NEW GUIDANCE AS OF SEPT. 22, 2020

Custody Operations for Provisional Inmate Visitation Program

The Mercer County Correction Center is pleased to announce a provisional window visitation program to begin on Oct. 2, 2020. In light of the current pandemic, MCCC is instituting a provisional program to provide valuable means of communication between inmates and their family and friends in a COVID-19 pandemic-safe environment. The following provision will be in place during screened visits; utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance dated August 27, 2020, children under 2 years old will not be permitted to visit.

ALL VISITORS/ INMATES MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIME OR THE VISIT WILL BE TERMINATED AND THOSE VISITORS/INMATES WILL REVOKE VISIT PRIVILEGES FOR NO LESS THAN 30 DAYS, UP TO INDEFINITELY.

Shift Commanders:

Commanders will ensure operational readiness and preparedness for all visitation processes. Also they will ensure that all related visitation SOPs are followed with addition of the following and aforementioned provision.

Outside Security Officer:

Must utilize established procedures while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during visitor engagement;

Additionally, the Outside Security Officer will provide the Visitor Pass form and instruct visitor to complete form before entering the lobby. (there will be no writing utensils available for visitors.)

Lobby/Visit Officer:

Visitors will enter lobby and turn left have their temperature taken;

1. Visitor(s) temperature will be taken via infrared thermometer;

a. If temperature is LESS than 100.0; entry will be granted.

b. If temperature is 100.0 or higher; visitor will be escorted to their vehicle and directed to leave the grounds of MCCC

2. Visitor(s) will then proceed to the Officer’s desk and provide valid, unexpired identification to process visit.

3. Visitors will be instructed through search process, visitors face covering should be inspected.

4. Once visit is approved and all entry criteria has been met; visitors will be provided a disinfecting wipe to sanitize visit station.

5. Once visit is complete, visitor(s) will immediately exit and leave MCCC property.

6. Inmate will wear mask for the duration of visit

Upon admission each inmate completes a visitor’s list including name, address, telephone number and the visitor’s relationship to the inmate. Visitors are approved and subject to restrictions by the Warden when a visitor violates the facilities rules and regulations.

Visits are conducted in a screened visit area. Contact visits are not permitted. Special visits may be arranged and approved by the Warden or his/her designee.

General Visit Regulations (Subject to change due to COVID-19)

• Only two (2) visitors are permitted at any one time for screen visits. Screen Visits will have a time limit of up to 1 hour. Persons 17 years of age or younger (except spouse) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Former inmates of the Mercer County Correction Center will not be permitted to visit any inmate at the Correction Center for a period of one (1) year from release date.
• It is required that visitors carry identification cards. Some forms of acceptable IDs are: Drivers License, Welfare Card, Employment ID card, College or School ID, any State ID card, or Valid Passport. Lack of proper identification will be sufficient cause to refuse a visit.
• Visits are permitted throughout the week and weekend, with specific hours depending on the inmate's assigned Living Unit. Inmates should advise family and friends of his/her visiting day. Information can also be obtained from The Correction Center.
• Handbags, paper or plastic bags, baby chairs or children’s toys are not allowed in the visiting area.
• Food and drinks can be purchased from the vending machines in the visiting area.
• No smoking is permitted in the lobby or visiting areas.
• Visitors are not permitted to wear any of the following items in the visiting area: orange-colored clothing, sleeveless shirts, spandex, short shorts, mini-skirts, sheer clothing, low cut blouses, pajama pants, sweaters, coats, jackets, hats or scarves.
• All visitors will be subject to a pat-frisk search prior to entering the visit area.
• Once assigned a seat in the visiting area, there is no switching of seats.