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Please review the Visitor Clothing Rules and General Visiting Rules below to learn more about our visitation processes and rules. Please note, each facility has additional rules that apply only to that facility. All visitors must complete a visitation application, be pre-approved, and placed on the resident’s visitation list prior to visiting.

 

Resident Family Member or Friend:

 

All men sentenced to the NDDOCR are received at the North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) in Bismarck. New arrivals will go through an orientation program for approximately four weeks. During orientation, the rules are explained, and various staff members provide information on the programs available. Upon completion of orientation, the Classification Committee meets with the resident and assigns them a custody level, housing unit, and recommends programming (work, education, and therapy) that may be beneficial for the resident during their incarceration. The resident is then placed in general population at the NDSP, the James River Correctional Center (JRCC) in Jamestown, or the Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC) in Bismarck. All women go through a similar orientation process at the Dakota Women’s Correctional Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) in New England.

 

You can send your loved one a care package after they have completed the orientation program. Visit Access Securepak to learn more about the program, FAQ’s, or to create an account.

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Accordion Section Title
Visitor Clothing Rules
  1. No obscene language, gang references, drug and alcohol references, or other objectionable messages on clothing.
  2. Visitors are not to wear any garment which exposes the cleavage, shoulders, back, stomach, midriff/ underarm. 
  3. Clothing designed or intended to excessively accent the body, is not allowed.
  4. Shorts shall not be worn if more than two inches above the kneecap when standing. Dresses and skirts shall not be less than mid-calf in length. Slit dresses/skirts shall be allowed only if the slit is not more than two inches above the kneecap while standing.
  5. Clothing made of sheer, transparent, net/mesh materials, with metallic ornamentation or any decoration not directly related to the functionality of the clothing is not allowed.
  6. Pants with excessive holes may not be allowed.
  7. Sweatpants are not allowed for any visitors over the age of 16.  Exceptions may be made by the visiting control officer or shift supervisor.  Possible reasons for exceptions may include medical or mobility issues.
  8. Appropriate undergarments are required but should not be visible.
  9. Closed toed shoes are required. Crocs shoes are not allowed.
  10. Visitors are not to wear hats, gloves, scarves, or outer garments, such as topcoats, raincoats, jackets, and similar inclement weather attire in the visiting area.
  11. No jewelry - including no watch - is allowed with the exception of one ring and a pair of studded earrings.
  12. Clothing cannot resemble a resident’s attire. Resident attire is any combination of plain white or grey t-shirt, collared khaki shirt, or khaki pants.

 

In situations where a visitor is found to be in non-compliance with the visitor clothing standard the visitor will not be allowed access to the facility.

Accordion Section Title
General Visiting Rules

These are the general visiting rules that apply to all facilities. Please visit the facility’s visitation page for that facility’s specific rules.

  1. The Chief of Security can place restrictions on those visitors granted special permission. All children must be accompanied by their own parents or legal guardian.
  2. Official photo identification will be required for all persons entering the facility except for those under 16 years of age who are supervised by parent or guardian. Failure to produce ID will be grounds to deny admittance.
  3. A visiting application must be filled out and approved through the proper channels prior to visiting. All visitors' names are checked with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, North Dakota Parole and Probation, and local law enforcement authorities. Anyone with open criminal charges or who have an active warrant for their arrest will not be allowed to visit. Anyone on parole or probation must first complete six months of video visitation, after that time period the parole or probation officer must recommend visitation. Names may be removed or kept off visiting list by security, in order to maintain the orderly running of the institution. Persons who are not on the resident's visiting list may not visit.
  4. Any individual entering the facilities, or their grounds, may be subject to search at any time for contraband articles. This also applies to their personal property. Contraband is any item not specifically authorized by policy. No property or other items will be allowed past the first gate unless approved by security staff.
  5. If a resident is found in possession of contraband upon completion of a visit, or if a visitor declines to be searched, the visitor(s) may be banned pending investigation by the institution.
  6. Once you arrive at the facility for a visit, we ask that you complete a visiting card. The card will be processed, and you will be directed to the visiting area. The Visiting Room Officer will direct you to a seating area.
  7. Each resident has 20 hours of visitation for all in-person visits. Any visit over 10 minutes will be counted as one hour of visitation. These 20 hours of visitation do not include video visits.
Accordion Section Title
Visitation Application, Minor Visitation, Attorney Visitation

Visitation Application:

During the orientation program, residents may send out visiting applications to those visitors they wish to be placed on their list. All visitors must complete a visitation application, be pre-approved, and placed on the resident’s visitation list prior to visiting. If the child(ren) have a different last name than their legal guardian, the applicant must provide a birth certificate or legal guardianship paperwork.


