need this)

Alternatively, call the detention center directly and ask if the inmate is housed there. Have the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth ready.

Step 2: Get On the Approved Visitor List

This is critical. At most federal detention centers, you CANNOT visit unless your on the inmates approved visitor list. The inmate has to add you.

How this works:

1. Inmate requests visitor form from unit counselor or case manager
2. Inmate fills out form with your full name, address, date of birth, relationship, phone number
3. Facility runs background check on you (usually takes 1-3 days)
4. You get approved or denied
5. You can then visit

Some facilities allow “immediate family” (spouse, parent, child) to visit without pre-approval on first visit, but call ahead to confirm. Dont assume.

Step 3: Know the Visiting Schedule

Federal detention centers dont have visiting hours every day or all day. Typical schedule:

Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): 8:30am – 3:00pm
Weekdays: Maybe one or two afternoons per week (like Tuesday/Thursday 5-8pm)
Federal holidays: Usually NO visits

Check the specific facility’s website or call. Visiting hours are STRICT – if it says visiting ends at 3pm, you must leave at 3pm, no exceptions.

Pro tip: Saturday/Sunday morning (8:30-10:00am) has shortest wait times. Afternoon visits have 2+ hour waits to get through security. If you arrive at 8am before doors open, your first in line.

Step 4: Understand Visit Limits

Most federal detention centers limit visits to 2 visits per week, each visit lasting 1-2 hours.

So you cant visit Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. You get TWO visits total per week. Choose strategically – like Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning to spread them out.

Once you’ve used your 2 visits, you have to wait until next week. The week usually resets on Monday.

What to Wear: The Dress Code That Gets People Turned Away

This is where tons of people make mistakes and get rejected at the door. Federal detention centers have STRICT dress codes. Violate them and your not getting in, period.

General Dress Code Rules

NOT allowed:

• Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (khaki pants, orange shirts, all-brown or all-tan outfits)
• Camouflage or military-style clothing
• Revealing clothing (short skirts, low-cut tops, tank tops, shorts above knee)
• See-through or sheer clothing
• Clothing with holes or rips
• Hats or head coverings (except religious reasons)
• Hoodies or sweatshirts with hoods
• Sleeveless shirts
• Clothing with offensive language or images
• Underwire bras (they set off metal detector)
• Excessive jewelry
• Shoes with steel toes or high heels over 2 inches

Safe choices:

• Dark jeans or dress pants (not khaki/tan)
• Long-sleeve shirt or blouse
• Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or flats)
• Sports bra or bralette (no underwire)
• Minimal jewelry (wedding ring and small earrings okay)

Pro tip: Bring a backup outfit in your car. If your rejected for dress code violation, you can change in the parking lot and try again.

What About Children?

Kids visiting must follow same dress code (no revealing clothing, no certain colors). Also:

• Children under 16 need birth certificate or school ID, plus ID of adult accompanying them
• Some facilities require children to be on approved visitor list too
• Very young children (under 5) might be allowed without pre-approval, but call ahead

What You Can (and Absolutely Cannot) Bring Inside

Federal detention centers are EXTREMELY strict about what you can bring in. Bring the wrong thing and it gets confiscated, or you get denied entry.

What You CAN Bring (Usually)

• Valid government-issued photo ID (drivers license, passport, state ID) – REQUIRED
• Car key (single key only, no bulky keychain)
• Small amount of cash ($20-40) for vending machines in visiting room (quarters, $1 bills, $5 bills – no larger bills)
• Clear plastic bag with baby items if visiting with infant (diapers, bottle, wipes) – must be inspected
• Medication if absolutely necessary (in original prescription bottle, will be inspected and held at desk)

What You CANNOT Bring (Will Be Rejected)

• Cell phones or any electronic devices
• Purses, bags, backpacks, wallets (except clear plastic bag for baby items)
• Keys except single car key
• Cigarettes, lighters, matches
• Food or drinks (except baby bottles)
• Gum or candy
• Books, magazines, newspapers
• Makeup, lipstick, chapstick
• Pens or pencils
• Cameras
• Coats or jackets (you’ll have to leave in locker)
• Anything metal that will set off detector

Important: Most detention centers have lockers outside the facility where you can store prohibited items. Bring quarters for the locker. Dont bring valuables – lockers get broken into sometimes.

The “Nothing In Your Pockets” Rule

Empty ALL pockets before going through security. No tissues, no receipts, no loose change (except what your bringing for vending machines, kept in hand). Guards will make you turn pockets inside out.

The Visit Process: Step-by-Step What to Expect

Okay, your dressed appropriately, you’ve got your ID and car key, you’ve confirmed visiting hours. Here’s exactly what happens when you arrive:

Arrival and Check-In (30-60 minutes)

Step 1: Park and secure belongings. Park in visitor parking. Leave EVERYTHING you cant bring inside locked in your car. Only carry: ID, car key, small amount of cash.

Step 2: Enter facility and wait. Theres usually a separate entrance for visitors (signs will direct you). You’ll wait in a lobby area with other visitors. Weekends can have 50+ people waiting.

Step 3: Sign in. When called, approach the desk. Provide your ID and the inmates name and registration number. Guard will check:
– Your on the approved visitor list
– You havent exceeded visit limits for the week
– Your ID matches visitor list information

If everythings okay, you sign the visitor log with time of arrival.

Step 4: Security screening. You’ll go through metal detector like at airport. Remove shoes, belt (if it has metal buckle), put car key and cash in tray. Walk through detector. If it beeps, you’ll be wanded or patted down.

Some facilities use more advanced screening (body scanners). Follow officers instructions.

Step 5: Wait for escort. After clearing security, you wait in a holding area until guard escorts your group to visiting room. This can take 15-30 minutes.

The Visit Itself (1-2 hours)

You’ll be escorted to visiting room. Its usually a large room with small tables and chairs, vending machines on one side, guards stationed around the room, cameras everywhere.

Contact vs Non-Contact Visits:

Most federal detention centers allow contact visits for family members. This means:

• You can sit at a table together (no barrier or glass between you)
• You can hug at the beginning and end of visit (brief, appropriate)
• You can hold hands across the table (usually okay)
• You CANNOT sit on inmates lap, kiss excessively, or have any inappropriate contact

If you violate contact rules, visit will be terminated and you might be banned from future visits.

Some facilities or high-security inmates have non-contact visits – talking through glass window with phones. This is less common in detention centers (more common in prisons).

What You Can Talk About

All visits are monitored. Guards are watching and listening. Cameras record everything.

Dont discuss:

• The criminal case details (this is recorded and can be used against inmate)
• Other inmates or jail conditions in critical way
• Plans to smuggle contraband or help inmate escape (obviously)
• Witness tampering or destroying evidence

Safe topics:

• Family updates (kids, relatives)
• Emotional support and love
• Practical matters (commissary deposits, who’s managing finances)
• Plans for after release/bail
• Memories and positive shared experiences

Inmates defense attorney can discuss case details during attorney visits (which are confidential). Regular family visits are NOT the place for case strategy.

Using Vending Machines

Most visiting rooms have vending machines with snacks and drinks. You can buy items with the cash you brought and share with inmate during visit. This is often the only “real food” they get (detention food is notoriously bad).

Popular items: Candy bars, chips, soda, coffee, sandwiches. Prices are inflated ($3 for candy bar, $2.50 for soda).

Bring singles and quarters – machines often dont give change or dont accept larger bills.

Ending the Visit

When visiting time is over (or when you decide to leave early), you’ll hug goodbye (brief, appropriate), and inmate will be escorted back to their unit. You’ll wait until guards call you to leave, then you’ll be escorted back out through security.

Sign out at the front desk with time of departure.

Bringing Children to Visit Their Incarcerated Parent

This is emotionally complicated. Should you bring the kids? How do you prepare them? What if it traumatizes them?

