I just have a few questions: I am going to visit a friend of mine soon out at SMU-1 in Arizona. I know the "official" visitation rules, but are there any "unwritten" rules I should be aware of? I hate the thoughts of driving all the way out there and being turned away. I know the dress code is strict, but any helpful hints on that to avoid being turned away? Also, I have never visited my friend before, will he already be seated when I get there or will I have to wait?
Also, I use a P.O. Box when I write to him, does my driver's license have to show my physical address or will my P.O. Box be okay? Any and all replies are appreciated! Thanks!!;)

Hints: bring a back up pair of clothing that has a loose, extremely high-collared shirt that is red or yellow and loose slacks that are black (colors they allow with no problems). Buy a see-through plastic purse at Wal-Mart to carry your change and unopened cigarettes in (ziplock bags work too). P.O. Box shouldn't be a problem, but you could put something else with your physical address on it, if you have something, just in case.
I haven't been to SMU-1, so these are general hints. Once you get there, get friendly with the ladies there & get info. on what they are strict on and what they aren't (if you will be there when other visitors are around).

Hello, my husband was in SMU-1 in 1999 for 6 months and assuming it hasn't changed...here's what it will be like. You have to make an appt. which you probably already know and once you get there, you'll have to check in and they wait until everyone that has an appt. gets there and checked in before you walk down to the unit together. A c.o. will walk all the visitors down to the visit room and the guys will already be there and seated. The visiting room is like a half circle with the c.o. sitting in the middle. They are pretty strict on the dress code, they are very by the book. I would bring an extra outfit as she said above, though I always do that at every unit my husband has been at. Hope this helps and hope you have a great visit! :)

Hello, my husband was in SMU-1 in 1999 for 6 months and assuming it hasn't changed...here's what it will be like. You have to make an appt. which you probably already know and once you get there, you'll have to check in and they wait until everyone that has an appt. gets there and checked in before you walk down to the unit together. A c.o. will walk all the visitors down to the visit room and the guys will already be there and seated. The visiting room is like a half circle with the c.o. sitting in the middle. They are pretty strict on the dress code, they are very by the book. I would bring an extra outfit as she said above, though I always do that at every unit my husband has been at. Hope this helps and hope you have a great visit! :)

Thank you so much for the information. I am really lost when it comes to visiting my friend there, so all the helpful hints have really helped me. Basically, I need to dress like a nun and get there on time. :-) Thanks again!!!

Jen