Before booking a visit

Before you can book a visit you must be on the prisoner's Nominated Visitor List.

The prisoner is responsible for supplying the names on this list and for any changes or additions.
There is no limit to the number of people a prisoner can add to this list.

This list contains:

• the full name of the visitor
• the address of the visitor
• the date of birth of the visitor
• the relationship between the visitor and the prisoner.

Children must also be on the Nominated Visitor List.

We will not allow people who are not on the list into the visit session.
If you are not on the list you may write to the prisoner – however it is the responsibility of the prisoner to add you to their list.

Prisoners have the right to remove people from their Nominated Visitor List.

DCS must review and approve the names on the Nominated Visitor List before a visit booking can be made.

Who can't visit a prisoner

You can't visit a prisoner if:

• you are a former prisoner who has been released from prison within the past 12 months – unless approved by the Chief Executive
• if you have an Intervention Order in place prohibiting contact
• you are a known member or associate of a criminal organisation
• you have been restricted from visiting a prison by DCS – this may be because of previous behaviour issues. If you have been restricted from accessing a prison and you think this is an error – you can write to the department asking us to review your case.

Visitor health – requesting approval to bypass scanning devices

Various devices are used to scan visitors wishing to enter our prisons.

These include:

• X-ray machines
• Electronic machines that scan for metal
• IonScan devices that detect microscopic particles of drugs and explosives.

Visitors with medical conditions – such as a pace maker or metal implant – that would prevent them passing through a scanning device will need to request approval to bypass prior to their prison visit.

The request requires written evidence from the doctor treating them and should include a current medical certificate.

The request should be emailed to the Department [DCS@sa.gov.au] for consideration prior to attending the institution. Visitors will be notified via letter or email of the outcome.

If you are approved bypass entry:

• you may be searched with a hand-held metal detector
• a limited contact (pat) search may be conducted – visitors will not be strip searched by DCS.

Visitors granted approval (through bypass) are required to carry their approval letter or email with them to each visit.

Security review

Security Managers regularly review the biometric data, and the list of visitors approved to use the bypass doors.