VPASS

 

The only way to make a regular /contact appointment for visit is to make one using VPASS, the CDCR’s online appointment system.  Make your appointments two weekends in advance of each Mondays starting at 7:00 AM. VPASS is ONLY for approved contact / regular visit appointments.  There are no longer any phone or email appointments available for regular visits.



Visiting Days & Times

 

Visiting hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday plus the following holidays:

 

• New Years Day

• Independence Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

 

Although all prisons in California allow visitors to show up without an appointment, we encourage LAC visitors to schedule an appointment to visit an inmate.  By scheduling your visit you will bypass much of the waiting time and be assured that if your loved one is able to visit (not locked down, working etc.) you will be afforded at least a one (1) hour visit. (1 hour is assured by Title 15) Walk-on visitors often wait much longer for entrance and risk being turned away if overcrowding prevents the volume of visitors to be processed before visiting processing ends at 2:00 PM.

 

Contact Visits / Regular Visits

 

• Currently, contact appointments will be made ONLY thru the CDCR Visitor Processing Appointment Scheduling System (VPASS.)  You must create an account.  The VPASS site is available in English and Spanish.

• Once you create an account, you can request your appointment.

• Appointment times are every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

• Processing begins at 8:30 AM. Processing ends at 2:00 PM.

• Senior Citizens may schedule a contact appointment over the telephone. One per weekend. A total of ten (10) visits per visiting day will be provided for senior citizens. The designated days, hours, telephone number and extensions are Thursday and Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, by calling (661) 729-2000; extension 5401 or 5885.

• Email requests have been discontinued for contact / regular visits.

• VPASS appointments are made beginning 7:00 AM each Monday morning for the following 2 weekends. You will only get an appointment if there are slots available.

• You may bring your confirmation copy if you can; however, it is not necessary.

• If you wish to visit both Saturday & Sunday, you will have to make 2 different appointments.

• If you cannot make your appointment, please cancel it.  If someone else that's listed on your pass wants to keep the appointment, it is permissible.

• VPASS will email all persons that have accounts, the visit status for that week and any changes that may occur.

 

ASU / Ad-Seg / Non-Contact Visits

 

• To schedule a NON-CONTACT visiting appointment you must call for an appointment.  Email appointments are no longer being accepted. Non-contact appointments for Saturday and Sunday shall be made by telephone on Thursdays and Fridays during
  7:00 AM to 9:00 AM for the immediate following weekend.  VPASS processing appointments need to have all visitors listed including children, failure to do so will result in having to get a walk-up pass/number.   

 

VPASS Is NOT For Non-Contact Appointments

 

• ASU / AD-SEG / Non-Contact appointments are hourly starting at 9:00 AM and ends at 2:00 PM on Saturday OR Sunday.  There are 3 available visitation slots during each time period, for a total of 9 visitation slots each day.  Visitors may only visit one day per weekend, not both.  The rules state these visits are at least one hour but may be extended if circumstances allow.

 

Visitors Without Appointments

 

• Walk-Ups (visitors without appointments)  may come on the grounds at 9:30 AM and will be processed in order of arrival after     10:00 AM, however, are not guaranteed a processing time.  Walk-Ups will not be processed for ASU / AD-SEG that are Non-Contact appointments.

 

Visiting Staff

 

• Should you have any questions, complaints or compliments regarding your visit, please ask to speak with the visiting Sergeant or Lieutenant on duty.

 

What to Expect as a First-Time Visitor

 

As a first time visitor to Lancaster, the following information will help you. When you drive into the facility, you will be stopped at the main GATE to confirm your appointment time with an officer. Visitors with appointments are able to enter the grounds at 7:00 AM.  All visitors will be given a slip that they are to fill out before checking in for visit. Fill in BOTH sides of the visiting form. Visitors without appointments will have a number on their slip, that number is used to determine the order of arrival.

