Visiting in Wisconsin (WI DOC)

Getting on the visiting list

No one may visit until they are an approved visitor, and the incarcerated person starts the process. The incarcerated person mails a DOC-21AA Visitor Questionnaire to the prospective visitor. That person completes the questionnaire and returns it to the institution, which reviews it. The incarcerated person is notified once a visitor is approved.

Visitor limits

How many people may be on a visiting list depends on the incarcerated person’s status:

• A person on intake (Assessment & Evaluation, “A&E”) status may have up to 4 adult close-family members on the list.
• A person in general population may have up to 12 adults on the list.

Minors do not count toward these caps until they turn 18.

Scheduling a visit

Wisconsin has no statewide online visit scheduler. Visits are arranged with each institution. To confirm the current visiting days and hours and to make arrangements, call the facility. Visiting days and hours vary by facility, and visitors arrive no more than 15 minutes before the visit. At facilities with restrictive housing, visits there are often conducted by audio-visual equipment rather than in person.

(Video visits are scheduled separately through ICSolutions — see Phone & Video Calls.)

Identification

Visitors 16 and older must show a valid government-issued photo ID.

Dress code

The dress code is statewide.

During the visit

In the visiting room, a visitor may bring in up to $25 in cash, or one debit or credit card, for vending. Food and gifts may not be brought in or given to the incarcerated person. A visitor who needs an accommodation can request one using form DOC-2424.

Reception centers

People entering WI DOC custody are first held at a reception center, where security level is assigned, before transfer to a general-population institution:

• Men are received at Dodge Correctional Institution (Waupun).
• Women are received at Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond du Lac).

Because a person’s institution can change after intake, confirm the current location on the Offender Locator before traveling. See Transfers & Finding Someone.

Video visits

Video visits are a separate option from in-person visiting. They are provided through ICSolutions and are scheduled through that system rather than with the institution. Details on cost and setup are in Phone & Video Calls.

Verify Before Acting

For the general, nationwide overview of this topic, see the national guide: Visiting Basics.