visit the jail

In one of America’s most troubled jails, a mental health unit has managed to thrive

NEW ORLEANS — In June, 18-year-old Marvell Smith arrived at the Orleans Justice Center, anxious and overwhelmed, to await his day in trial in the notorious jail. Staff brought him up on an elevator to the fourth floor and placed him in a unit with more than four dozen other men. 

Almost immediately, another detainee began stalking Smith, he said, trying to physically and verbally intimidate him for being gay. 

For years, detainees say, harassment has been rampant at the jail in Orleans Parish, which has struggled since 2012 to comply with a consent decree by the Justice Department to monitor poor conditions, violence and abuse inside. But this time, the outcome was different. The man stalking Smith was quickly expelled from the unit by its leader, sheriff’s Lt. Michael Lewis. Had Lewis not taken action, nine other pretrial detainees told NBC News, they would have demanded that the man leave. 

Smith’s experience is a reflection of the larger goals of a new mental health-focused community within the jail, designed to reverse years of violence and neglect, and build instead a sense of camaraderie. Smith said he was relieved Lewis took action to get rid of his harasser. “As my days go on, it’s getting like we’re all human, we’re all men,” he said.

Smith is among the first to experience this approach in the jail which officials in New Orleans are calling “the model pod for mental health.” Spearheaded by Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, who ran for office in 2022 promising to reform the jail and fight its further expansion, the program has a simple goal: treat pre-trial inmates more like patients who have experienced severe trauma and are deserving of community and health care. 

The men who live on her experimental pod can set their own schedules and commune freely, play basketball, cut each other’s hair, watch movies and nightly news programs and share books. In exchange, they have to commit to a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and violence, make their beds, manage laundry and attend frequent group discussions about conflict resolution, stress and trauma. Some of the members are also receiving individualized mental health treatment.

“You really want to be there for each other,” said pod resident Zachary Terrell, one of the first men to notice that Smith felt unsafe. “When you do that, that create an OK environment for that person to be yourself, for the next person to be themself.”

Hutson, the only female sheriff in Louisiana, said the facility has become the largest mental health care provider for the city of New Orleans. Nineteen years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region and all of the city’s services, the sheriff warned that a mental health crisis has metastasized. During the historic storm, Charity Hospital’s mental health ward was flooded. It has yet to reopen. 

In the years that followed, New Orleans followed a pattern seen across the U.S.: large mental institutions and psychiatric facilities closed down, many on account of reports of mistreatment and abuse. Most American communities, both in rural and urban areas, failed to build enough modern clinics and hospitals to replace the old wards. As a result, the jails in cities like New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York are among the largest mental health care providers in the nation. 

More than half of the 1,400 people in Hutson’s mental facility are receiving medication to treat diagnosed disorders like schizophrenia, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. On the model pod, almost every single man told NBC News that he had witnessed a family member or friend be killed by gun violence. Many of their families were permanently separated by Hurricane Katrina, and many were forced to grow up without their parents. 

“Jails are the system,” Hutson told NBC News. “And it’s the same throughout the state and throughout this country. In areas where you don’t have those [mental health] systems in place. The jail is the de facto mental health system. And that is so wrong.” 

Hutson, whose own brother had PTSD after serving in the Navy, said her dream would be for her jail to be replaced by treatment and prevention programs. 

“I don’t want a mental health jail,” she said. “I want a mental health facility.”

Lawmakers in her state are moving in the opposite direction, however, leaving Sheriff Hutson to swim upstream. This year, Louisiana Republicans, with a supermajority in the governor’s mansion and Legislature, pushed through a slate of crime-and-punishment laws, including Senate Bill 3, which requires officials to treat 17-year-olds accused of crimes as adults that should be housed in adult-only jails like Hutson’s.

NBC News requested interviews with state Sen. Heather Cloud and Rep. Raymond Crews, who spearheaded the new legislation the sheriff alleges impacted the jail. They did not respond. In April, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X, “Today marks the start to a new justice system here in Louisiana. No more will 17-year-olds who commit home invasions, carjack, and rob the great people of our State be treated as children in court. These are criminals and today, they will finally be treated as such.”

Since March, Hutson’s facility population has increased by 3% to 5% each month, according to department data reviewed by NBC News. Also, she said she’s been forced to create a new unit for minors. The new unit has created logistical and financial challenges in an already overcrowded facility, Hutson said, as minors require complete sight and sound separation from all other adult residents. 

