Prison Fellowship

  • DONATE
    • One-Time
    • Monthly
    • Angel Tree
    • Other Ways to Give
  • GET INVOLVED
    • All Options
    • Subscribe
    • Angel Tree Christmas
    • Start a Fundraiser
    • Pray With Us
    • Justice Action Center
    • Share on Social
Search
  • STORIES
    • Stories
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • The Restoration Series [Videos]
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Why Help Prisoners?
    • What We Do
    • In-Prison
      • Prison Fellowship Academy
      • In-Prison Programs
      • Hope Events
      • Inside Journal
      • Women’s Ministry
      • Create: New Beginnings
    • Angel Tree
      • Register your church or group for Angel Tree
      • Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
      • Angel Tree Christmas
      • Angel Tree Camping
      • Angel Tree Sports Camp
    • Justice Reform
      • Justice Reform
      • Second Chance Month
      • News & Updates
      • Sign the Justice Declaration
      • Get a Copy of Outrageous Justice
    • Warden Exchange
    • Church Partners
    • Corporate Partnerships
    • Preparing Prisoners for Reentry
    • Research and Evaluation
      • Good Citizenship Model®
  • RESOURCES
    • Subscribe to Our Email
    • Support for Friends and Family of Prisoners
      • Resources for Friends and Family of Prisoners
      • Coping with Incarceration
      • Resources for Prisoners
      • Resources for Children of Prisoners
      • Supporting Successful Prisoner Reentry
      • Subscribe To The Hope Connection
    • Resources for Churches and Volunteers
      • Resources for Churches and Volunteers
      • In-Prison Ministry
      • Reentry Ministry
      • Family Ministry
      • Justice Reform
      • Mentoring Ministry
    • Angel Tree Coordinator Training
    • Resources for Chaplains
    • Resources for D.O.C.
    • Justice Reform Resources
    • Create: New Beginnings Book
    • Share on Social
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Beliefs
    • Mission & Vision
    • Financials
      • Financials
      • 2024 Annual Report
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • In The News
    • Leadership
    • Chuck Colson
      • About Chuck Colson
      • The Charles Colson Hope Awards

General Prison Safety Guidelines

What to expect while visiting a prison, including dress codes and basic best practices to make the experience safe and beneficial for you and those you’ll meet.

Are you excited about prison ministry, but feel a little skittish about going inside a prison? That’s totally understandable. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of general safety guidelines for in-prison volunteers.


PRISON ENTRY

General Prison Safety GuidelinesSecurity starts in the parking lot the moment you enter prison grounds.

Expect the following:

  • Your vehicle is always subject to search. Do not bring alcohol, illegal drugs, guns, or weapons onto prison property.
  • All volunteers must show a valid driver’s license or picture ID and be cleared at the front desk or window before entering the prison.
  • Bring as little as possible into the prison. Most prisons allow volunteers to bring in a Bible, pen, pre-approved notes/handouts for the class or program they are leading, and pre-approved CDs or DVDs with music or lesson content.
  • Wallets, purses, brief cases, etc. are not allowed. Most prisons allow volunteers to carry their things in a clear plastic tote bag or zip-lock bag.
  • Paper money is not allowed, but some prisons allow volunteers to bring in coins to buy a drink from the vending machine. It is best not to bring money inside the prison unless absolutely necessary.
  • Many prisons have audio/visual equipment that volunteers can use, but it should be requested in advance.
  • Volunteers cannot bring computers, sound equipment, musical instruments, or any type of electronic devices into prison without prior approval. Cell phones are never allowed under any circumstances.
  • Never bring tobacco products, lighters, matches, or any type of medication into the prison.

SEARCHES

  • General Prison Safety GuidelinesAll volunteers go through a security check when they enter the prison. In most cases, it is the same type of security check that you would see at an airport.
  • When going through security, volunteers are often asked to remove all jewelry, eyewear, belts, headgear, jackets, outerwear, and shoes. Avoid problems by emptying your pockets, removing excess jewelry, and removing headgear before leaving your vehicle.  Wear shoes that are easy to get off and on.
  • Do not take anything into or out of the prison without permission. Every person is subject to search at any time while on prison property.
  • If a volunteer is found with contraband, he/she may be disallowed from entering the prison ever again. (Contraband is defined as any item not permitted into the prison or not on the clearance list.)

