State of Connecticut
Department of Correction

ADMINISTRATIVE
DIRECTIVE
Approved By

Directive Number

10.6

Effective Date

Page

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Supersedes

Inmate Visits, dated 6/15/2004
Title

Inmate Visits
Section 5(E)(1)(a) on page 6 updated on 11/14/2006.
1.

Policy. The Department of Correction shall provide for visits to
inmates in accordance with sound correctional practices. Except as
required by law, visitation shall be considered a privilege and no
inmate shall have entitlement to a visit.

2.

Authority and Reference.
A.
B.

C.

D.

E.

3.

Connecticut General Statutes, Sections 18-81, 18-81v, 46b-38aa,
46b-38nn, 46b-38oo and 53a-174 through 53a-174b.
American Correctional Association, Standards for the
Administration of Correctional Agencies, Second Edition, April
1993, Standard 2-CO-5D-01.
American Correctional Association, Standards for Adult
Correctional Institutions, Fourth Edition, January 2003,
Standards 4-4156, 4-4267, 4-4275, 4-4498 through 4-4504.
American Correctional Association, Performance-Based Standards
for Adult Local Detention Facilities, Fourth Edition, June 2004,
Standards 4-ALDF-2A-61 and 4-ALDF-5B-01 through 4-ALDF-5B-04.
Administrative Directives 3.7, Inmate Monies; 6.6, Reporting of
Incidents; 6.7, Searches Conducted in Correctional Facilities;
6.10, Inmate Property; 6.14, Security Risk Groups; 9.4,
Restrictive Status; 9.5, Code of Penal Discipline; 10.4,
Volunteer and Recreation Services; and 10.7, Inmate
Communications.

Definitions. For the purposes stated herein, the following definitions
apply:
A.
B.

C.
D.

E.
F.
G.
H.

Adult. A person age 18 or above.
Attorney Representative. An employee of, or retained by, a legal
firm or organization to include: investigator, social worker,
paralegal, certified legal intern, or retained expert.
Child. A person under the age of 18.
Child Visit. A child who is accompanied by an authorized adult
(i.e., an adult immediate family member who is on the approved
visiting list, a legal guardian, an adult properly authorized by
the Department of Children and Families, or an adult approved by
the Unit Administrator) for the purpose of visiting an inmate who
is an immediate family member.
Civil Union. The union of a same-sex couple legally recognized by
the Connecticut General Statutes.
Contact Visit. A meeting between an inmate and an approved person
which is not separated by a screen or solid glass partition.
Courtesy Visit. A visit granted to an immediate family member
prior to the visitor application being processed and approved.
Extended Family Visit. A prolonged visit between an inmate and
specified immediate family member(s), and/or a legal guardian, in
a designated secure area separate from the inmate population.

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Title

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I.

J.
K.

L.

M.

N.
O.

P.

Q.

R.

4.

Immediate Family Member. An inmate's legal spouse or civil union
partner, parent, grandparent, sibling or child; to include a
step/foster relationship.
Marriage. The union of one male and one female legally recognized
by the Connecticut General Statutes.
Non-Contact Visit. A meeting between an inmate and an approved
person which is separated by a screen, solid glass partition, or
other partition which physically separates visitor from inmate.
Privileged Visit. A special meeting between an inmate and a
judge, the Governor, Legislator, Attorney General, Probation
Officer, Sentence Review Board member, Commission on Human Rights
and Opportunities member, State Claims Commissioner, Board of
Pardons and Paroles member or employee, elected government
official, correctional ombudsman, the inmate's attorney or
attorney representative for an authorized purpose other than
social visitation.
Professional Visit. A special meeting between an inmate and a
credentialed individual from the community, (e.g., law
enforcement official, social worker, member of the clergy, etc.)
for an authorized purpose other than social visitation.
Professional visitors may be subject to security screenings.
Reasonable Belief. Judgment based on information or observation
deemed to be credible.
Regular Social Visit. A meeting, conducted during routine
visiting hours, between an inmate and a person listed on the
inmate's visiting list.
Security Screening. Authorized security checks (i.e., background
checks) that social visitors must pass in order to be permitted
to visit.
Special Visit. A special meeting approved by the Unit
Administrator or designee, which allows exceptions to the
authorized: (1) visiting list; (2) number of visitors; (3)
schedule of visits; and/or, (4) length of visit.
Victim. A victim shall be defined as: (1) an individual who
suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional or financial
harm as a result of a crime for which another individual is
incarcerated; (2) a deceased victim’s immediate family; or, (3) a
legal representative of the victim.

Regular Visits.
A.

Criteria and Authorization. An inmate who anticipates regular
visits shall submit the name and address of each potential
visitor to the assigned counselor utilizing CN 100602, Visiting
List. The counselor shall forward a copy of CN 100601, Visiting
Application and Attachment A, Inmate Visiting Rules to the
prospective visitor, who shall complete and sign the application
and mail it back to the assigned counselor. Up to two (2) adult
visitors from the inmate's immediate family may be allowed a
courtesy visit with the inmate prior to the approval of the
application. A courtesy visitor shall be authorized to visit for
up to 14 days.
Any prospective visitors under the age of 18 shall have their
respective parent or guardian sign CN 100601, Visiting

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Application. The parent or guardian shall also submit a completed
CN 100601, Visiting Application.
1.

2.

3.

Review. The Unit Administrator shall require verification
of the visiting application information or any other
information deemed significant. A criminal history and
warrant query shall be conducted to verify criminal history
information. A personal interview with the visitor
applicant may be required.
Modifications. Additions to an inmate's approved visiting
list may be requested by the inmate using the procedure
contained in this Section. Deletions from the approved
visiting list may be made at the written request of the
inmate. Modifications to the list shall not normally occur
more frequently than every 120 days.
Current and Ex-Offenders. A current or ex-offender who has
been convicted of a crime shall be precluded from routine
placement on an inmate's visiting list. However, a current
or ex-offender may request permission to visit, in writing,
through the Unit Administrator. The Unit Administrator or
designee shall review such request for:
a.
b.
c.

4.

severity and nature of the offense and sentence;
likelihood of ongoing criminal behaviors and
ideation; and,
discharge from supervision and/or oversight by any
portion of the criminal justice system.

Limitations.
a.

b.

c.

d.

a Department employee shall be prohibited from
placement on an inmate visiting list unless the
employee is an immediate family member and has been
approved by the Unit Administrator;
no visitor, except an immediate family member, shall
be on more than one (1) inmate's visiting list at the
same facility (i.e., to visit two or more inmates at
the same facility, the visitor must be an immediate
family member to all the inmates on whose list the
visitor is on). This requirement may be waived at the
discretion of the Unit Administrator;
a visit between an inmate and the inmate's victim
shall not be permitted unless approved in writing by
the Unit Administrator; and,
a minor child, under 18 years old, shall be
accompanied by an authorized adult immediate family
member who is on the approved visiting list, legal
guardian, an adult properly authorized by the
Department of Children and Families, or an adult
approved by the Unit Administrator. Minor children
shall remain under the supervision of the adult
visitor at all times while on grounds and during the
visit.

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5.

6.

7.

B.

Action. An application for visitation shall normally be
approved, unless there is reasonable belief that such
authorization may jeopardize safety or security, for
reasons including, but not limited to issues of contraband,
disruptive behavior, or failure to comply with facility
rules. A person may also be removed from a visiting list
for similar reasons. Any time a person is approved, denied
or removed, the action (and reason if denied or removed)
shall be provided to the inmate, in writing, within 30
days. It shall be the responsibility of the inmate to
notify the proposed visitor of their visiting status.
Appeal. A proposed visitor may appeal the denial of a
request to be placed on a visiting list to the Unit
Administrator within 10 days of notification of denial. The
appeal shall be answered within 15 days of receipt by the
Unit Administrator whose decision shall be final.
Transferred Inmates. Once a visiting list has been
established, it shall be considered active wherever an
inmate is transferred. The inmate shall not be required to
have previously approved visitors on an active visiting
list re-apply when transferred.

