Before going to a visit

Before going to a visit, visitors should check that the visit has not been cancelled or changed.

A visit may be cancelled for many reasons but not limited to:

  • the prisoner has changed their mind and no longer wants the visit
  • the prisoner may have been moved to another prison
  • prisoner behaviour
  • a medical issue
  • DCS has become aware that the visitor is a known member or associate of a criminal organisation
  • an unforeseen event.

Whilst every attempt is made to avoid last minute visit cancellations, there may be occasions where last minute cancellations occur.

Visitors may contact the prison before leaving for a prison visit, but it is possible that an unexpected event prevents the visit to happen by the time the visitor arrives. Please note, that there is no reimbursement of travel expenses.

It is strongly recommended that visitors check and confirm all the rules of the prison they are visiting. Visitors are also advised to arrive 15-30 minutes early to the visit.

Visitor identification

Visitors must bring 100 points of identification to be able to enter the prison. No ID, no entry. 

DCS currently cannot accept online or digital forms of ID. Visitors must supply original hard copy photographic ID.

Children

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. Refer to bringing children on a visit for more information.

Dress code

The following items of clothing and accessories are not permitted to be worn to a visit:

  • clothing displaying racist, derogatory, sexist or profane messaging, and imagery or symbolism.
  • gang affiliated clothing, colours, or patches.
  • watches, including smart watches, Fitbits or any device with cellular capabilities.
  • excessive amounts of jewellery that may pose a risk to others. Please keep jewellery to a minimum.
  • clothing that is inappropriately revealing or is sexually provocative in nature. This may include:
    • shorts or miniskirts, exposing upper thigh or buttocks.
    • sheer or see through, midriff exposing, low cut, backless, strapless or crop tops.
    • steel caps or boots.

Visitors must wear clean, neat, and tidy clothing. Shoes should be enclosed and appropriate for walking.

Facial jewellery (dermal piercings) is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if they pose a potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of staff, prisoners, or visitors.

Visitors who wear religious or cultural headdress will not be asked to remove these items unless the visitor is subject to a search under the provisions of 85B of the Correctional Services Act 1982.

Visitor health – requesting approval to bypass scanning devices

Various devices are used to scan visitors entering DCS prisons. These include:

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

Visitors with medical conditions – such as a pacemaker or metal implant – that would prevent them passing through a scanning device will need to request approval from the General Manager to enter via the bypass access prior to their prison visit. Evidence of written approval by the General Manager must be provided to staff on arrival. Please note, written approval by the General Manager is only applicable for that specific prison. If visitors are visiting more than one prison, they must get written approval from the General Managers at each prison they are attending.

It is important to get this approval as soon as possible so that the visit is not affected.

This requires the visitor to provide written evidence from their treating doctor and should include a current medical certificate. Visitors granted approval (through bypass) are required to carry their approval letter with them to each visit.

If a visitor is approved entry via the bypass access:

  • they 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.

Visitor property

Lockers are available at most prisons for visitor personal items, such as handbags, wallets, and phones.

The following items are prohibited from entering any prison:

  • handbags
  • wallets
  • mobile phones
  • electronic devices – such as iPads, laptops, tablets, smart phones, smart watches.

Medication

Prescription medication is not allowed into the visit.

Travel assistance

Directions and maps to all DCS prison locations can be found on each individual prison page. 

Visitors that require assistance with travel arrangements may contact volunteer support groups. Note: OARS SA often organise family transport to Cadell Training Centre.

Prohibited items

Any visitor in possession of a prohibited item in a prison or in a prison buffer zone may be charged. Prison buffer zones are the areas surrounding a prison, including visitor car parks.

Video Visits

Video visits are facilitated via the application Zoom. Prisoners have access to these visits via iPads.

An email / SMS notification will be sent to the visitor before the visit with the Zoom meeting dial-in information. Visitors must download the Zoom application for the video visit to occur.

Visitors must present photo ID at the commencement of the video visit (e.g., licence, proof of age card). The same rules and regulations apply as face-to-face visits. Only persons booked to attend the video visit are approved to attend and participate in the visit.