Bertie CI Visiting Hours. How to Get Approved and Schedule a Visit

Step 1. Get on the Approved Visitor List

Walk-in visits are not allowed at Bertie CI. All visitors need advance approval before they can schedule a session. Here is how the process works:

1. The person inside requests a blank visitor application and mails it to you.
2. You fill out the application completely and return it to the facility.
3. Adults 16 and older must attach a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
4. Minors under 16 must attach a copy of their birth certificate.
5. The facility reviews the application and notifies the person inside when you are approved.

The visitor list is open for enrollment every 6 months. Each inmate can have up to 18 approved visitors. If someone needs to be added or removed, that happens during the next enrollment window.

Start this process as early as possible. Processing takes time, and you cannot schedule a visit until your application is approved.

Step 2. Schedule the Visit

Once you are approved, call (252) 509-0158 or email [email protected] to schedule a session. Visiting hours at Bertie CI are not published on the NC DAC website. Contact the facility directly to find out what times are available.

When you call or email, have the inmate’s full legal name and OPUS Number ready. This helps staff confirm your name on the approved list and match you to the right person.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are not published online for Bertie Correctional Institution. Call (252) 509-0158 or email [email protected] to confirm current available session times before making any travel plans.

Hours can change due to staffing, security events, or facility lockdowns. Always confirm before you travel. A visit that was on the schedule last week may not be available this week.

Who Can Visit and How Often

Each approved visit session allows:

• Up to 3 visitors at one time
• One session per week per inmate
• Sessions last up to 2 hours

Children are welcome to visit but must be listed on the approved visitor application. Minors under 16 must have a birth certificate on file with the application. If someone other than a parent is bringing a minor, contact the facility at (252) 509-0158 ahead of time to confirm what documentation is needed.

Close Custody Restrictions

Bertie CI holds both close custody and medium custody inmates, and the rules differ depending on a person’s current status.

Close custody general population: These inmates can have regular contact visits with approved visitors, following the same process described in this guide.

Close custody disciplinary or administrative segregation: If someone is in the Gray unit (restrictive housing) or has been placed in administrative segregation, they are limited to non-contact visits only. Non-contact visits happen through a barrier, with no physical contact between the visitor and the person inside.

If you are not sure which unit the person is assigned to, call the facility at (252) 509-0158 before you make the trip. Custody status can change, and you do not want to arrive expecting a contact visit and find out a non-contact visit is all that is allowed.

Medium custody inmates in the Tan 1 and Tan 2 dormitories follow standard visitation procedures with no contact restrictions unless placed on individual restriction.

What to Bring

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Leave everything else locked in your vehicle.

Acceptable photo IDs include:

• State driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• U.S. Military ID

Do not bring cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, or AI glasses. These are not allowed inside the facility. If you have a metal implant (pacemaker, joint replacement, surgical hardware), bring a letter from your doctor and contact the facility in advance so staff can accommodate you during security screening.

Dress Code

Bertie CI enforces a visitor dress code based on NC DAC policy. A visit can be denied or ended early for a dress code violation. The following are not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, or tank tops
• Bare midriffs or any top that exposes the midsection
• Fishnet or see-through clothing of any kind
• Spandex
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses more than 3 inches above the kneecap
• Wave caps, doo rags, or bandanas
• Pants worn below the waist
• Clothing with gang affiliations, profanity, or other prohibited imagery

Wear clean, modest clothing. If your outfit could raise any doubt, choose something more conservative. If you are denied at the entrance for a dress code issue, there is no guarantee of a rescheduled visit.

Security Screening

All visitors go through a security check before entering. This includes:

• Metal detector screening
• Pat search for anyone 16 and older
• Additional screening at officer discretion

Do not bring any contraband onto facility property. Attempting to bring in drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other prohibited items is a felony and will result in arrest and prosecution. This applies to items in your vehicle while on facility grounds.

Video Visits Through Getting Out

If traveling to Windsor is not possible, Bertie CI offers video visits through the Getting Out Visits app. Visit sso.gtlconnect.com or download the Getting Out Visits app, create a free account, and find Bertie Correctional Institution to schedule a session.

You must be on the approved visitor list to use video visits. The list is the same one used for in-person visits.

What Happens During the Visit

Visits take place in the designated visitation area. During the visit:

• Stay in the area where staff direct you
• Do not exchange items with the person unless specifically authorized by staff in advance
• Conduct yourself calmly and follow all officer instructions

A visit can be ended early if visitors do not follow the rules. Misconduct during a visit can affect future visit privileges for everyone involved.

Medical Needs and Accommodations

If you use a wheelchair, cane, oxygen, or have a medical condition that affects security screening (like a pacemaker or joint replacement), contact the facility before your visit at (252) 509-0158. Bringing documentation from your doctor helps staff prepare for your arrival and speeds up screening.

Getting to Bertie CI

Bertie Correctional Institution is located at 218 Cooper Hill Road in Windsor, in Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina. Windsor is a small town. If you are coming from out of the area, Rocky Mount (about 45 miles west) and Williamston (about 20 miles south) have gas stations, restaurants, and motels. Plan your trip before you leave and confirm visiting hours in advance so you do not travel for a session that has been rescheduled.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Visiting schedules can change around major holidays or during facility security events. Always call or email ahead before traveling, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. If you have a special circumstance, such as traveling from far away or needing to schedule outside normal windows, call (252) 509-0158 to ask about options.