Authorized Number. An inmate shall be authorized to place up to
the following number of approved visitors, to include children,
on the visiting list:
Level of Facility

Number Authorized

5
3 and 4
2

5
7
10

A privileged or professional visitor shall not count against the
authorized number on an approved visiting list.
5.

Non-Routine Visits.
A.

Special Visits. The Unit Administrator may provide opportunities
for special visits when conditions require or the visitor is not
on the approved visiting list. Approved special visits shall be
encouraged during routine visiting hours. Requests for visits
during non-routine visiting hours shall normally require two (2)
business days notice. Such visits may include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

B.

A person(s) awaiting approval under extraordinary or
unusual circumstances;
A person(s) who has traveled from out of state for a one
(1) time visit;
A person(s) who may assist the inmate in release planning
or provide counseling; or,
A family member(s) engaged in facility programming and/or
an event.

Privileged Visits. Privileged visits shall be reasonably
accommodated. When any questionable circumstance arises regarding

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accommodation of a privileged visitor, the shift supervisor in
consultation with the Duty Officer, shall personally investigate
the situation using face to face contact, and obtain any
additional information necessary, to try to accommodate the
visit. If a privileged visit is not accommodated, the shift
supervisor or higher authority shall complete CN 6601, Incident
Report in accordance with Administrative Directive 6.6, Reporting
of Incidents, detailing all actions taken and the reason(s) the
visit was not accommodated or denied. The incident shall be
reported as a Class 3 incident. Privileged visitors shall present
valid identification containing a photograph and certification of
status prior to being allowed to visit as detailed in this
Section. Privileged visitors shall not be required to submit to
the standard security screening but must successfully pass
through the metal detector.
1.

2.

Acceptable Single Form of Identification. A federal, state
or other governmental identification with photograph shall
be accepted.
Acceptable Multiple Forms of Identification. A valid
driver’s license shall be accepted when it is accompanied
by one of the following additional forms of identification:
a.
b.
c.

d.

e.

C.

a legal firm’s identification with photograph;
Connecticut Bar Association Photo Identification
card;
a certified professional identification or credential
identifying association with a privileged entity
(e.g., Connecticut Bar Association card or Jurist
number, etc.);
a current list of attorneys/legal representatives
submitted by an established law firm may be used as a
corroborating document to establish privileged
identification status; or,
a letter from the inmate’s attorney identifying an
individual as the attorney’s representative.

Professional Visits. Professional visits shall be reasonably
accommodated. A valid driver’s license and a professional
credential shall be required for any professional not on the
visiting list. Professional visitors shall successfully pass
through the metal detector in accordance Section 18-81v of the
Connecticut General Statutes in order to enter the facility to
visit and may be subject to the security screening process.
Private visiting rooms/areas may be provided for professional
visits, if appropriate. When any questionable circumstance arises
regarding accommodation of a professional visitor, the shift
supervisor in consultation with the Duty Officer, shall
personally investigate the situation using face to face contact,
and obtain any additional information necessary, to try to
accommodate the visit. If a professional visit is denied, the
shift supervisor or higher authority shall complete CN 6601,
Incident Report in accordance with Administrative Directive 6.6,
Reporting of Incidents, stating the reason(s) for the denial. The
incident shall be reported as a Class 3 incident.

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D.

Restrictive Housing Inmate Visits. Visits to an inmate in
restrictive status shall be as provided in Attachment A of
Administrative Directive 9.4, Restrictive Status.

E.

Extended Family Visiting (EFV) Program. Each facility with an
established EFV Program shall develop specific rules for extended
family visits and such rules shall be made available to both
inmates and approved visitors.
1.

Requirements. In addition to any facility rules, the
following shall be required for approval of an Extended
Family Visit:
a.

Each Extended Family Visit shall include:
1.
2.

b.

c.

2.

the inmate’s child (children); and,
the inmate’s spouse or civil union partner;
and/or, the child’s legal guardian; and/or, the
inmate’s parent(s).