It can take 15 business days to process the visiting application once the facility receives the application. Once applications are processed, it is the resident's responsibility to notify their visitors of the status of the applications. Due to security concerns, application approvals and denials will not be shared over the telephone.

Completed visitation applications must be sent to the facility where the resident is located. Visit our adult facility page for mailing addresses for all facilities.

 

Minor Visitation Information

Applicants can only list their own children on the visitation application or include custody papers along with their application. A Minor Visitation Application is needed if the child cannot be brought in by the parent or legal guardian. The form must be notarized and returned to visitation. Once we receive the application, it then has to be approved.

Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an approved parent, legal guardian or designated person.

If the child(ren) have a different last name than their legal guardian, the applicant must provide a birth certificate or legal guardianship paperwork.

 

Attorney Visitation Information

Please visit our Access to Courts page to learn more about visitation.

 

Accordion Section Title
Video Visitation Information 

Video visitation, both on-site and remote, is now available to our residents and their approved visitors.

  1. You must be on the resident’s approved visitation list before you can sign up for video visitation.
  2. After you have been placed on a resident’s approved visitation list, you can go to www.videovisitanywhere.com and create an account.
  3. Visitors must adhere to regular visitation rules.
  4. The visitor can schedule onsite visits, which can be held in the front lobby of the North Dakota State Penitentiary or the front gate at the James River Correctional Center and are free of charge.
  5. The visitor can also schedule remote visits that are subject to a fee, which will be noted when scheduling. To conduct a remote visit, you will need internet access from a mobile smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam.
  6. Video visitation must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule the visit, you must go to www.videovisitanywhere.com.
    • NDSP hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Central Time
    • JRCC hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Central Time
    • MRCC hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Central Time
Accordion Section Title
Heart River Correctional Center Visiting Rules & Schedule

HRCC Visiting Rules:

All the processes and rules listed in the Visitation Processes and General Rules for all DOCR Facilities apply, in addition to the below rules at HRCC:

  1. All visitors are subject to search upon entering the Heart River Correctional Center.
  2. All visitors must have their photo ID on them when entering the facility, except for those under 16 years of age. Failure to produce an ID will be grounds to deny admittance.
  3. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted unless they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Special permission must be granted by the Deputy Warden for other circumstances and written consent must be given by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
  4. Visitor's vehicle keys will be secured in a locker.
  5. Visitors with small or infant children will be allowed to bring in a pacifier, total of two diapers, two baby bottles, one small jar of baby food (sealed), one Ziploc bag of baby wipes and one small baby blanket. Any formula brought in must be pre-mixed into liquid form. Formula in powder form will not be allowed into the facility.
  6. No other items will be allowed in and must be locked in a vehicle.
  7. Visitors may not exit the visiting room for any reason.
  8. The visiting room is a family experience, so there are rules governing the type and amount of physical contact allowed during the visit. Visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with these rules at the first visit and adhere to them to avoid future problems while in the visiting room.

 

Visiting Schedule:

Arrangements for visitation are made through a case manager, preferable at least 72 hours prior to the visit.

