Louisiana State Penitentiary, often referred to as Angola, recognizes the importance of maintaining connections between incarcerated individuals and their families and friends. The administration views visitation as a critical component of the rehabilitation process, believing it aids in a smoother transition into prison life and assists in reintegration into society and family life upon release.
Located in West Feliciana Parish, Angola is situated in the state of Louisiana, United States. More specifically, Louisiana State Penitentiary is nestled in a geographically isolated area bordered on three sides by the Mississippi River. This remote location, while contributing to the prison’s unique character and history, requires visitors to plan their journey carefully, especially when considering visitation schedules and travel times.
Upon arrival at LSP, every incarcerated person must compile a list of individuals they wish to have visiting them. Once vetted and approved, this list becomes the official record for visitation. Only individuals included on this current, approved list are permitted to visit. Children under the age of eighteen are welcome to visit but must always be accompanied by an adult who is also on the incarcerated person’s approved visiting list.
Visiting Days and Hours at Angola
Understanding the visitation schedule is crucial when planning a trip to Louisiana State Penitentiary. Visiting days are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, commencing from 6:00 a.m. and concluding at 4:00 p.m. It is important to note that visitors must arrive before 2:00 p.m., as this is the time of the final bus departure to the designated visiting areas within the penitentiary grounds. Given the location of Angola, ensuring timely arrival is paramount to facilitate the visit.
Duration of Visits
Each incarcerated individual is allotted a two-hour visitation period on any scheduled visiting day. However, the warden or a designated representative holds the authority to adjust the length of visits depending on factors such as available space and staffing levels. Visitors should be prepared for potential adjustments to the duration of their visit based on the penitentiary’s operational needs.
Visitor Limits
To ensure orderly and manageable visitation, each incarcerated person can have up to ten (10) approved visitors on their list, in addition to one (1) religious advisor. Each approved visitor is permitted to visit twice per month. During a visit, an incarcerated person can receive up to five (5) visitors simultaneously, including children. These regulations are in place to accommodate all approved visitors while maintaining a secure and controlled environment within the visiting areas.
Visitor Search Procedures
Security is a top priority at Louisiana State Penitentiary, given its location and operational demands. Therefore, all visitors are subject to searches of their vehicles, personal belongings, and persons. These searches are essential to prevent the introduction of prohibited items such as weapons, ammunition, explosives, cell phones, alcohol, escape tools, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or any other form of contraband into the prison environment. All visitor searches are conducted in strict adherence to Department Regulation No. C-02-005 and Penitentiary Directive No. 09.004, and 09.004A. Cooperation with these search procedures is mandatory for all visitors.
Visitors are permitted to bring only specific items into the visiting area, which include:
- A wallet or clutch purse containing no more than $300.00 in cash per family.
- Nitroglycerine tablets (must remain on person).
- Prescription medication in its original container. This must be given to the bus driver, stored at the security counter, and returned to the visitor at the Front Gate Visiting by the bus driver. Medication quantity should be limited to what is necessary for the visit duration.
- Prescription asthma spray (to remain with the visitor).
- A small amount of candy, if for a diabetic visitor.
- One car key. Remote car locks are allowed if attached to the key ring.
- For visitors with babies, permissible items include: up to four diapers, two jars of vacuum-sealed baby food, two bottles of milk or juice, one change of baby clothing, one diaper bag, and one baby blanket (maximum width or length not to exceed 48 inches).
- Wallet-size photographs.
It is critical to understand that none of the items listed above can be given to the incarcerated person at the end of the visit.
Visitor Dress Code
The visiting areas at Angola are designed to foster a family-friendly atmosphere for all visitors. Consequently, visitors are expected to dress and behave appropriately. The following attire is deemed unsuitable and will result in visit denial:
- Clothing that closely resembles the attire worn by incarcerated individuals. Specifically, denim or chambray shirts, gray, blue, or white sweatshirts, and white t-shirts are prohibited for both male and female visitors.
- Undergarments, including underwear and bras, must not be visible and must be worn by all visitors.
- Clothing that resembles correctional officer uniforms (e.g., camouflage, blue BDU’s).
- Transparent clothing.
- Swimsuits.
- Skirts, shorts, skorts, culottes, and dresses that are shorter than one inch above the knee cap or have revealing slits.
- Strapless, tube, and halter tops, tank tops, and strapless dresses.
- Tops that expose the midriff area.
- Low-cut blouses, shirts, and dresses.
- Spandex, Lycra, or spandex-like athletic pants, aerobic/exercise tights, or leotards.
- Clothing with revealing holes or tears located one inch above the knee cap.
- Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or profane writing, images, or pictures.
- Gang or club-related clothing or insignia that indicates gang affiliation.
- House slippers, shower shoes, and flip-flops are not permitted. Footwear must be worn at all times. These dress code restrictions apply to all visitors without exception.
- Hats or other head coverings are generally not allowed, unless required for religious reasons.
Visitor Identification Requirements
All approved visitors must present a valid picture ID. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid state-issued driver’s license or a state-issued ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Visitors aged 15 and above are required to have picture identification to visit an incarcerated person.
Other acceptable forms of photo ID include passports and military, law enforcement, college/university, or school identification cards.
For more detailed visitation information, please click here. Planning a visit to Louisiana State Penitentiary, located in Angola, requires careful attention to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and meaningful visit.