A child under age 18 shall be accompanied by an
authorized adult immediate family member or an adult
properly authorized by the Department of Children and
Families.
The inmate shall be tested by the Health Services
Unit for Tuberculosis and any other test deemed
necessary regarding a socially or sexually
transmittable disease(s). If part of the EFV, the
inmate's spouse or civil union partner shall also be
tested annually for Tuberculosis by a licensed health
care provider/medical center, and a copy of the
testing shall be provided to the Health Services Unit
at the facility prior to approval of the EFV. The
facility shall provide and document pre-test and
post-test counseling for the inmate and spouse or
civil union partner. In addition, the inmate, the
inmate's spouse or civil union partner and all
appropriate visitor(s) shall complete and sign a
waiver of State responsibility form prior to the
visit.

Prohibition. No inmate shall be allowed to participate in
the EFV Program who is:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

on restrictive status in accordance with
Administrative Directive 9.4, Restrictive Status;
in level 4 Close Custody status;
a Security Risk Group/Security Risk Group Safety
Threat Member;
found guilty of a Class A disciplinary offense for
the inmate’s current incarceration;
found guilty of a Class B disciplinary offense for
the previous two (2) years of the inmate’s current
incarceration. The two year calculation shall begin
from the date of the disciplinary offense; and/or,

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f.

3.

6.

not an immediate family member and/or has not legally
entered into marriage or civil union with an intended
visitor prior to incarceration for the present
offense.
Approval. Each facility that has an EFV Program, shall, by
unit directive, establish an application, approval and
scheduling process for extended family visits. The approval
process shall include written verification by the Health
Services Unit that the inmate has satisfied the counseling
and testing requirements of Section 5(E)(1)(C) of this
Directive. Visitor participation in the program shall be
limited to immediate family members who are on the inmate's
approved visiting list. The number of persons allowed on
extended family visit at the same time shall be at the
discretion of the Unit Administrator.

Visiting Procedures.
A.

Number of Visitors. The number of visitors allowed to visit at
the same time may be limited based on space, volume of visitor
activity or any other reasonable factor. The following numbers,
including children, may be allowed:
1.
2.

Contact Visit - three (3);
Non-Contact Visit - two (2).

An adult visitor who brings a child(ren) on facility grounds
shall continuously supervise and attend to the child(ren) at all
times while on grounds and during the visit. The Department shall
not be responsible for the supervision of children.
B.

Times. Restrictions may be placed on visiting hours and the
duration of a specific visit as required to accommodate security,
safety, extraordinary numbers, facility need and order. Normally
the following time and scheduling conditions shall be met:
1.
2.
3.

C.

Frequency. Inmates shall not normally be allowed to have more
than one visit by the same visitor on the same day.
1.

2.

D.

At least one (1) evening visit weekly;
Weekend visits; and,
Visits of at least one (1) hour in duration.

Except as specifically provided herein, an inmate shall
normally be allowed a minimum of two (2) regular visits
each week.
A limitation shall not be placed on the frequency of
professional or privileged visits without the approval of
the Unit Administrator.

Visit Conduct.
1.

Order. Visits shall be conducted in a quiet, orderly and
dignified manner. Staff supervising the visiting area may

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2.

3.

E.

F.

terminate any visit not complying with this Directive or
posted facility rules.
Attire. Each visitor shall dress in a proper fashion with
reasonable modesty. Revealing, seductive, offensive
clothing or attire that may present a safety and/or
security risk may result in a visitor being denied access
to, or being removed from, the visiting room in accordance
with Section 6(M) of this Directive.
Minor Children. Children ages 16 – 18 years of age shall be
required to present a photo identification. A child shall
be accompanied by an authorized adult immediate family
member on the approved visiting list, legal guardian, an
adult properly authorized by the Department of Children and
Families, or an adult approved by the Unit Administrator.
Minor children shall remain under the supervision of the
adult visitor at all times while on grounds and during the
visit.