Age Considerations

Children under 5: Very young kids often dont understand whats happening. The strange environment, seeing parent in uniform, guards everywhere – it can be confusing and scary. Some parents wait until child is older. Others believe maintaining connection is important even if child wont remember.

Ages 6-12: Kids this age can understand (age-appropriately) that parent is in detention. They can handle visit if prepared properly. Seeing parent reassures them that parent is okay and still loves them.

Teens: Teenagers can decide if they want to visit. Dont force them. Some teens refuse out of anger, embarrassment, or fear. Respect their choice but leave door open for future visits.

Preparing Children for Visit

Before first visit, explain:

• “Well go through security like at the airport. They’ll check our IDs and we’ll walk through a metal detector.”
• “Daddy will be wearing different clothes (a uniform). It might look strange but hes still daddy.”
• “There will be guards in the room and other families visiting too. It might be loud and busy.”
• “We can hug daddy when we get there and when we leave, but during the visit we’ll sit at a table and talk.”
• “We can only stay for [time limit]. When times up, we have to leave even if you dont want to.”
• “Its okay to feel nervous or sad. I’ll be with you the whole time.”

During the Visit

Let child lead. If they want to sit quietly, thats okay. If they want to talk a lot, thats okay too. Dont force cheerfulness.

Bring topics of conversation: “Tell daddy about your soccer game” “Show daddy your school project” (if you have photos on paper – cant bring phone).

If child becomes upset and wants to leave early, leave. Dont force them to stay.

After the Visit

Debrief in age-appropriate way: “How did that feel?” “Do you want to visit again?” “What was the hardest part?”

Some kids are fine after one visit and want to go regularly. Others are traumatized and dont want to return. Both reactions are valid.

Video Visitation: Alternative to In-Person Visits

Many federal detention centers now offer video visitation as an alternative or supplement to in-person visits.

How Video Visitation Works

You schedule video visit through facility’s approved vendor (usually a third-party company). You’ll need:

• Computer with webcam or smartphone/tablet
• Good internet connection
• Account with video visit provider
• Payment (video visits usually cost $10-25 for 25-30 minutes)

You log in at scheduled time, inmate is brought to video visitation room at facility, you video chat for allotted time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No travel required – especially helpful if detention center is 3+ hours away
• More frequent contact possible
• Can do from home in comfortable environment
• Kids might be more comfortable at home than in intimidating detention center

Cons:

• Costs money (in-person visits are free)
• Quality can be poor (glitchy video, audio cutting out)
• No physical contact (cant hug)
• Still monitored and recorded
• Some facilities count video visits toward weekly visit limits

Check Facility Policy

Ask: Does video visit count toward 2-visit-per-week limit? Or can you do 2 in-person visits PLUS video visits?

Some facilities allow unlimited video visits. Others count them toward limits.

Depositing Money for Commissary: How to Help From Outside

You cant bring your loved one money or gifts during visits, but you CAN deposit money into their commissary account so they can buy necessities and small comforts.

What Is Commissary?

Commissary is the “store” inside detention center where inmates can buy:

• Hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant – jail-issued versions are terrible)
• Food (ramen noodles, chips, candy, coffee – supplements terrible jail food)
• Clothing (socks, t-shirts, sweatpants)
• Phone cards or electronic messaging credits
• Stamps and envelopes for letters

Inmates can usually shop once or twice a week. They order items, it comes to their unit, they pay from their account balance.

How to Deposit Money

Several methods:

1. Online through BOP website: https://www.bop.gov/inmates/communications.jsp – Use credit/debit card, fees apply ($2-5 per transaction), usually posts within 24 hours

2. MoneyGram: Go to Walmart or CVS with MoneyGram service. Provide inmates name, registration number, facility name. Pay cash or card. Fees ~$5. Posts within 24-48 hours.

3. Mail a money order: Buy postal money order (NOT personal check), make it out to inmates full name and registration number, mail to facility. Slowest method (7-10 days) but no electronic fees.

How Much to Send

Most people send $50-150/month. That covers basic hygiene, some better food, and phone/email credits.

