Visiting Rules for Visiting Hidalgo County Inmates

One of the most important aspects of an inmate's well-being is having visits from family and friends.  The Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility face the daunting challenge of encouraging visitors, while at the same time enforcing rules that may discourage or even seem pointless to some.  It is important to know the rules and procedures of the institution to ensure you can attend a visiting session and your visit goes safely and smoothly.  To make visiting an inmate at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility easier for everyone we have compiled the most important things to know before you visit:

1)    All visitors MUST be on the inmate's approved visitation list.  

The inmate will establish this list during the initial intake process, and may update the list after six months of incarceration.

2)    In order for the inmate to add you to their approved visitor's list, they must know your full name and date of birth.

If the inmate does not know this information he/she should still put your name on the card and we will verify the information once you come and visit.  

3)    If the inmate is moved to a new cell and he/she did not get moved for rule violations you will still be able to visit, but if it was for rule violation you will have to find out the new date and time you will have to reschedule your visit.

4)    All Visitors must be 17 years of age or older.

All others shall be considered as Children and can only visit on Children’s week, which is the first complete week of the month starting Friday and ending Monday.

5)    All visitors 17 and older must present a valid photo identification which can be any of the following:

-    State driver license issued by the State Department of Public Safety

-    Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS

-    Texas personal identification card issued by DPS

-    Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS

-    United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph

-    United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

-    United States passport

-    Any Foreign Government issued ID (Mexico ID)

6)    If adult (17 and older) visitor does not have a current ID (expired) he/she may present ID with one of the following:

-    Valid voter registration certificate or Utility bill under his/her name with address.

7)    All visitors may be searched and are required to pass through a metal detector.  The facility may utilize electronic detection devices and if required a canine to aid in their search.

8)    All inmates are entitled to a minimum of two (2) twenty (20) minute visits per week

-    At least one visitation period will be during evenings or weekends.

9)    Time can be split with a visitor on the Approved Visitors List.

-    Time will not stop or be paused during the switch.

10)    Anyone (including a child) who fails to listen to the directives of the staff, or who is disruptive and presents improper conduct will have their visit stopped and may be subject to having their visiting privileges revoked.

11)    Cell phones, tablets, computers, cameras, recording devices, electronic devices of any kind, food, drinks, tobacco, purses/bags and related products such as lighters, matches and any type of weapon are not allowed to enter into Visitation Areas, please leave these items in your car.

-    Anyone (including a child) caught with any of these items will have their visit stopped, and will have visiting privileges revoked.

12)    Children’s visitation will be on the first complete weekend of each month, starting on Friday and ending on Monday.

13)    All children must be attended and under the visitor's control at all times, disruptive children can cause your visit to end early.

14)    All bags, infant car seats and strollers are subject to search.

15)    Visitors will NOT be allowed to smoke within the facility.

16)    No Weapons will be allowed in any part of the facility grounds.

17)    All State and Federal Laws will be enforced.

18)    Visitation will automatically be denied IF the visitor:    

-    Has a past record of disruptive conduct.

-    Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

-    Refuses to submit to a search or to show proper Identification.

-    Is directly related to the inmate’s criminal behavior.

-    Is currently on probation or parole.

-    Would be detrimental to the inmate’s rehabilitation.

-    Is a known Gang Member or an associate of a Gang.

-    Has a warrant from an arresting agency.

-    Has been incarcerated/booked in the HCSO in the last 12 months.

Dress Code for Visitors of Inmates:

All visitors must adhere to the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility dress code.  The dress code is strictly enforced, and violating it is grounds for your visit being denied.  To ensure compliance be sure to dress conservatively, read over the dress code rules, and always contact the facility if you have any additional questions.  We recommend you always leave a change of clothes in your car so that if an article of clothing you are wearing is deemed inappropriate, you can quickly change and not miss out on a visit.

•    Any clothing that contains images or language that is offensive or profane is not allowed.

•    Shorts and skirts can be no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing.

•    Steel toed boots/shoes are not allowed.

•    Revealing Gang Tattoos

•    All shirts on men and women must cover the shoulders, dresses included.

•    Clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, upper chest, thighs or other large areas of skin is not allowed.

•    No clothes that are tight fitting, including spandex, leggings, tank tops, tube tops etc. are not allowed.

•    Clothing that is sheer or see-through is prohibited.