The visitor parking lot is the first lot to your right. The lot furthest away is the employee parking lot. You will be asked to move your car if you park in the employee parking lot. Handicapped parking is located in the visitor parking lot and in the employee parking lot.

 

• Fill out the slip that was given to you when you entered the grounds. Both sides must be filled out.

• Go to the processing center and get in line, usually the line forms outside.

• Turn your visiting form into the officer behind the visiting counter.  They will ask you the time of your appointment and if it is a contact or non-contact visit.

• A staff member will call visitors by their first, last name and pass number for their appointment time.

• As time allows, visitors without appointments will be processed in order of arrival after 10:00 AM

• You must present valid identification to officers at the desk, families may go up together.

• Adult visitors may bring a total of $60.00 in $1 bills or quarters. Children are allowed to bring in $20.00. 

• The visitor center NO LONGER has a change machine available. Please make sure you have the proper change before entering the prison grounds.

• A max of 5 visitors is allowed for a regular visit.  Up to 3 visitors are allowed for non-contact visits.

• Visitors must go through a metal detection device. Underwire bras, heavy snaps/buttons (like those on Levis) and other items may set it off. You will be allowed 2 attempts to pass, otherwise, you will be asked to change.

• There is a machine where visitors may buy tokens for photos.  YOU MUST HAVE A TOKEN IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PHOTO.  The cost of the tokens is $2.00.  Cash cannot be used to purchase a photo once you are in the visiting room.

• Shoes will need to be removed during this process as well as all jewelry.

 

Medical Items Allowed

 

If you have a need to bring in items relating to a medical condition, you must have documentation from your doctor as to its need. The documentation must include the doctor’s name, address, telephone number, and medical license number and must be updated every year. With such verification as to its medical necessity, the following are allowed:

 

• Prescription medications that are life-sustaining or condition-stabilizing, such as inhalers or nitroglycerin; medications must be in the original pharmacy container with the patient’s name, the pharmacy name, and the doctor’s name, as well as the medication’s name. Quantities of medication are limited to what may be needed during the visit.

• Mobility devices such as canes, crutches, and wheelchairs are allowed when accompanied by a letter of need from the doctor.

• Seat cushions or backs with documentation that they are medically necessary.

• If you have an implant or prosthetic device that includes metal and will set off the metal detector, you must have documentation from a doctor specifying the nature and location of the implant or device. With such documentation, staff will use a wand to sweep your body instead of having you clear the metal detector. Be careful that the backs of buttons do not have metal.

• Visible dermal piercings require a doctor's note as well.

 

LAC visitors are always willing to assist others; please do not be hesitant to ask another visitor or staff for help or questions.

 

Visiting Regulations

 

How To Get Approved For a Visit: The incarcerated person must mail you the visiting request form 106, signed, which he can obtain in the housing unit. Complete the form and mail it. The form is usually sent to the prison address with the envelope marked: Attn: Visiting.  The approval process can take from three weeks to two months. If you have been convicted of a felony, this may prevent you from being approved to visit.  Once you’re approved, the incarcerated person will be notified and then he must mail you the approval form and information about visiting rules. Be sure to bring this form the first time you visit. You may not be permitted to visit if you do not follow the rules.  Each prison has a website page link that you can access through California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prisons also have a telephone recording that addresses visiting procedures at their location. Call the Prison Hotline 1-800-374-8474 and follow the prompts for visiting Lancaster. Visiting days and hours may vary for each prison. What You Need to Know Before Visiting a State Prison: Inmates are not permitted to visit during hours of work, training, vocational and /or academic education.

 

Clothing

 

While visiting guidelines are supposed to be the same for every prison, they are NOT. However, the general clothing guidelines listed here should give you enough information so that you will not be turned away from visiting. Most prisons have a place where you can change or borrow clothes to meet the individual prison requirements. If you know someone who visits Lancaster, it is always a good idea to ask them what the dress policy is. You can call ahead of time and listen to the pre-recorded visiting message which may include clothing regulations for that institution (See Prison Hotline number above)

 

Standards Of Dress For Visitors

 

• Visitors are expected to dress appropriately and maintain a standard of conduct during visiting that is not offensive to others. Consistent with the goal of making visiting a safe, positive, constructive time for families and staff, the following standards shall apply:

  • Visitors shall remain fully clothed at all times in the visiting room.