Theres usually a monthly limit (like $320/month) on how much an inmate can spend, so sending huge amounts doesnt help.

Why This Matters

Commissary money significantly improves quality of life in detention. Better soap, real deodorant, decent toothpaste, drinkable coffee, edible snacks – these things matter enormously when your living in a cell.

It also shows your loved one that you care and your supporting them, which matters for morale.

Common Mistakes That Get Visits Denied

Learn from other peoples mistakes:

Mistake 1: Not confirming inmate is still at that facility. Inmates get transferred without notice. Call ahead.

Mistake 2: Wearing underwire bra. It sets off metal detector. Wear sports bra or bralette.

Mistake 3: Bringing cell phone. Most common mistake. Leave it in your car. Some facilities have lockers but dont risk it.

Mistake 4: Not having valid ID. Expired drivers license doesnt work. Bring passport if DL is expired.

Mistake 5: Arriving at 2:45pm when visiting ends at 3pm. Youll be turned away. Arrive early, account for security wait time.

Mistake 6: Exceeding visit limits. If you visited Monday and Wednesday, you cant visit again until next week.

Mistake 7: Bringing children without proper ID. Birth certificate or school ID required for minors.

Mistake 8: Getting into argument with guards. They have total discretion to deny your visit. Be respectful even if frustrated.

Emotional Reality: Taking Care of Yourself

Visiting detention center is emotionally exhausting. The drive, the security process, the sterile environment, seeing your loved one in uniform behind fences – its traumatic every time.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel

Its okay to cry in the parking lot after visit. Its okay to feel angry, sad, helpless, frustrated. This is hard.

Dont pretend to be strong 24/7. Find someone you can talk to – friend, family member, therapist, support group.

Set Boundaries

You dont have to visit every single week if its destroying you emotionally or financially. Its okay to say “I can visit twice a month instead of twice a week.”

Video visits can supplement or replace some in-person visits if travel is too much.

Support Groups

Look for family support groups for people with incarcerated loved ones. Talking to others in same situation helps enormously. They understand what your going through.

Phone Calls and Email: Staying Connected Between Visits

Since visits are limited to 2 per week, you’ll rely heavily on phone calls and electronic messaging between visits.

Phone Calls From Detention

Federal detention phone systems are expensive and restrictive. Heres how it works:

Collect calls only: Inmate calls you collect. You cant call them. They have to initiate all calls.

Expensive rates: Federal inmate phone calls cost $0.25-0.50 per minute. A 15-minute call costs $4-7. It adds up fast if your talking daily.

Time limits: Calls are usually limited to 15 minutes and automatically disconnect. Inmate can call back but has to get back in line for the phone.

Monitoring: All calls are recorded and monitored except attorney calls. Dont discuss case details or anything incriminating.

Approved numbers: Inmate must put your phone number on their approved call list. Facility does brief verification. Some facilities limit how many numbers can be on the list (like 10-30 numbers total).

Setting Up Phone Account

You’ll need to set up prepaid account with the detention centers phone provider (usually companies like Securus or GTL). You deposit money in advance, calls deduct from your balance.

Minimum deposit usually $25-50. Most people add $50-100/month depending on call frequency.

TRULINCS Email System

Federal Bureau of Prisons uses TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) for electronic messaging. Its like email but slower and monitored.

How it works:

• You create account at https://www.corrlinks.com
• Inmate sends you contact request from inside detention center
• You accept request
• You can then exchange messages

Limitations:

• Messages are monitored and can take hours to get approved/delivered
• No photos or attachments
• Character limit per message (around 13,000 characters)
• Inmate pays for messages from their commissary account
• Not all detention centers have TRULINCS access yet

Its not instant messaging – more like slow email. But its better than nothing and cheaper than constant phone calls.

Mailing Letters and Photos

Old-fashioned letters are still valuable. Inmates cherish physical mail because it gives them something tangible to hold onto and reread.

