How to Visit the Benton County Jail
How to Visit the Jail
This page covers three types of visits:
Schedule a Social Visit
To schedule a visit, call 541-766-6866 during scheduling hours: 8:00–9:00 a.m. or 6:00–7:00 p.m. daily. Staff require advance notice, so plan accordingly.
Social visiting schedule
| Day | Visiting hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Saturday | 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Sunday | 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
Social Visiting Rules
Before your visit, make sure you meet these requirements:
BEFORE ARRIVING
- The AIC must finish orientation and classification before visits begin.
- The AIC must add your name to an approved visitor list. That list must include your full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Jail staff do not add visitors to the list on the AIC’s behalf.
- Jail staff review each visitor list and may approve or deny visits based on criminal history or conduct during prior incarcerations or visits.
VISITORS UNDER 18
- Visitors under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian. However, minor visitors who hold legal proof of marriage to the AIC may visit without a guardian. Minor children of an AIC may also visit with a parent or legal guardian.
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR
- Bring a current, valid photo ID.
- Leave personal belongings and cell phones outside the visiting area.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Specifically, avoid anything too revealing or anything that resembles jail-issued clothing. The jail does not permit mini skirts, very short shorts, spandex, see-through clothing, low-cut tops, or bare midriffs.
DURING YOUR VISIT
- Do not come to the jail if you appear intoxicated. Staff will deny entry if you show signs of alcohol or drug use.
- Keep children with you at all times. Staff may end a visit if a visitor or child causes a disturbance.
- Each visit lasts up to 30 minutes.
- Each AIC may receive one visit per day.
- Additionally, the number of weekly visits depends on the AIC’s classification level.
Note: Jail staff may search visitors in accordance with jail policy.
Professional Visiting
Professional visitors do not need an appointment. However, the Sheriff’s Office encourages scheduling when possible. Furthermore, Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved exclusively for professional visits.
Professional visits apply to:
- Attorneys
- Ministers
- Counselors
- Other approved professionals
Contract Beds and Transporting Adults in Custody
When the Benton County Jail reaches capacity, staff transport AICs to contract facilities. After AICs complete the orientation process, deputies may transfer them to partner jails in Linn County or Clatsop County. Together, the local facility (40 beds) and contract beds allow BCSO to house approximately 80 AICs.
Transporting AICs requires significant resources. Transport costs Benton County approximately one million dollars per year, not including fuel or deputy pay. In 2023, deputies transported 792 Adults in Custody over 33,393 miles. In 2024, deputies transported 731 Adults in Custody over 31,799 miles.
Although deputies transport most AICs on set weekly days, special transports to neighboring districts and Dallas occur regularly.
Rules for AICs Held in Contract Facilities
AICs at contract facilities follow that facility’s rules and regulations.
Therefore, before you visit or contact an AIC, confirm which facility currently
holds them. Each jail operates independently, so contact methods and visiting
rules will vary.
Visitation in Our Contract Facilities
To visit an AIC at a contract facility, follow the procedures specific to that location: