this is going to be the first time I go visit at CTF or any prison for that matter, but I was wondering if you take a clear clutch purse in, is the only thing you can put in it money and pictures? And does anyone have any recommendations, suggestions or just stuff I should know, or what to expect when i go? Thanks!

Welcome to CTF! As far as what you can bring in, you can have up to $40 (in $1 bills and change), up to 10 pictures, an unopened package of tissues, a comb, and one key on a single ring. Nothing else is allowed in. They have been a bit picky about the size of the bag you bring, so try and use one that's no bigger than about 4 by 6 inches.

As for what to expect, CTF has some easy things about visiting and some hard things. The hard part is that there is lots of standing around waiting, and early mornings. If you've poked around in this forum you've probably read threads about the car line and how the basics work. I'd add to that that most of the time you spend waiting you are outside, and there aren't many places to sit, so dress for the weather--it can be chilly in the mornings even when it's nice during the day.

Other than that, just make sure you dress appropriately, and ask the people around you on your first visit to help you navigate the process. There are many steps you have to go through from when you get to the prison to when you are in the visiting room, and it can be easy to make a mistake. My advice is to just keep asking other visitors to make sure you're following the right process. If you know where you're visiting (Central, North, or South) let us know and we can give you more specifics about the steps in the process.

For the most part there isn't too much drama, and the COs are usually fairly helpful as long as you're polite and respectful to them. Expect the visiting rooms to be crowded and loud, but you get used to it pretty quickly.

I hope this information helps--let me know if you have other questions or want more info about anything.

JMK


this is going to be the first time I go visit at CTF or any prison for that matter, but I was wondering if you take a clear clutch purse in, is the only thing you can put in it money and pictures? And does anyone have any recommendations, suggestions or just stuff I should know, or what to expect when i go? Thanks!

[quote=JMK]Welcome to CTF! As far as what you can bring in, you can have up to $40 (in $1 bills and change), up to 10 pictures, an unopened package of tissues, a comb, and one key on a single ring. Nothing else is allowed in. They have been a bit picky about the size of the bag you bring, so try and use one that's no bigger than about 4 by 6 inches.

I didn't know CTF had changed the amount you could bring so thanks for posting that. Last year when I was there you could only bring $30 for each adult plus $10 for each child. I thought they should have changed it long ago with the prices going up like they have.
Thanks
blocks

Blocks--I'm so glad you posted that because that was a total typo on my part!!!! I'm so sorry. It's still $30. I frequently bring in more, since they never count or check. It's often accidental, since I'll pick up a couple rolls of quarters and 20 ones and sometimes forget to take out the extra! I hope I didn't get your hopes up too much!

[quote=JMK]Welcome to CTF! As far as what you can bring in, you can have up to $40 (in $1 bills and change), up to 10 pictures, an unopened package of tissues, a comb, and one key on a single ring. Nothing else is allowed in. They have been a bit picky about the size of the bag you bring, so try and use one that's no bigger than about 4 by 6 inches.

I didn't know CTF had changed the amount you could bring so thanks for posting that. Last year when I was there you could only bring $30 for each adult plus $10 for each child. I thought they should have changed it long ago with the prices going up like they have.
Thanks
blocks

I am planing to visit my brother in CTF La Soledad (level 3) next month, he arrive at CTF a couple weeks ago when his when its section was punished, does any one know what happens in those circumstances. Maybe this will be my only one visit in this year -I live in México City-, please I need help, please do some suggestions or things that I should know. Thanks so much for your help. By he way how can I buy a book for my brother.
Bea