Not a whole lot of info here on visiting, so let me share my experience. I came here last month to visit one of my good friends. First time ever visiting an inmate and resources online and website are very limited. Here's what you need to know after filling out forms and getting approval.
There are two entrances to the prison depending on where the inmate is housed. My friend was housed in SATF, the entrance was through the back side of the prison. Now, things to know before making the trip here. There is not much in Corcoran, the town has a small handful of markets and gas stations. One mcdonalds and one taco bell, 4 motels. I tried booking a motel in Corcoran and for whatever reason, the room was not available the weekend I came down. Which in hindsight was a good thing. I had to stay at the budget inn on a Friday and the whole room smelled like ripe ass. All the other motels in the area were booked and the service people there sucked. They were all rude eastern indians.
There is a town called Tulare that is about 20/30 minutes away. Worth it! I stayed at a Motel 6, the room was 15 bucks cheaper and was right next door to a very good diner. There was plenty of restaurants in the area and better hotels/motels.
Now as far as visiting goes, unless you call the prison or book an appointment in advance online, visiting hours are from 12pm to 2:30 pm Sat and Sunday. It says 8am online but thats only avaiable if you make an appointment. Get there like an hour early, check with the front guard and make sure you are at the right entrance than wait on the side of the street, They open the gates exactly at noon and there will be a line of cars looking to visit their loved ones as well. Also note, there is more than one tower, make sure you are at the right tower. Sucks to wait for 40 mins and find out you are on the wrong tower, and have to leave, drive out to the next tower and wait again.
The list of what not to wear is somewhat clear, no blue shirts or blue jeans. No green/olive color pants no camo color pants. Sweat pants, black jeans, gray jeans seem to be popular. Though it was not on the list, I was not allowed to go in with my Chuck taylors. Keep some flip flop in the cars in case and also have some extra shirts or pants in the car.
Leave all your shit in the car, and lock your car. Most likely I doubt anybody would be that dumb to break into a car here but hide your shit and lock it up anyways.
What you can bring, One car key and remote. Your ID and bring a ziplock bag with less than 50 dollars. Best to bring it in all 5 dollar bills. Jewelry is questionable, I've seen woman with ear rings, watches though it clearly says not to bring anything online. No wallet no phone nothing else.
Change the money to coin dollars, you will need these to use the vending machines inside visiting. They have food, drinks and ice cream in visiting. Also buy some tokens, you will need these should you want to have your photo taken with the inmate.
Staff is pretty friendly throughout and helpful, just follow the rules and it should be pretty smooth.
Hope you have a good visit! read more