Identification. Upon arrival at the facility, the identity of a
visitor, age 16 or above, shall be verified through a driver's
license or other appropriate photo identification prior to
admission to the visit.
Contraband. No visitor shall deliver or receive any item, to
include written correspondence, except as noted in this Section,
to or from an inmate. The exception is that upon prior
notification of staff, a professional or privileged visitor shall
be allowed to exchange legal papers with an inmate. A sign shall
be posted at the entry of each facility stating:
"You are entering a correctional facility. All visitors and
vehicles are subject to search by Department of Correction
personnel. It is a crime to convey, pass or causing to be
conveyed or passed into this facility any item that is prohibited
by Sections 53a-174, 53a-174a and 53a-174b of the Connecticut
General Statutes. Violators shall be prosecuted. A list of
prohibited items is posted inside."

G.

Searches. Searches of a visitor, visitor's vehicle or personal
property may be conducted as specified in Administrative
Directive 6.7, Searches Conducted in Correctional Facilities. In
accordance with Section 18-81v of the Connecticut General
Statutes, a visitor who activates a walk-through metal detector
shall be given the opportunity to submit to a search with a
portable or hand-held metal detector in order to gain entrance
into the correctional facility. If the visitor consents to a
search, such consent shall be documented on CN 100603, Visitor
Search Consent Form in accordance with this Directive. When the
visitor consents to a search with a portable or hand-held metal
detector, the visitor shall be escorted by a correction officer
of the same sex to a separate room, restroom or other private
location within the correctional facility, where the visitor
shall first remove any object or article of clothing that
activated the walk-through metal detector and then submit to a
portable or hand-held metal detector search. If the portable or
hand-held metal detector is not activated during such search, the

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H.

I.

J.

K.

visitor shall be allowed to reapply the object or article of
clothing that activated the walk-through metal detector before
exiting the separate room, restroom or other private location
where the portable or hand-held metal detector search is
conducted and shall be allowed to enter the correctional
facility. If the portable or hand-held metal detector is
activated during such search or if the visitor refuses to give
consent to be searched, the visitor shall be denied access to the
facility.
Logging of Visitors. The Department shall establish and maintain
procedures for recording the name of each visitor, the inmate
visited and the date and time the visit occurred.
Notification of Rules. All prospective visitors shall be provided
with a copy of Attachment A, Inmate Visiting Rules along with CN
100601, Visiting Application. Attachment A, Inmate Visiting Rules
shall provide general visiting rules for all correctional
facilities. These rules along with any additional local
requirements and visiting schedules shall be prominently posted,
and where the physical plant allows, in an area prior to entering
a security screening area. Attachment A, Inmate Visiting Rules
shall be made available on the Department’s website.
Security Screening. All visitors shall be required to
successfully pass through the metal detector or other detection
system to gain access to the correctional facility in accordance
with CN 100603, Visitor Search Consent Form; Attachment A, Inmate
Visiting Rules; Attachment B, Security Requirements to Gain
Access to a Correctional Institution; and Attachment C, Visitor
Search Procedures. Such notices shall be prominently posted in
accordance with Section 6(I) of this Directive.
Contact/Non-Contact Visit. Each level 2, 3 and 4 facility may
provide for contact visits. No inmate shall be entitled to a
contact visit. Inmates on any type of restricted status, in the
close monitoring program, on chronic discipline or high security
status may not be allowed contact visits in accordance with
Administrative Directives 9.4, Restrictive Status and 6.14,
Security Risk Groups. Privileged or professional visits, for
inmates not allowed contact visits, may be contact or non-contact
at the discretion of the Unit Administrator.
1.

Level 4 Contact Visits. Level 4 inmates meeting the
following criteria may be afforded contact visits:
a.
b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

six (6) months at current security level;
free of Class A disciplinary reports for two (2)
years. Free of Class A disciplinary report for
Assault on a Department of Correction Employee for a
duration to be determined by the Unit Administrator
but not less than two (2) years;
free of other disciplinary reports for six (6)
months;
positive program and work performance for one (1)
year;
if unsentenced, bond below $250,000;
if under the age of 21, enrolled in General
Equivalency Diploma preparation program; and,

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g.

consistent with Administrative Directive 9.4,
Restrictive Status, not classified a High Security
Inmate.