 

  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Accordion Section Title
James River Correctional Center Visiting Rules & Schedule

JRCC Visiting Rules:

All the processes and rules listed in the Visitation Processes and General Rules for all DOCR Facilities apply, in addition to the below rules at JRCC:

  1. Visitor's will be permitted to bring up to $10, in one-dollar bills and quarters only, to use the vending machines located in the visiting room. All money must be in a clear plastic bag for processing. Visitors are responsible for providing their own plastic bag.
  2. Visitors with small or infant children will be allowed to bring in a pacifier, total of two diapers, two baby bottles, one small jar of baby food (sealed), one Ziploc bag of baby wipes and one small baby blanket. Any formula brought in must be pre-mixed into liquid form. Formula in powder form will not be allowed into the facility.
  3. No other items will be allowed in and must be locked in a vehicle. Vehicle keys may be kept at the front gate.
  4. Visitors may have pictures taken with the resident in the visiting room. The cost of a picture is $5.00 or 3 for $10.00.
  5. Visitors must inform the visiting room officer before they exit the visiting room for any reason. Visitors are permitted to leave one time during holiday or weekend visiting (i.e., to eat) and will not be allowed back in for a minimum of one hour.
  6. Visiting is a family experience so there are rules governing the type and amount of physical contact allowed during the visit. Visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with these rules at the first visit and adhere to them to avoid future problems while in the visiting room.

 

Visiting Schedule:

  • Monday: No visiting
  • Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday: No visiting
  • Thursday: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - ADULT ONLY VISITATION
  • Friday: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - ADULT ONLY VISITATION
  • Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Residents with the last name starting with A - L
  • Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - ADULT ONLY VISITATION
  • Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Residents with the last name starting with M - Z

*ADULT ONLY VISITATION means on one under the age of 18 can visit during this time.

Accordion Section Title
James River Minimum Unit Visiting Rules & Schedule

JRMU Visiting Rules:

All the processes and rules listed in the Visitation Processes and General Rules for all DOCR Facilities apply, in addition to the below rules at JRMU:

  1. Visitor's will be permitted to bring up to $10, in one-dollar bills and quarters only, to use the vending machines located in the visiting room. All money must be in a clear plastic bag for processing. Visitors are responsible for providing their own plastic bag.
  2. Visitors with small or infant children will be allowed to bring in a pacifier, total of two diapers, two baby bottles, one small jar of baby food (sealed), one Ziploc bag of baby wipes and one small baby blanket. Any formula brought in must be pre-mixed into liquid form. Formula in powder form will not be allowed into the facility.
  3. No other items will be allowed in and must be locked in a vehicle. Vehicle keys may be kept at the front gate.
  4. Visitors may have pictures taken with the resident in the visiting room. The cost of a picture is $5.00 or 3 for $10.00.
  5. Visitors must inform the visiting room officer before they exit the visiting room for any reason. Visitors are permitted to leave one time during holiday or weekend visiting (i.e., to eat) and will not be allowed back in for a minimum of one hour.
  6. Visiting is a family experience so there are rules governing the type and amount of physical contact allowed during the visit. Visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with these rules at the first visit and adhere to them to avoid future problems while in the visiting room.

 

Visiting Schedule:

  • Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Accordion Section Title
Missouri River Correctional Center Visiting Rules & Schedule

MRCC Visiting Rules:

All the processes and rules listed in the Visitation Processes and General Rules for all DOCR Facilities apply, in addition to the below rules at MRCC:

  1. Visitor's will be permitted to bring in their car keys and up to $10, in one-dollar bills and quarters only, to use the vending machines located in the visiting room. All money must be in a clear plastic bag for processing. Visitors are responsible for providing their own plastic bag.
  2. Visitors with small or infant children will be allowed to bring in a pacifier, total of two diapers, two baby bottles, one small jar of baby food (sealed), one Ziploc bag of baby wipes and one small baby blanket. Any formula brought in must be pre-mixed into liquid form. Formula in powder form will not be allowed into the facility.
  3. No other items will be allowed in and must be locked in a vehicle.
  4. Visitors must inform the visiting room officer before they exit the visiting room for any reason. Visitors are permitted to leave one time during holiday or weekend visiting (i.e., to eat) and will not be allowed back in for a minimum of one hour.

