GENERAL

The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) recognizes the need and importance of inmates maintaining ties with the community, family, and friends through in-person visitation. Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor's orders have had on operations, TCSO had to suspend all inmate visitation effective April 20, 2020.

In response to the most recent Governor's orders regarding the pandemic, TCSO is implementing a modified inmate visitation process with restrictions to supplement the already established visitation rules and regulations. We believe this is the right first step to safely returning to normal operations while ensuring the safety of the public, staff, inmates in TCSO custody.

LIMITATIONS

Each inmate will be provided one 30-minute visit per week. A maximum of two adults will be allowed to visit at any one time during the designated adult visitation days (18+); a maximum of two children, 17 years of age or younger, accompanied by one (1) adult, may visit on the designated child visitation days (under 18 with one (1) adult).

Visitation sign up shall begin at least 30 minutes prior to the start of visiting hours; visitors will not be processed after 7 p.m. (Monday - Friday), 8 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday).

No passes will be issued after 7 p.m. (Monday - Friday) or 6 p.m. (Saturday - Sunday) for make-up days.

All visits will be non-contact and with social distancing between inmates and visitors enforced, either using plexiglass, similar devices, physical spacing, or video visitation. Only every other visitation station will be utilized to enable social distancing in visitation areas where the booths are not self-contained.

The occupancy of each lobby will be kept at a manageable number in each facility lobby by staff to help facilitate social distancing. Members of the public who are not visiting an inmate are asked to wait outside or in their vehicle.

Inmates booked within the last five days may receive one (1) visit Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Individuals who have been incarcerated in a TCSO facility within the past six months will not be authorized to visit.

MODIFIED VISITATION HOURS

MODIFIED VISITATION SCHEDULE

All inmates will be allowed one (1) face-to-face non-contact visit per week, in accordance with the following schedule:

Make up days for adult visits (if inmate did not receive a visit on their scheduled day):

PRECAUTIONS

•     All visitors and inmates must properly wear face masks covering their mouth and nose.

•     Failing or refusing to properly wear a mask may result in immediate termination of the visit.

•     Hand sanitizer will be made available for visitors and inmates to use before and after visits.

•     Cleaning and disinfecting of visitation booths will be completed at the following times: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m., 12 a.m.

•     All other visitation rules regarding acceptable attire, prohibited items, and conduct shall remain in effect.

•     Rules under this section are subject to change or removal from the current TCSO visitation plan as set forth by Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Governor's Orders, and Local Health Department.

EXCEPTIONS

Exceptions to these limitations may be considered and authorized by the facility captain or above.

CONDUCT

All visitors shall be expected to follow visitation rules and act in an orderly manner.  Adults are responsible for children’s behavior. Visits may be terminated at any time when the conduct of the visitor or inmate threatens the safety, security and orderly operations of the facility. Visitors must remain in the building. No in-and-out of the building is permitted.

DRESS CODE

A conservative dress code shall be enforced for all visitors coming in to visit. Please dress in clothing which is appropriate for a large gathering of men, women and young children. Wearing inappropriate clothing (such as provocative or revealing clothes) will result in you being denied visitation.

The following items shall NOT be permitted:

•    Revealing shorts
•    Sundresses
•    Halter tops
•    Bathing suits
•    See-through garments of any type
•    Low-cut blouses or dresses
•    Leotards
•    Spandex or tight-fitting pants or blouses
•    Miniskirts
•    Backless tops
•    Pajamas
•    Hats or caps
•    Sleeveless garments
•    Skirts 2 inches or more above the knee
•    Dresses or skirts with a high-cut split mid-back, front or side
•    Clothing that looks like inmate clothing (Institutional-type) (Khaki or green military-type clothing)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Tobacco, lighters, matches, cameras, electronic recording devices, cell phones, backpacks, bags, purses or unlabeled prescription medication are not permitted within visitation areas. No food or drinks shall be taken to the visitation areas except as allowed for infants. Prohibited items include hospital visits.

ITEMS ALLOWED
Visitors bringing infants to Visitation shall be permitted to bring the following:

•    One diaper bag
•    Blanket which must fit into the diaper bag
•    Bottles which must fit into the diaper bag
•    Infant carrier - a visual inspection of infant carrier will be conducted

IDENTIFICATION

Visitors 18 years of age and older must present proper identification containing their photograph. The following types of identification shall be accepted:

•    Valid Driver’s License from any state. A temporary (paper) license may be accepted as long as it is current, and the person has another type of photo identification

•    Valid identification card issued from any state. Valid passports are acceptable identification under the following rules per the U.S. Department of State:

• If the person was 16 years of age or older when the passport was issued, the passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue

• If the person was 15 years of age or younger when the passport was issued the passport is valid for five years from the date of issue

•     Immigration ID card with photo, issued by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service

•    Mexican Consulate cards

•    Mexican Voter Registration cards with a United States address listed as a residence are not valid forms of identification

•    Military ID cards, including active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired or dependents.  All of these ID cards are issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with the exception of the State Guard, which is issued by the respective State.

VISITORS 17 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER

Any visitor 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or above).

VISITATION INFORMATION PAMPHLET

A Visitation Information Pamphlet shall be available for review and handout to visitors in each Visitation Reception area.  The pamphlet shall provide information for visitors visiting inmates in jail.