DRESS CODE

  • General Prison Safety GuidelinesEvery prison has a strict dress code. Before you go to the prison be sure you are dressed appropriately; otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
  • Prohibitive clothing/attire will be specifically listed in the prison’s dress code. Call ahead to see what colors and styles you are allowed to wear. These are some typical dress code rules:
    • Volunteers must not wear clothing similar in color or style to prisoners’ uniforms.
    • Tight or revealing clothing is not allowed. Don’t wear sleeveless shirts/tops, bare midriffs, tank tops, short skirts or pants, low necklines, see-through fabrics, open-toed/open-heeled shoes, or flip flops.
    • Avoid metal in your attire as it will set off the metal detectors. A watch and/or wedding ring is allowed.
    • No clothing or attire with offensive slogans is ever allowed. Some prisons do not allow any clothing with any type of logo or slogan. Any attire that may be considered gang-related is not allowed.
    • Jackets or coats are allowed. Umbrellas are not. Dress appropriately if it is cold or raining because you may have to walk a long way.
  • Avoid excessive makeup, heavy perfumes, or any type of clothing that draws undue attention.
    As volunteers, we are there to lift up Jesus Christ and we don’t ever want to distract from that goal.

WHILE YOU ARE INSIDE

  • General Prison Safety GuidelinesVisitor restroom facilities are usually provided in the prison entry area. Ask a prison staff person about restrooms and water fountains that may be available near the area where you are going inside the prison.
  • Volunteers are usually given identification tags, badges, or hand stamps so it is clear that they are authorized visitors.
  • Depending on the prison’s security level, volunteers are normally escorted along corridors, through gates and buildings. Of course surveillance cameras and other highly-sophisticated technology monitor the prison grounds.
  • Volunteers are allowed only in areas where their event or program is being held.
    Stay with your group and do not go anywhere else. Never run on prison grounds.

ATTITUDE AND POISE

  • General Prison Safety GuidelinesBe natural, be yourself. Take time to get to know the prisoners by listening and asking good questions. Prayerfully listen for opportunities to demonstrate God’s grace and hope. Your attitude of humility and your genuine desire to serve are highly important.
  • Remember it is God’s harvest. Learn to walk alongside prisoners as they search for the truth in God’s Word. Never push anyone to make a decision for Christ.
  • Treat prisoners and staff with respect. Act as if you have just entered someone else’s house. Remember that prison officers and staff spend a considerable amount of time at the facility, and prisoners live there, so it is their residence.
  • Even if you disagree with prison personnel, always submit to their authority. By doing this, you set a good example for prisoners who are watching.
  • Remember you are a guest at the facility and can be asked to leave at any time. For your safety, follow all the rules and do exactly as you are told. Be sure to thank officers and staff for their assistance.

NOTE: This list of guidelines does not cover all prison rules and regulations. Prison Fellowship volunteer training provides more in-depth instruction. Furthermore, your local PF staff can direct you regarding state-required volunteer training.

DOWNLOAD THIS RESOURCE

Download this resource. Once downloaded, you can print, save, or share the pages with others.

DOWNLOAD

CONNECT WITH PRISON FELLOWSHIP

Sign up to receive our weekly eNewsletter, which highlights stories of transformed lives and second chances, as well as resources and information from around the ministry.

SIGN UP TODAY

NEW ON OUR BLOG

  • Bringing Hope to Dads in Prison
  • My Story: Toi
  • I Am Not Ashamed
  • The Secret to Staying in the Fight
  • Update: Helen Graduates From the Academy!

SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have a story about how Prison Fellowship has impacted your life? We want to hear from you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Join our online community

Facebook Facebook X (Twitter) X (Twitter) Instagram Instagram YouTube YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn
PF®
PFM®

RECOMMENDED LINKS

  • Ways to Donate
  • Inspirational Stories
  • Angel Tree
  • Prison Fellowship Academy
  • Justice Reform

RESOURCES

  • For Families & Friends of Prisoners
  • For Churches & Angel Tree Volunteers
  • Warden Exchange

JOIN RESTORATION PARTNERS AND WITNESS GOD RESTORE LIVES

Restoration Partners give monthly to bring life-changing prison ministry programs to incarcerated men and women across the country.

 

JOIN NOW
  • CONTACT US
  • EMPLOYMENT
  • PRIVACY
  • FINANCIALS
© 2025 PRISON FELLOWSHIP®

Angel Tree®, Angel Tree Camping®, Angel Tree Sports CampTM, and Warden Exchange® are programs of Prison Fellowship®.