 

Visiting Schedule:

  • Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Accordion Section Title
North Dakota State Penitentiary Visiting Rules & Schedule

NDSP Visiting Rules:

All the processes and rules listed in the Visitation Processes and General Rules for all DOCR Facilities apply, in addition to the below rules at NDSP:

  1. Visitor's will be permitted to bring in up to $10.00, in one-dollar bills and quarters only, to use the vending machines located in the visiting room. All money must be in a clear plastic bag for processing. Visitors are responsible for providing their own plastic bag. *Debit cards are not allowed in the visiting room.
  2. Children under 6 months will be allowed a baby blanket and a pacifier. No additional items will be allowed in.
  3. You may have pictures taken with the resident in the visitation room. The cost of pictures will be charged to the resident’s account. It is the resident's responsibility to schedule the picture. 
    1. Tuesday - Friday: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    2. Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  4. One restroom break is allowed. Visitors must inform the visiting room officer before they exit the visiting room. All visitors are to be reprocessed before returning to the visiting room. Visitors leaving the facility are not permitted to return until a full hour has passed.

 

Visiting Schedule:

  • Monday: No visiting
  • Tuesday: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - ADULT ONLY VISITATION
  • Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - ADULT ONLY VISITATION
  • Saturday: Noon - 3:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • BIU Secured Visiting: Visitors can sign up for two (2) consecutive 20 minute video visits for a total of 40 minutes of visiting.

*Doors open at 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays and close at 2:30 p.m.
 

Holiday Visiting Hours 2024:

  • Monday, January 1 - New Year's Day
  • Monday, January 24 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Friday, March 29 - Good Friday
  • Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day
  • Thursday, July 4 - Independence Day
  • Monday, September 2 - Labor Day
  • Monday, November 11 - Veteran's Day
  • Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Day
  • Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
     
Accordion Section Title
North Dakota Youth Correctional Center Visiting Rules & Schedule

NDYCC Visiting Rules:

  1. Any visitors experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be encouraged to complete a COVID-19 test prior to the juvenile’s arrival to Centennial Hall.
  2. Arrangements for visitation are made through Case Manager and/or Program Director, preferably at least 72 hours prior to the visit. The number of visits scheduled for any given time will be at the discretion of scheduling staff to maintain PREA ratio compliance.
  3. Visitor(s) will report directly to the Visitation Coordinator in Centennial Hall and will identify themselves and name the NDYCC juvenile they are scheduled to visit.  Proper picture identification may be requested at the time of the visit. Visitors are not allowed to walk around campus.
  4. Visitor(s) and their personal belongings are subject to search by the Visitation Coordinator or other NDYCC staff if circumstances arise to maintain order and security; which could include the use of a metal detector (wand).
  5. Purses/handbags and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to search by the Visitation Coordinator’s discretion. Cellular phones will be kept in the parking lot or turned over to the Visitation Coordinator for safekeeping until the conclusion of the visit. 
  6. Visitor(s) must be appropriately dressed.  Appropriate dress is at the discretion of the Visitation Coordinator.
  7. No food items, including candy, gum, chips, baked goods, and beverages, etc. are to be brought into Centennial Hall. 
  8. No items such as radios, stereos, headsets, newspapers, books, cameras, cellular phones, mail, electronic games, board games and cards of any kind, etc. are allowed.  A variety of games and playing cards will be available for use during the visit.  These may be obtained from the Visitation Coordinator. 
  9. No picture taking is allowed during a visit.
  10. Visitor(s) may bring funds, stamps or personal pictures for the juveniles.  The item(s) must be processed (examined and sealed in an envelope) by the Visitation Coordinator prior to the juvenile’s return to the cottage.  Any personal items must be pre-approved by cottage staff and documented on the juvenile’s visitation slip by cottage staff.  These items will be presented to and processed by the Visitation Coordinator. 
  11. Once the visitor(s) arrives in Centennial Hall, they must remain in the building until the entire visitation process is completed. 
  12. Upon completion of the visit, the visitor(s) will remain inside Centennial Hall and near the Visitation Coordinator until confirmation is received that the juvenile has arrived at his or her cottage.  Only then may the visitor(s) depart the visitation areas.
  13. The Visitation Coordinator has the authority to terminate a visit at any time that he or she believes the NDYCC’s basic rules are being ignored or for any other reason they believe detrimental to safety and security.
  14. Anyone planning a visit to NDYCC requiring an auxiliary aid or service must contact and notify Mr. Casey Traynor at 701-667-1400 or ND Relay at 1-800-366-8888 at least five days prior to the scheduled visit.

Visiting Schedule:

  • Pine Cottage:
    • Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Brown Cottage:
    • Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.