  • Appropriate attire includes undergarments; a dress or blouse/shirt with a skirt/pants/or shorts; and shoes or sandals.

  • For security reasons, no brassiere will have metal underwires.

• Prohibited attire consists of:

  • Clothing that resembles state-issued inmate clothing (blue denim or blue chambray shirts and blue denim pants);

  • Clothing that resembles law enforcement or military-type clothing, including rain gear, orange top and orange bottoms worn together

  • Clothing or garments that:

    • Exposed the breast/chest area, genitals or buttocks;

    • By design, the manner worn, or due to the absence of, excessively allows the anatomical detail of body parts or midriff to be clearly viewed;

    • Are sheer, transparent or excessively tight;

    • Expose more than two inches above the knee, including slits when standing.

    • Undergarments shall be worn beneath translucent clothing, under all circumstances.

    • Absolutely no shower shoes/flip flops are permissible.

  • Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language, drawings or objects.

  • Gloves, head coverings (except clear, see-through rain gear), and readily removable wigs or hairpieces. The institution head or designee may grant an exception for a visitor to wear gloves, head coverings, and/or readily removable hairpieces or wigs, based upon verification of need. Absolutely NO SHOWER SHOES PERMITTED. 

 

What You Can Bring

 

When visiting, you are permitted to bring:

• $60.00 per adult and $20.00 per minor in $1.00, bills or change (quarters.)

• Clear plastic baggie or purse no larger than 6″x 8″ with no handles. Inmates and children are not allowed to handle money.

• Ten loose photographs, no larger than 8″ x 10″. These photos are to view only and are not to be left with the inmate.  Photos may not be of any indecent nature. There cannot be any writing anywhere on the photo.

• One key on a ring with no other attachments. One key may have electronics built in.  Rental car keys may have the non-detachable tag.

• A valid personal identification card (see below)

• One handkerchief

• Comb or brush (plastic)

• Tissue pack, unopened

• 6 tampons, or feminine hygiene pads

• Documents

• 1 pair of eyeglasses

 

Acceptable Identification

 

Visitors eighteen years or older must bring one of the listed current and valid identifications with a photo:

• Valid Driver’s license with a photo;

• Valid state identification card with photo;

• Department of Justice Identification card with photo;

• Passport with photo and current visa;

• Military Identification card with photo;

• Photo identification card issued by the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service;

 

Upon Your Arrival

 

The visitor must be processed by the institution. This will include:   

• Getting a hand stamp.

• Removal of shoes.

• Walking through a metal detector. If you have a metal implant and cannot clear the detector you MUST have a current doctor’s note on letterhead stationery.

• Clothing check which includes checking of pockets, colors, appropriateness.

• Removal of unacceptable items.

• If you are unable to pass through the metal detector, you may be sent from the visiting processing area. You will need to change whatever the detected problem was and may need to reprocess.

 

Rules While Visiting

 

• You may briefly kiss and/or hug the person you are visiting when you enter and when you leave.

• You may hold one hand during the visit.

• No food from the outside may be brought in and no food from the visiting room may be taken out when you or the inmate leaves.

• No chewing gum.

• Five visitors maximum for contact visits and three visitors max for non-contact visits including any infants and children.

 

Length of Visit

 

The visiting center opens at 8:30 AM.  Visiting concludes at 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  Your visit will be terminated early if there are many visitors waiting to visit. The exception to this is if you have not visited in 30 days and travel from over 250 miles.  Non- contact visits will be at least one hour but may be longer depending on the number of visitors/space available.