An inmate authorized a contact visit may be permitted a
brief embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of a visit,
but excessive intimacy, to include inappropriate kissing,
hugging or fondling shall be strictly prohibited.
2.

Non-Contact Visits. Non-contact visits may be utilized when
an inmate presents a reasonable security concern which may
include, but not be limited to, the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

h.
L.

M.

N.

O.

escape risk or history;
history of introduction of contraband;
history of disruptive behavior;
Security Risk Group activity;
non-conformity to rules or staff direction;
refusal to participate in recommended program or work
assignment;
information developed which indicates a reasonable
threat of disruption to the safety, security or order
of the facility; and,
history of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Receipt of Inmate Property and Funds. No inmate property or funds
shall be accepted by facility personnel in connection with an
inmate visit. All receipt of property shall be in accordance with
Administrative Directives 6.10, Inmate Property and 10.7, Inmate
Communications. Receipt of monies shall be in accordance with
Administrative Directive 3.7, Inmate Monies, which states that an
inmate may only receive certified, payroll, cashier, government
checks or money orders through the mail sent to a designated
location from an individual on the inmate’s approved visiting
list or an individual that has received prior written approval
from the Unit Administrator. Any unacceptable funds received
through the mail shall be returned to the sender with a Returned
Letter or Funds Notification form, indicating the reason for the
return in accordance with Administrative Directive 3.7, Inmate
Monies. A Unit Administrator may make provisions to receive items
of clothing for pretrial inmates or inmates within 30 days of
discharge.
Visit Termination. A single visit, or all visits, may be
canceled, denied or terminated, by the ranking custody
supervisor, at any time facility security and order requires or a
reasonable belief exists that continuance of the visit could
jeopardize safety, security or good order. Violation of the
facility's visiting rules shall be grounds for terminating the
visit.
Incident Report. When an approved visitor is denied access or a
visit is terminated CN 6601, Incident Report shall be prepared in
accordance with Administrative Directive 6.6, Reporting of
Incidents and forwarded to the Shift Commander or designee.
Discipline and Prosecution. Any inmate whose visit is terminated
as a result of a wrongful act shall be considered for

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P.

7.

Visiting Accommodations.
A.

B.
C.

8.

Space. Each facility shall provide an area for visits, which
permits supervision consistent with the facility's security
level. If available, space shall be provided for the storage of a
visitor's coat, handbag or any other personal item not permitted
in the visiting area. The Department shall assume no
responsibility for items stored at, or brought into, the
facility. A sign notifying visitors of these conditions shall be
posted in the visiting area.
Outdoor Visit. A Unit Administrator may, where space allows,
provide outdoor visits within level 4 and below facilities.
Visitor Information. Except as exempted in writing by the Deputy
Commissioner of Operations, each contact visiting room shall
provide pamphlets outlining facility programs, visiting rules and
public/assisted transportation.

Forms and Attachments. The following forms and attachments are
applicable to this Administrative Directive and shall be utilized for
the intended function:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

9.

disciplinary action in accordance with Administrative Directive
9.5, Code of Penal Discipline, or criminal prosecution as
appropriate. A visitor shall be referred for criminal prosecution
when warranted.
Denial of Visitation. An inmate may be denied future visits for a
specified period of time in accordance with Administrative
Directive 9.5, Code of Penal Discipline. A visitor whose visit is
terminated may be denied future visits at the discretion of the
Unit Administrator.

CN 100601, Visiting Application;
CN 100602, Visiting List;
CN 100603, Visitor Search Consent Form;
Attachment A, Inmate Visiting Rules;
Attachment B, Security Requirements to Gain Access to a
Correctional Institution; and,
Attachment C, Visitor Search Procedures.

Exceptions. Any exceptions to the procedures in this Administrative
Directive shall require prior written approval from the Commissioner.