8 Things not allowed in private family visits
- Kate Mitchell
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Each institution has rules on what items are allowed in private family visits (“PFVs”). The correctional officers and managers in the Visits and Correspondence Department have the final call on what items can be brought in.
The following are a few of the items that are generally not allowed in PFVs:
- Electric appliances and battery operated devices (including hair dryers, straighteners, cameras, and cellphones)
- Money
- Food (including gum and candy)
- Bedding and pillows
- Aerosol cans (e.g. hair spray and cleaning supplies)
- Products containing alcohol (e.g. mouthwash and nail polish remover)
- Tweezers and scissors
- Jewellery (other than a wedding ring, watch, and earrings)
Even when items are allowed to be brought into PFVs, the institution might put limits on how much of the item can be brought in. For example, baby supplies are generally allowed, but only enough for the duration of the visit.
Trying to bring in items that are not permitted can result in a visit being cancelled and the visitor possibly being denied PFVs in the future. There is also the risk of the inmate getting institutionally charged or the visitor being criminal charged. So when in doubt, ask staff beforehand.