Southern CI Visiting Hours. How to Schedule a Visit

What Close Custody Means for Visitors

Southern Correctional Institution houses men at the close custody level, which is one step below maximum security in the NC DAC system. Residents are on-site at all times with structured movement throughout the day. There is no work release or off-site programming, so you do not need to call ahead to check whether the person is at the facility. If the NC OPI search shows them at Southern CI, they are there.

For visitors, close custody means security screening is more thorough than at minimum or medium custody facilities. Expect a full screening process including a metal detector and pat search. Allow extra time before your scheduled appointment.

Step 1. Get on the Approved Visitor List

You cannot visit Southern CI without prior approval. Here is how the process works:

1. The person inside requests blank visitor application forms from the housing unit officer.
2. They mail you the blank form.
3. You fill out the form completely. Adults 16 and older attach a copy of a government-issued photo ID. Children under 16 attach a birth certificate.
4. You mail the completed form back to the facility at 272 Glen Road, Troy, NC 27371.
5. NC DAC reviews and approves or denies the application.
6. The person inside is notified of who is approved.

Up to 18 people may be on the approved visitor list at one time. If you are not on the list, you will not be allowed to visit even if someone else cancels. The list is reviewed every 6 months. If your circumstances change (new address, legal name change), contact the facility to update your information.

Step 2. Schedule an Appointment

Once you are approved, contact the facility to schedule your visit:

• Phone: (910) 572-3784
• Email: [email protected]

Visiting hours are not posted on the NC DAC website. Call or email ahead of time to confirm the current schedule, available appointment slots, and any holiday closures. Do not drive to Troy without a confirmed appointment.

Who Can Visit and How Many

Each visit allows a maximum of 3 people. One session per week is permitted, lasting up to 2 hours. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an approved adult who is on the visitor list.

If a minor child is being brought by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, contact the facility in advance. NC DAC typically requires documentation confirming the relationship and permission from the non-incarcerated parent or guardian. Call (910) 572-3784 to confirm what paperwork is needed before the visit.

Location and Directions

Southern Correctional Institution is at 272 Glen Road, Troy, NC 27371, in Montgomery County. Troy is a small town in central North Carolina, roughly 65 miles east of Charlotte and 80 miles southwest of Raleigh.

There is no public transportation to the facility. If you are traveling from out of state or a long distance, plan for lodging in Troy or nearby Albemarle or Asheboro. Call ahead to confirm your appointment before making travel arrangements.

What to Bring

Bring your government-issued photo ID. You will need it at check-in. Acceptable forms include:

• State driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID

Social Security cards, insurance cards, and printed or digital images of IDs are not accepted.

Leave everything else in your vehicle. Do not bring cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, AI glasses, or cameras into the facility. Purses, bags, and jackets are generally not permitted in the visiting area. Lockers or secure storage may be available at the entrance.

If you have a medical device such as a pacemaker or metal implant that may trigger a metal detector, bring a note from your physician on official letterhead explaining the device.

Dress Code

The NC DAC dress code applies at Southern CI. Visitors who arrive dressed improperly will not be admitted. The following are not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, tank tops, or bare midriffs
• Fishnet, see-through, or sheer clothing
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses more than 3 inches above the kneecap
• Spandex or form-fitting athletic wear
• Wave caps, doo rags, or bandanas
• Pants worn below the waist
• Clothing with gang-affiliated symbols, profane language, or drug and alcohol references

Dress in plain, modest clothing. When in doubt, err toward more coverage. If you are denied entry due to your clothing, your appointment slot is forfeit.

Security Screening

All visitors go through a security checkpoint that includes:

• Metal detector screening
• Pat search
• Possible x-ray of any permitted items

Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry and asked to leave the property. Attempting to bring contraband into a correctional facility is a felony under NC law.

Do not bring anything to give to the person inside and do not accept anything from them. Any exchange of items must be pre-approved by facility staff.

Video Visits

If you cannot visit in person, video visits are available through the Getting Out Visits app operated by ViaPath/GTL. You can access it at sso.gtlconnect.com or download the Getting Out app on your phone or tablet. Video visits require a funded account. Call (910) 572-3784 to confirm video visit availability and scheduling at Southern CI.

What Happens If You Miss Your Appointment

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, contact the facility as early as possible at (910) 572-3784 or [email protected]. Arriving late without notice may result in your visit being denied. Repeated no-shows can affect future scheduling.

Attorney and Clergy Visits

Attorneys and approved clergy may visit outside of regular visiting hours. Contact the facility in advance at (910) 572-3784 to arrange credentials verification and entry. Attorney visits are generally treated as legal mail and handled with confidentiality.

Confirming the Person Is Still at Southern CI

Before traveling, use the NC OPI inmate search to confirm the person is still listed at Southern CI. Transfers do happen, and the search is updated regularly. It takes only a minute and can save you a long drive.