According to the criminal justice think tank Prison Policy Initiative , Louisiana not only incarcerates a higher percentage of its people than any other state, but also more than any other independent democratic country. Andrea Armstrong, a legal scholar, MacArthur Fellow and professor at Loyola University, also stressed that Louisiana, by most counts, has the highest rate of incarceration per capita, and also has one of the highest rates of violent crime. 

“The math isn’t mathing, right?” Armstrong said. “If incarceration was the thing that made people safe, we would be the safest state in the country.” 

Instead, she said solving the mental health and incarceration crisis will require leaders to think differently about safety and to invest in building new mental health hospitals. 

“And those resources should not be connected to our criminal justice system. Full stop,” she said. “People who are in crisis need to be evaluated by experts. They need to develop treatment plans. And then and only then, can we start having conversations about the actions and behavior that occurred when they were untreated.” 

Model pod member Leonard Patty, a 42-year-old father who grew up without his own parents for most of his childhood in New Orleans, described Hutson and Lewis’ efforts as lifesaving. Before joining the pod community, he didn’t realize that it wasn’t normal to live every day expecting to die. 

“This program helped me,” he said. “Like if I had ran into the police and they killed me, I would have been happy. That’s where I was at.” 

He’s been in pre-trial detention for five years after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder charges. The program, he said, has helped him see beyond his own anger and trauma, and focus more on how he can help young men like Smith.  

In recent months, Lewis has surveyed all of the men in his new unit, gathering data about their upbringings in New Orleans and their mental health treatment needs. He said he hopes to present his findings to the city, in a bid to expand the program to other parts of the jail. 

“Politicians out there don’t get it,” he said. “If we, human beings, can make up our mind and treat other people like human beings, that will make a difference.”

For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter .

Antonia Hylton is a correspondent for NBC News.

Emily Berk is a producer for NBC News.

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Trump issues statement from Gold Star families defending Arlington Cemetery visit and ripping Harris

Bill Barrow

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Misty Fuoco, left, sister of Nicole Gee, and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump place their hands over their heart after placing a wreath in honor of Sgt. Nicole Gee, at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

ATLANTA – Donald Trump's campaign issued a statement Sunday from the Gold Star military families who invited him to Arlington National Cemetery as they defended the Republican presidential nominee and insisted that Vice President Kamala Harris is the candidate politicizing fallen U.S. service members.

It's the latest volley in an extended back and forth as Trump tries to saddle Harris with the Biden administration's handling of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, including a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members.

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Harris on Saturday accused Trump of staging a “political stunt” that “disrespected sacred ground" where many Afghanistan war dead are buried. Trump and the families of some of those killed in the bombing blame Harris, as they did President Joe Biden before he ended his reelection bid, for their loved ones' deaths. The families say the former president was honoring their loved ones when he came to Arlington.

His campaign later distributed images of the visit despite the cemetery's prohibition on partisan activity on the grounds.

“President Trump was invited by us, the Gold Star families, to attend the solemn ceremonies commemorating the three-year anniversary of our children's deaths,” said the relatives' joint statement. “He was there to honor their sacrifice, yet Vice President Harris has disgracefully twisted this sacred moment into a political ploy.”

Gold Star families have lost a loved one in military service.

Trump laid wreaths last Monday in honor of Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. They were among 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghans who died in an Aug. 26, 2021, bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport as U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan.

Trump thanked the family members for their statement via social media. “Thank you for saying you wanted me to stand with you ... and take pictures, that it was your request, not mine,” he wrote .

Throughout the weekend, Trump has used his social media accounts to distribute video testimonials from some relatives who signed the statement.

Christy Shamblin, Gee's mother-in-law, said in a 90-second message that Trump and his aides were “respectful” and a “a comfort” to the families who gathered at Arlington. Then she directly addressed her remarks to Harris.

“Why won't you return a call and explain how you call my daughter-in-law's death a success?” Shamblin said. “Why would you take a day where we celebrated the deaths of our loved ones and use it to disparage not only them, but us.”

Biden and first lady Jill Biden went to Dover Air Force Base in 2021 for the ceremony returning the service members' remains to U.S. soil. The Bidens met privately with family members at Dover. The Bidens were joined at the ceremony by several top aides in the administration, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Shamblin was among the several family members who also spoke at the Republican National Convention in July on Trump's behalf. Several family members have joined Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, on a conference call with media.

Trump's appearance ballooned into controversy after defense officials said his campaign was warned about not taking photographs and that there was an altercation between Trump aides and a cemetery employee. Officials have said since that an employee whom two Trump campaign staff members allegedly “verbally abused and pushed” aside has declined to press charges.

The Trump campaign has since lashed out at Pentagon officials, with a top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, referring to military spokespersons as “hacks.” Trump campaign officials say the campaign had permission to bring someone to take video.

Since Biden ended his reelection bid in July, Trump has been zeroing in on Harris and her roles in foreign policy decisions. He has highlighted the vice president’s statements that she was the last person in the room before Biden made the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Biden’s administration was following a withdrawal commitment and timeline that the Trump administration had negotiated with the Taliban in 2020. A 2022 review by a government-appointed special investigator concluded decisions made by both Trump and Biden were the key factors leading to the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s military and the Taliban takeover.

Campaigning this year, Trump has said that leaving was the right thing to do but that the Biden administration's execution was poor.

“I was getting out, but we were going to get out through dignity and strength,” he said in a Fox News interview that was taped after his visit to Arlington and broadcast Sunday evening. “They should have done so much different. ... They should have had the soldiers taken out last.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Visiting Inmates

All visitors must register and schedule visits in the visitation program. https://leecountyfl.gtlvisitme.com/app.

On visitation day, visitors will be required to check in at the kiosk and confirm their identification at the visitation desk, 15 minutes prior to their scheduled visitation time. Each inmate will be allowed up to two visitors per visitation session. Names will be checked against the inmate’s visitation list. A valid photo identification that displays the date of birth, is required to be presented to the Clerk. If no identification is displayed, the visitor will not be permitted to visit. Juveniles must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the visit. Remote visitations can still be conducted via www.gtlvisitme.com

Inmate Visitation

All visitations for the Jail, Core and Community Program Units (CPU’s) are conducted through a video monitor. Each inmate will be allowed two (2) visitations per week for one (1) hour each. Up to two (2) visitors from the Inmate’s Authorized Visitation List will be allowed to visit with the inmate; children under one year of age will not be included in the count.

You Must Be an Approved Visitor

All inmates are given a packet that contains an INMATE VISITATION LIST. The inmate can then place up to five (5) names of family members/friends that they want to visit with. Children under the age of one year DO NOT need to be placed on this list. They also do not count as one of the visitors. The inmate can only update their visitation list every four (4) months from the day they sign up. Any add-ons or removals constitutes as an update. Visitors on the list will be the only persons allowed to visit the inmate with the exception of Clergy, Attorney, and infants under the age of one year. Our hours of operations are open Monday-Sunday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where Do You Go to Visit an Inmate?

All visits for inmates at the Lee County Corrections facilities (Main Jail, Core and CPU’s) are conducted at the Visitation facility located on the Ortiz site:

2501 Ortiz Ave Fort Myers, FL 33905 (239) 258-3773

Corrections facilities, when you enter the corrections facillity you must:.

• Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled visitation time
• Visitors 16 years of age and older must present a Photo ID (Drivers License, Identification Card, Passport, Military ID, or Prison ID) with a D.O.B.
• Have your name checked against that authorized visitation list
• Abide by the Correction Visitor Regulations below

Violation of Visitation Rules: 

Visitors who fail to comply with the rules and regulations of the Visitation Facility will be escorted from the facility and denied the rest of the visitation. The visitor may be suspended from visitation or banned depending on the severity of the offense. An email will be sent to the Facility Commander detailing the violation and the action taken. The decision for future visitation will be at the discretion of the Correction Bureau Commander and/or designee.

Visitor Regulations:

If you bring any of these items with you on visitation, they will be confiscated and you could face prosecution.

If an inmate is going to appear in court and you wish to bring him/her clothes for trial, you can have the inmate’s Attorney or Public Defender call the Court Operations Office at (239) 258-3400 to make the necessary arrangements. Arrangements with the Court Operations Unit will not be made directly with the family. Visitors are not permitted to introduce cell phones, cigarettes, lighters, cameras, radios, record or tape players, gifts, purses, baby bags, water bottles, food or drinks, etc. into the visitation area. Any of these items thought to have been used during the visitation, will be subject to confiscation. A visitor may be searched at any time if there is reason to believe that they may be in possession of contraband. Contraband is any item not provided to the inmate by the Correction Facility or not purchased by the inmate through the Corrections commissary. You cannot bring the inmate anything else. Visitors wearing attire that is too brief or revealing will not be permitted to visit. Even bringing the following items to an inmate is prohibited: Books, Enveloped letters, Battery- or electronically-operated cards, Candy, Care packages, Clothing, Envelopes, Food, Glitter, Hygiene items, Magazines, Medication, Polaroid pictures, Snacks, Stamps, Stickers, Writing paper, etc. If you bring any of these items with you on visitation, they will be confiscated and you could face prosecution. If an inmate is going to appear in court and you wish to bring him/her clothes for trial, you can have the inmate’s Attorney or Public Defender call the Court Operations Office at (239) 258-3400 to make the necessary arrangements. Arrangements with the Court Operations Unit will not be made directly with the family.

Clergy Visits

Clergy visits must be scheduled through the Chaplain’s Office at (239) 477-1772.

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Video Visitation

Video visitation is a great way to connect with your loved one over the internet, without having to worry about unpredictable crowds and overly busy visitation hours.

Visits can be scheduled and paid for in advance, allowing you to visit with inmates at times that are convenient for you.

We offer two types of Video Visitation services:

At-Home Video Visits

These video visits can be conducted at home on your PC computer, laptop or mobile device (Android).

Save travel expenses, time, long lines and parking fees with at-home video visits.

Ease stress on children who can now communicate without visiting the facility in person.

On-site Video Visits

On-site video visits are conducted at visitation stations at the facility.

With these visits, you are still required to travel to the facility.

Through our easy-to-use website, you can schedule, register, and pay for (if applicable) the visit in advance. Then, conduct the visit in real-time over the internet.

Please note: These services can vary by facility and are not available at all locations.

How It Works

• Check to see if your inmate’s facility offers video visitation.
• If video visitation is offered at the facility, go to www.gtlvisitme.com . Register yourself and all visitors participating in the visitations.
• Select the facility where your loved one is located.
• Search for your inmate, and add them.
• Click “Schedule” to begin the scheduling process.
• You will see the cost associated with your visit at the time of scheduling. Enter your credit card or debit card information to complete the scheduling process. You will receive a confirmation email and receipt for your visit.
• For at-home video visits : sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
• For on-site video visits: arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. Each facility has its own rules for on-site visits. Please review rules prior to arrival.

For additional helpful information and a list of useful questions about visitation, scheduling, and facility policies, view our v isitation FAQs .

What It Costs

Visitation costs vary by correctional facility and visitation duration.

Different types of visits may have different costs or no cost at all.

All costs associated with visits are clearly displayed at the time of scheduling. Visitors are aware of all the options and can choose based on their visitation preferences.

Ways to Pay

When scheduling fee-based video visitations through our visitation website , you will be asked to provide your payment information to complete the scheduling process.

We accept debit cards, charge cards, and Visa/Mastercard gift cards.

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How to Visit Someone in Prison

Last Updated: February 8, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD . Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 74,466 times.

Visiting someone in prison requires some planning on your part. Once you know which prison the inmate is staying at, you need to make sure that you have been put on the inmate’s visiting list. This may require a letter to the inmate. On the day that you are scheduled to visit, you must be sure to dress appropriately and avoid bringing in any prohibited items. Prisons encourage visitation, and once you understand the ground rules then visitation should go smoothly.

Preparing to Visit

• In the United States, you can find a prisoner in the federal system by visiting the Federal Bureau of Prisons and entering the prisoner’s Inmate Register Number. [2] X Research source
• In England and Wales, you can find a prisoner by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner . There is an email and fax number provided for you to contact.

• how to get put on the prisoner’s visitation list
• what identification you need
• what items are prohibited from being brought into the prison
• any dress code

• Most prisons ask prisoners to create a visiting list. The inmate then lists family members, friends, and professionals (like attorneys or parole advisors) on the list. [3] X Research source
• You need to be added to the list before you can visit. In order to ask the inmate to put you on, you will probably need to write a letter and ask to be put on. You should also include relevant information that the inmate might need, such as your full name, address, and phone number. [4] X Research source

• Sometimes these applications will be sent to you before you arrive at the prison, and in some prisons you will fill them out as you wait to be admitted.

Visiting the Prison

• revealing shorts or miniskirts
• halter tops, see-through garments, and belly shirts
• low cut blouses, sleeveless shirts, or dresses with slits up the side, front, or back
• baseball hats
• military fatigues or other clothing that looks like inmate clothing

• your identification
• single car key
• bills or change to use with the vending machine
• a bottle and diaper for a baby

• Check with the prison before showing up for visitation. You want to make sure that you have an acceptable form of identification.

• You may be limited in the amount of touching allowed. Prisons may allow hugs, handshakes, and kisses at the beginning and end of the visit. Otherwise, the guards stationed during visitation may limit touching so that visitors aren’t smuggling contraband to prisoners.
• If a guard tells you to stop touching, then you should comply with the order. You may be removed from the visitation if you fail to comply.

