Visitation FAQ
NOTICE: New visitation & phone call fees beginning May 31, 2020. Click here to read more.
Beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020, we are suspending visitation at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility (JEPCF). While there are no known or suspected cases at the JEPCF, limiting visitor access will help prevent the potential spread of the virus through person-to-person interaction. Inmates will continue to have access to video visitation services. The JEPCF will reinstate visitation after consulting with the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. That date will be announced at a later time.
To make visitation less confusing, you may want to read through the following questions and answers
1. What can I bring with me to visitation?
The key necessary to operate your vehicle.
Personal identification.
What If I need my prescription medication or medical injections?
If you have a medical condition that requires you to take prescribed medications or injections, you will be permitted to depart the visiting area and take the necessary medications.
Do not dispose of needles and syringes on facility grounds.
I am on oxygen, can I bring my oxygen tank with me?
Yes, subject to search.
Are crutches or wheel chairs allowed?
Yes, subject to search.
I'm bringing a baby to the visit, what about diapers?
You may bring the following baby items:
- A maximum of two (2) diapers
- Two (2) clear baby bottles or two (2) clear sipper cups for toddlers
- Baby wipes in a clear plastic bag
- An infant baby carrier, subject to search
- One (1) set of infant clothing
- and One (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm
2. Items you CANNOT bring to Visitation.
Visitors are warned by public posting at the facility, that introduction of contraband is a felony offense. You may NOT bring the following items:
- Cards or letters
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Lighters or matches
- Food
- Purses
- Cell phones
- Ipods/Mp3 players
- Cameras
- Radios
- Tape Recorders/Players
- Video recorders
- Gifts
- Money or money orders for the inmate
- Pocket knives
- Guns
- Etc.
3. What clothing should I wear to the visitation and what clothing is NOT allowed?
All visitors will dress in proper attire when visiting:
- All clothing worn must be clean and in good repair.
- Appropriate undergarments are required, but should not be visible.
- Clothing will be worn as it is designed to be worn.
- Shoes must be worn at all times, even by children.
- Shorts are permitted but must be knee-length when standing.
- Jogging shorts, cut-offs or hip huggers are prohibited.
The following clothing is NOT allowed:
- Items displaying logos, slogans, pictures or messages with derogatory or offensive ethnic, racial, sexual, gender-specific, gang or political themes.
- Items with advertisements for tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.
- Clothing designed or intended to be tightly worn, to excessively accent the body, such as spandex, leggings, or tights.
- Items made of sheer, transparent, net, or mesh materials.
- Skirts &/or dresses that rest above the knee.
- Garments which unduly expose the shoulders, chest, back, stomach, midriff, and/or underarm. Tops of clothing must be no lower than the person's collarbone in the front and back.
“Visitors should keep in mind that we have no storage areas to keep personal items. All excess items must be left in your vehicle.”These rules will be strictly enforced.
4. Can I visit on a holiday?
Yes, regular visiting is permitted on all holidays.
5. Can I bring an approved minor/child even if I am not the parent?
Yes, minors may only visit when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
6. What are some of the things that can deny or cancel my visitation?
Visitors, including any accompanying children, must maintain the highest level of behavior at all times. Violation of any of the Visitor’s Rules and Regulations will be cause to have your visit denied or canceled. The following are some examples that will cause you to lose your visiting privileges and may cause you to have future privileges revoked:
- Attempting to provide outdated identification
- Failure to follow dress code rules
- Inmate refusal of the visit
- If the inmate is on disciplinary lock down visitation is suspended.
- Yelling, cursing or becoming disruptive in any way
- Disrespect toward facility staff
- Failure to control your accompanying children
- Attempting to communicate with any inmate other than in a visiting booth
- Standing, loitering, waving, yelling anywhere around the facility
- Failure of the visitors and inmates to remain in an upright position at all times
- Lewd conduct or inappropriate behavior by visitors or inmates
- Being under the influence of, or impaired by drugs or alcohol, which could even result in your arrest and prosecution
- The detection of contraband in your possession which also could also subject you to arrest and prosecution.
- Visitation can be denied if you are not on the inmate’s visitation card. You may find out if you are on the Visitation Card by appearing at the facility and presenting a state issued picture identification with a current address.
“You are responsible to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that we have noted on this site. ”
7. Isn't visitation a right?
No. Visitation is a privilege and as such is subject to suspension/revocation if circumstances dictate.
8. What about special visits? How can I arrange one?
You must contact a lieutenant or watch commander of the facility where the inmate is housed for approval. Special visits are not given routinely but are reserved for extenuating circumstances and are granted at the discretion of the lieutenant and watch commander.
9. Who has final authority on visitation?
The lieutenant and watch commander at each facility have the final approval or disapproval authority for each visitation request.
10. Are conjugal visits allowed?
No. Conjugal visits are not allowed.
11. Can I bring in letters, cards, money, or money orders for the inmate?
No. Any cards, letters must be sent through the mail. Deposits can be made to inmate accounts using a kiosk at either Control 3 or the Main Lobby entrance from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Cash, Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards are accepted by the kiosk. Money orders are no longer accepted in the lobby area, they must be mailed to Secure Deposits - Seminole County, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, Missouri 63132 with a Money Order Deposit Form.
12. If I experience a problem during my visitation, whom should I contact?
First contact the visitation clerk. If he/she cannot assist, you may then ask to speak to the sergeant on duty. If you are still unable to resolve the issue, you may ask to speak to the on-duty lieutenant.
13. Whom do I contact about visitation?
With regards to the Visitation Card, the inmate can advise you if you are on his Visitation Card or you can appear at the facility and present a state issued picture identification with a current address and the staff will advise you if you are able to visit. You must be listed on the Visitation Card in order to visit.