Visitation Information

Posted April 27, 2021

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR VISITING – VISITATION IS OPEN BUT WITH LIMITED SPACE

11 facilities will be using the Visitor Scheduling Site to schedule in-person visiting beginning April 28, 2021. Most facilities have reopened for limited in-person visiting. A valid ID is required. For the latest information regarding in-person visiting, including important details on COVID-19 testing requirements, please review our Visitation FAQs.

Only those individuals who have already been approved as a visitor may make an appointment at institutions or camps.

NDOC recognizes visiting is an important way to maintain family and community ties. At the same time, our first priority is the health and safety of those who live and work in our facilities. After suspending in-person visiting statewide in March 2020 at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic health emergency, the department worked closely with our health partners to begin reopening institutions for limited in-person visitation beginning May 1, 2021.

Appointments are limited. Each visitor is responsible for complying with the Inmate Visiting Regulations and the protocols listed below. Visitors may be turned away for non-compliance.

Visiting Protocol for NDOC Facilities During COVID

The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC and Department) is mindful of the impact that COVID-19 has had on the relationships between offenders, their families, and friends.  While the 14-month suspension of visiting was necessary to limit the spread of the virus into our facilities, NDOC recognizes the emotional toll it has taken on the immediate family members, children, and friends of the offenders.

We recognize the importance of the support each family provides to incarcerated individuals.  Not only does that connection help offenders cope with their current situation, but also promotes a strengthened healthy family cohesion and leads offenders to a more successful transition back into the community.  Visitation helps maintain that core connection to the most important fabric of our society – the family.

Now that sufficient safety protocols can be enacted, NDOC is pleased to be able to resume visitation beginning May 1, 2021, with the following protocols.

Notification of Changes

These protocols will be comprehensively reevaluated at least every 30 days in order to publish cohesive updates before the start of each calendar month.

Notifications will be posted within each housing unit advising the offender population of visiting room operations.  Family members and friends may access the NDOC website for visiting notifications and updates.

  • Warden’s Bulletin
  • Department Website
  • Social Media

All of the following protocols are subject to changes, modifications, and limitations as determined by:

  • Recommendations of the National Center of Disease Control
  • Guidance of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
  • Guidance of the Department Medical Director

The physical design, operational capacity, and staffing strength at each facility as determined by the Warden.

Phase-1 Start of Visiting with COVID-19 Restrictions – May 1, 2021

Visitation Scheduling

  • All visits will be scheduled by appointment only.  In the event the electronic platform experiences technical difficulties, you may contact the institution visiting officer at the number provided on the NDOC website.
  • Inmates will be allowed visits once every two (2) weeks or once a month (determined by facility administration)
  • Maximum of two (2) visitors per inmate
  • Children must be at least 5 years old to visit (birth certificate is required)
  • Inmates may only visit one session per month
  • Visits will be limited to two (2) hours (no exceptions)
  • Inmates on medical isolation or restrictions are prohibited from in-person visitation
  • Visitors are required to arrive 45 minutes prior to their visit
  • On occasion, visitation may be canceled.  Visitors are encouraged to call the day before their scheduled visit to verify visiting has not been canceled
  • Visiting sessions are subject to cancellation without notice based on the safety and security needs of the institution.
  • After 30 days of Visitation trial, when an Institution/Facility reaches a 75% vaccination rate, it will move to Phase 2. Once and Institution/Facility reaches an 80% vaccination rate, allowing for up to 10 days to review data and ensure low levels of COVID-19 positive cases, it will move to Phase 3, which removes the restrictions.
  • Age 5 up – All Inmates will be required to wear an N95 Mask and Visitors will be required to wear a soft mask.

Cleaning & Disinfection Practices

  • Sanitation protocols will continue between each visitation session using an approved disinfectant as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
  • Electrostatic Sprayer will be used for effective disinfection in between sessions.
  • Sanitizing station(s) will be available in visitation areas

Pre-Screening Process

  • Prior to entry and to ensure enough time for the pre-screening process, visitors will be required to check in at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled visiting time. Visitors arriving less than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled visiting time will NOT be permitted to visit.
  • All inmates must wear an N95 face mask at all times during the visit. All visitors (including children) will be required to wear a simple cloth face mask at all times while on institutional property.  Face shields will be permitted only if worn with a face mask and if they do not present a safety or security risk to the institution. Visitors unable to wear a face mask will be denied entry.  Face masks must be properly worn, covering the nose, mouth, and chin
  • Pre-screening process includes a COVID-19 assessment in accordance with current NDOC medical directives which are as follows:
    • NDOC medical staff will screen all visitors prior to entry into the institution.
    • Complete the Health Questionnaire, all questions must have an affirmation of “No” prior to entry.
    • Any visitors who exhibit flu-like or concerning symptoms will be denied entry.
    • Administration of a BinaxNOW 15 minute rapid test.  Test results must be negative or entry will be denied.
  • Visitors will be directed to a designated area immediately after the COVID-19 rapid test is administered to wait and then return to the institution or facility visiting check-in desk, or designated waiting area indicated by NDOC staff to await test results.  Visitors waiting for their results will maintain established social distancing separation and stand in designated waiting areas and/or marked areas until called by NDOC staff.  Designated areas are subject to change based on facility plan, physical plant, and/or inclement weather.
  • Only those visitors testing negative will be allowed to proceed into the facility for their scheduled visit.
  • All inmates and visitors must have a NEGATIVE BinaxNow rapid COVID-19 test prior to their scheduled visit.  Any visitor or inmate refusing to be tested or complete any of the pre-screening process, or displaying any flu-like symptoms will be denied visitation.

During Visitation

  • No physical contact will be permitted at any time before, during or at the end of each visiting session.
  • Social distancing will require visitors to remain seated at their designated table at all times with no physical contact during the visit.
  • Visitors and/or children who become unmanageable, disruptive or fail to comply with safety protocols will have their visit terminated.
  • Clear partitions will be assigned to every table separating the visitor(s) from the offender.  This is subject to change based on social-distancing guidance from the Nevada Department of Corrections Medical Director or the CDC.
  • Visitors and offenders at assigned tables will be separated by at least 6 feet from each other.  Visitors and offenders at a single table will be separated from each other by an acrylic partition during the entire visit. 
  • Bathroom facilities will not be available in the visiting room, visitors requesting to utilize the restroom will be escorted by NDOC staff to the institution or facility lobby.  Based on staffing and/or visiting session start/end times, visitors may not be permitted to re-enter the visiting room.
  • Vending machines will not be available during visiting sessions.
  • Children’s play areas, toys, games etc. will remain unavailable.
  • All visiting rules in accordance with Administrative Regulation 719, “Inmate Visitation” must be adhered to.