 

Family Visits

 

Depending on the crime, members of the incarcerated person’s immediate family (spouse, child, parent, and sibling) may be able to obtain permission to have a 48-72 hour visit with the incarcerated person. These visits can be scheduled every quarter. To do this:

• You must be an approved visitor;

• The inmate must apply to their Correctional Counselor for a family visit.  Only the inmate will be given information regarding approval of family visit. It is his responsibility to inform his family.

• Once approved, the inmate will be informed of the visit date.

• Please check with the visiting staff for more information

 

Minor Visitors

 

Children 17 and under shall:

• Be accompanied by an adult who is also approved to visit unless prior approval has been obtained from the institution head for an inmate to visit with his or her unchaperoned minor children or siblings;

• Be a member of the inmates immediate family (inmate’s children, legal stepchildren, grandchildren, natural, step or foster brother or sister);

• Present a certified record of birth (official birth certificate);

• Have notarized written consent from a person with legal custody of the minor, authorizing the child to visit while accompanied by a designated adult, if the accompanying adult is not the parent or legal guardian of the minor.  Click image for the authorization form.

• School/picture ID for children aged 12 or older.

• The above items must be brought with the minor with every visit.

• Exceptions:

  • An emancipated minor shall apply to visit the inmate as an adult visitor, and shall provide a certified copy of the court order granting emancipation;

  • A minor legal spouse of an inmate may apply to visit the inmate as an adult visitor with a certified copy of their marriage license.

 

Visiting Restrictions With Children

 

Visiting with minors shall be prohibited for any inmate sentenced to prison for violating Penal Code Section(s) 261, 264, 266c, 273d, 285, 286, 288, 288a, 288.5 or 289 unless specifically authorized by a Juvenile Court. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 362.6 inmates may be prohibited from having contact or non-contact visits where substantial evidence (e.g., court transcripts, police or probation officer reports or parole revocation hearing findings describing the misconduct) of the misconduct described in section 3177(B)(1) exists, with or without a criminal conviction.

 

Dress Code For Minors

 

In most institutions, children less than 40 inches are exempt from denim wear, tights, and exercise clothing. Otherwise, they are to follow the same rules set for adults. Check with the individual institution as this rule may vary.

 

What Will Happen When Children Arrive

 

Children will be processed as adults are. This includes clothing checks, removal of shoes, going through the metal detector, etc.

 

Rules While Visiting With Children

• An inmate may hold his or her minor children;

• Inmates may also hold minor children accompanied by an adult;

• Accompanying adults shall ensure that minors remain under their constant control and supervision;

• Children may not handle money or use vending machines or microwaves;

• Nursing mothers shall be discreet and covered when breastfeeding their child in the visiting area. Failure to do so shall result in termination of visiting for the day or longer.

 

Baby Care The following items will be allowed in visiting:

• One baby feeding spoon (plastic);

• Six disposable diapers, per baby;

• Three jars of factory sealed baby food, per baby;

• Any combination of the following: two factory-sealed single serving size, ready to feed bottles of baby formula or two transparent plastic baby bottles, either empty or containing pre-mixed formula/milk/juice/water;

• Two factory-sealed, single serving size packets of powdered baby formula;

• One change of clothes per baby;

• One single-layered baby blanket, per baby;

• Baby Carrier,

• One transparent pacifier;

• Factory sealed baby wipes;

• Clear plastic diaper bag;

• One single layer burp cloth;

• Other rules are decided by each institution. Check with the institution prior to visiting.

 

The Following Items Will Not Be Permitted In Visiting

• No battery operated toys;

• No stuffed toys;

• No baby powder or lotion;

• No toys with metal parts.

 

Preparing A Child For A Visit To Prison You can help make the visit less stressful by letting the child know what the visit will be like. Such as:

• What the facility looks like;

• What the correctional officers look like, why they are there and what the process is;

• What the inmate will be wearing and what the inmate will be allowed to do during the visit;

• What the inmate looks like now if the inmate’s appearance has changed;

• What a search is, why it is done and how it will be done;

• Rules for going to the restroom and eating.