hey i'm planning to make my first visit to my boyfriend in ARDC in September. From what I've gathered they're strict. Are there certain things you are not allowded to bring or wear? I've heard some stories about not being able to visit because they wore tight jeans and I also heard you shouldn't bring a cell phone.

i turn 16 in September, so I think I can visit him without an adult there. Is that true, or will I need someone over age 18 to take me?

Please help me by telling me what you can. Also what bus takes you there and where do I get it. Answer as many of my questions as you can. Thank you sooo very mych. :)

You will need someone over 18. And no cell phones and be prepared to get aggravated and pissed off. Visiting Rikers is rough...

there is info there

I would take the N/R train and get off at the last stop in Astoria and then there's a special Riker's bus a couple blocks away that takes you straight onto the island.

'Princess'...?
Hi, my name is ellen (aka puddlesis41) and I am a 'newbie' at this stuff too.
My fiancee, Ed is in Gowanda Correctional Facility in Gowanda, NY.
The first time I went to see him it was 90+ degrees out so I wore a pair of almost knee length baggy shorts (I traveled about 100 miles). I got turned away because my 'shorts' were 1/2 inch too short. I saw women in there later with shorter shorts than I had on and really tight jeans, but they got thru. I was lucky enough to find a woman on the street when I explained my situation and needed to find a store (it was a Sunday, 9:am and all the stores were closed until noon) who was kind enough to go home and give me a pair of her own pants out of her closet. I went back, they gave me more guff. My shoes, sandals, metal on them and they griped about my shirt. The second time I went to visit, I was told my ruffled, neck high, button down shirt was 'too sexy' and I even had a blazer on. (They make you take your coat/blazer/belts) off. They let me thru tho as long as I kept my blazer on. The third time I went, I learned, no belts, hair things, nothing sexy in their eyes, no metal anywhere. Look as dowdy as you can. It may not impress your man, but it will get you in. Carry nothing with you except photo ID and change for the vending machines.
As far as your age, you HAVE to have photo ID - period, no exceptions. I would guess you have to be at least 18 years of age to even get in unless you are with someome older.
Be prepared to be confused...
Good luck,
ellen (aka puddlesis41@yahoo.com) Feel free if you want to talk)
Good luck! :thumbsup:

Well for rikers it's not as strict as far as clothes, but you must be 18 and have a valid NY state ID. If you are under 18 you must visit with an adult. No school ID's unless you have a program card. You can bring your cellphone and place it in the outside lockers for 50 cents. Other than that it runs pretty smoothly. I also visit ARDC and it a whole bunch of children and is a sentencing house for older men. it's more laid back than other houses. If you are bringing him anything make sure it's not black, blue, green, yellow, orange or red. If your bringing in footwear it has to be either white or black. Nothing colorful. You can call rikers and get more info 718-546-0700

I had to go with my brother in laws girlfriend because she was 15 and I was 19. The hardest part is getting in. This was a few years ago but I bet it's still the same. Just a heads up don't wear any jewlery there. I would leave it all at home. If your shirt is tucked in they make u untuck your shirt and pull your bra out. They have you shake to make sure u are aren't hiding anything in you bra. Once all of that is done it's okay.