Which action is essential to start a secure inmate visit?

• A. Monitor Visits
• B. Verify Identity
• C. Enforce Rules (No Contraband, Appropriate Conduct, Visiting Hours)
• D. Document Incidents

Answer: (B)

Verifying identity is the first essential action when initiating an inmate visit. It confirms that the person at the door is who they claim to be and that they’re on the approved visitation list, often requiring a photo ID or other verification checks. This step prevents unauthorized access and helps stop impersonation or the introduction of contraband, setting a safe foundation for everything that follows. Once identity is confirmed, staff can begin the rest of the security process—orientation and screening, monitoring during the visit, enforcing rules, and documenting any incidents as needed. Those other security tasks are important, but they rely on having a verified, authorized visitor in place to start with.