I am going to visit my "special" pen pal this coming Saturday. I'm a bit nervous, not because of seeing him for the first time, but because I have never been to a prison before in my life. I want to know what to expect step by step. I will be visiting the prison (Pack I) in Navasota, Texas. If anyone could help with advice, please do.

Thanks guys and gals!

I don't know, but I'm sure someone will help you out soon.

bump

Kamalee, I have never been in a prison, but if you will go to the home page of WAP - click on "obtain information on inmate" - then click on "Texas" - then click on "FAQ" - then click on "visitation". It has all the rules, what to wear, ID to bring, etc.

Yeah, I read that already. It wasn't very detailed. I just wanted to get a heads up of what to expect. I'm nervous, yet excited.

Have a GREAT visit and let us know how it goes. I want to go and visit my pen-pal someday.

kamalee, make sure you dress accordingly....many people get turned down for silly reasons, always take something totally opposite of what you are wearing to keep in the car in case they say you are dressed unappropriatly. I wore black slacks and a very tastefull tank top to a visit in Ohio, yet, they turned me away because my arms were showing...I had to go buy a new top that covered my arms before they allowed me in. If this is a contact visit you are going on, expect to be in a room full of other inmates and their visitors. IF it is a no contact visit, you will be divided by plexiglass partitions probably while you talk on phones. You can expect to go through metal detectors and possibly be searched. Make sure you take money for the vending machines, Typically only change, and $1.00 & $5.00 bills are allowed in. If any doubts about anything... CALL THE INSTITUTION. AS THEY ARE ALL DIFFRENT ON POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

Don't forget the underwire bra !!! I put this on a thread a while ago when a friend here was asking the same question. Kimbra gave you just about everything you need to know but I know of a woman who was almost denied a visit because the metal detector kept going off and they didn't know why, it was the wire in her bra. Just a thought.

underwire bra . . . . happened to my daughter. If she hadn't been with her parents they wouldn't have let her in.
In Florida they patted us down after the metal detector, but here in Utah they didn't do that.
I think the thing that was the most uncomfortable was that door locking behind me. looking at one in front of me with one locked behind me.

Thank you all for your help. When I get back from my visit this Saturday, I will let you all know how it went. I can't wait !!!