What You Can Mail

Letters: Write on regular paper, use regular envelope. Will be opened and inspected but not usually read unless theres security concern.

Photos: You can send photos (4×6 standard size works best). Some facilities limit how many photos per envelope (like 10 photos max). Photos must be appropriate – no nudity, no gang signs, no images of weapons or drugs.

Greeting cards: Birthday cards, holiday cards, thinking-of-you cards – all allowed. Avoid cards with glitter, stickers, or anything that could conceal contraband.

What You CANNOT Mail

• Cash or checks (use money order for commissary deposits)
• Stamps (they can buy in commissary)
• Food or candy
• Perfume or cologne (spraying letters with perfume will get them rejected)
• Stickers, glitter, tape
• Large packages or boxes
• Books or magazines (usually must come directly from publisher)

Address Format

Use inmates full legal name and registration number:

John Michael Smith #12345-678
Metropolitan Detention Center
P.O. Box 329002
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Check facility website for exact mailing address – some facilities have specific P.O. boxes for inmate mail.

If Your Loved One Gets Moved: Tracking Facility Transfers

Federal inmates get transferred between facilities sometimes without warning. One day there at MDC Brooklyn, next week there at FDC Philadelphia. This disrupts visits, phone calls, mail – everything.

Why Transfers Happen

• Overcrowding at current facility
• Moved closer to court location for upcoming hearings
• Security reclassification
• Inmate requested transfer (compassionate reasons like being closer to family)
• Disciplinary issues

Pre-trial detainees move more often than sentenced inmates because there being transported for court appearances.

How to Track Transfers

Use BOP Inmate Locator (https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/) – updates usually within 24-48 hours of transfer.

Sign up for notifications through TRULINCS if available – you’ll get email when inmate is moved.

Call the facility if inmate suddenly stops calling or doesnt show up for scheduled video visit – they might have been transferred.

What to Do When They Transfer

1. Update your visitor registration at new facility (you’ll need to get approved again)
2. Update phone account to new facility’s system
3. Send new letter to new address so they know you know where they are
4. Research new facility’s visiting hours and policies (every facility is different)

Long-Term Reality: When Pre-Trial Detention Drags On

Some federal defendants stay in pre-trial detention for 12-18 months waiting for trial. If bail was denied or set too high, your loved one could be in detention center for over a year before case even goes to trial.

This is emotionally exhausting for families. The initial crisis mode cant be sustained for 18 months. You need sustainable long-term approach.

Creating Sustainable Visit Routine

Twice weekly visits might not be sustainable long-term, especially if you have kids, a job, and detention center is 2+ hours away. Its okay to reduce to once a week or twice a month if needed.

Supplement with phone calls, emails, letters. Mix of contact methods keeps connection strong without burning you out.

Managing Childrens Expectations

If kids are visiting regularly and asking “When is daddy coming home?” you have to balance honesty with hope. “We dont know exactly when. The legal process takes a long time. But we’ll keep visiting and talking to him, and when he can come home, he will.”

Some families reduce childrens visits over time if the emotional toll is too high. This is okay. Maintaining connection through phone calls and letters might be healthier than constant traumatic detention visits.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Your not just a visitor – your a person dealing with your own trauma. Get therapy for yourself. Join support group for families of incarcerated people. Take breaks when needed.

Martyring yourself doesnt help anyone. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first.

Your Doing Something Incredibly Difficult

Visiting federal detention center is not easy. The rules are strict, the process is dehumanizing, the emotional toll is heavy.

But your showing up. Your maintaining connection with your loved one during one of the hardest times of their life. That matters more than you know.

Take it one visit at a time. Your stronger than you think.

Action steps for your first visit:

1. Confirm inmate location using BOP Inmate Locator
2. Check visiting hours for specific facility
3. Plan outfit (no underwire bra, avoid khaki/orange)
4. Bring only: ID, single car key, small cash for vending
5. Arrive early (30 minutes before visiting hours start)
6. Be patient with security process
7. Focus on emotional connection, not case details

You’ve got this. One visit at a time.