Pleasant Valley State Prison

I came here to visit my father last year with my girlfriend. There is a difference between visiting someone in county jail, and visiting someone at a state prison. First of all, you must get approved for visitation before even showing up. The inmate you’re seeing will be able to send you a form that you must fill out, send back, get it approved and only then can you visit. You also get to visit for hours, and it’s full contact, so good bye talking through glass and hello long hugs.
The prison is in the middle of nowhere, obviously, with miles of desert around. We waited in a line to get in for a few hours because we didn’t have an appointment. If you don’t make one, you shouldn’t worry because you will get in. It will just take a little longer. They have clothing restrictions. No jeans or colored pants. I went with khaki because it was safe way to make sure I get in. No jewelry, no see through shirts of any kind. We must of seen at least six people being sent back to put something in the car because it wasn’t appropriate. Read up before coming and dress smart. They do have a little bungalow at the end of the parking lot that’s kind of a «Customer service» area. Inside they have pamphlets about group meetings and even extra clothes you can borrow if you don’t meet the requirements.
The group of people we were waiting with were very nice, and a lot of them have been here before so they were happy to answer any questions we had. Once you get inside the first building, you have to register who you are, who you’re seeing, and your relationship to the inmate. They have a counter where you can purchase a picture ticket. Yes, you can actually have your picture taken with the inmate, which I think is a great idea. Once you go through a metal detector you get to walk with a group of people to whatever cell house the inmate you’re seeing is at. Once inside we had to wait a little while until my dad actually showed up. We spent three hours, talking, laughing, and reminiscing. I was happy to have my dad and girlfriend finally meet after years of talking about one another, to one another.
Sadly the camera was broken so we weren’t able to get our picture taken, and they don’t give out refunds so be cautious. They have plenty of vending machines so you can buy lunch. The guards pretty much keep to themselves, and answer questions you may have happily. It was a small room with a small out door area that we were able to explore. No bathrooms, so go before you get in.
Over all it was a pleasant experience. It sounds weird when you’re talking about a prison, but you should know that though the place isn’t a symbol of happiness, your time there can still be a happy one.