Expert Q&A

• Prisons might have different rules for minors. For example, minors under a certain age may not be able to visit without an adult present. If someone under 18 wants to visit the prison, then you certainly need to call ahead and ask if there are special procedures for minors. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/offender/pages/inmatesearch.aspx
• ↑ https://www.bop.gov/inmates/visiting.jsp
• ↑ http://www.prisonpro.com/content/visiting-inmate-answers-common-questions-things-you-should-know

About This Article

Visiting someone in prison can be stressful and emotional, but knowing the rules and regulations before your visit will make things easier. Since rules vary from prison to prison, it’s best to check their website or call them for details about what to do. Usually, the prisoner will need to put you on their visiting list and you’ll need to fill out an application when you get there. Since prisons can sometimes get locked down, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure visiting hours are still open. Try to arrive 20 minutes early so you have time to park and go through security, and remember to bring your ID with you. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to find out which prison a person is held at, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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3 Easy Steps to Talk

1 . create account.

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2 . Deposit Funds

Deposit Funds

Deposits to an inmate’s trust account, as well as probation, community corrections, and background check payments are provided by TouchPay Holdings, LLC d/b/a GTL Financial Services, which is also the owner and manager of this website. TouchPay Holdings, LLC d/b/a GTL Financial Services is wholly owned by Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies.

3 . Talk Select the location and name of your facility:

Have a question?   help center

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What Services Are Available At My Facility?

Select your facility below, available services:.

• Phone & Voicemail
• Video Visit at Facility
• Video Visit from Home

• Photo Sharing
• Tablets Your inmate has access to tablets. Make a deposit to their account so they have more ways to be productive, and you have more ways to stay connected.
• Verification Required

What is Telmate Verified?

If you are asked to be Telmate Verified it means your facility requires verification of your identity prior to acceptance of inmates' calls. The purpose of verification is to ensure inmates are not connecting with inappropriate people on the outside. The verification process is simple and can be completed before or after creating an account.

To be verified, you can make a deposit , schedule a visit or download and complete the Telmate Verified form .

Hey Mobile Users – Stay Connected in Real Time!

Send messages, make deposits, and share photos with our FREE Android and iPhone mobile apps.

No matter where you are, our mobile apps help you stay connected with an incarcerated loved one or friend. Send messages, uploads photos, and make deposits on the go!

Terms of Use governing use of GettingOut services state that all services are intended to be used by persons over the age of 18.

To continue, please enter your date of birth to confirm you are over the age of 18.

The Utah Department of Corrections encourages family and friends of inmates to visit them as their privilege level allows. Visitors must be approved and must make an appointment prior to visiting.

Email is our main source of communication. Please look out for changes or cancelations to visits. With our current staffing shortage and the number of tasks our visiting staff must handle, we may not answer the phone when you call. An email is the best way to ensure you receive a timely answer to your inquiry.

When you submit a visitor application or a request for visitation, our response will come via email . DO NOT attempt to call to confirm a visitation time the day of the visit.

Studies have shown that inmates who visit regularly with supporters have a markedly improved chance of success when they are eventually released back into the community.

It is, however, important to review visitation regulations prior to attempting to meet with an offender, whether he or she is housed at the Utah State Correctional Facility, Central Utah Correctional Facility or in one of the county jails.

You can find information about our regulations below, as well as current visiting schedules here .

Please check our website regularly to find out whether any special conditions apply to the facility you plan to visit. The conditions may change daily.

Please arrive 10 minutes early for video visiting and 30 minutes early for in-person visiting.

Click to view our Visitor Application Forms.

Click to use our Online Visiting Application.

Learn how to schedule a video visit here:

Learn more about video visiting here: https://corrections.utah.gov/visit-an-inmate/video-visiting/

Visiting Cautions

We ask visitors who answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions to not enter our facilities because of the risk they may pose to themselves, our inmates and staff:

1. Do you have a fever, sore throat, muscle aches, joint aches, and shortness of breath or a cough? (If it has been more than 10 days since you last experienced these symptoms, you will be allowed to visit).

2. Are you currently feeling ill or feel you are in need of medical care?

3. Are you currently being treated for any contagious illness?

While the prison and its personnel do understand the inconvenience not being able to visit can cause, we appreciate your help in maintaining public health and safety.

Introduction to Visitation

All visitors must pass through a body scanner. If you have a medical condition that may set off the body scanner, please be prepared to provide proof from your doctor detailing which part of your body might set off the detector (such as hip or knee replacements). It is important to do this before your first visit to eliminate the possibility of being turned away.

Visitors are expected to read and understand all of the following rules:

• Visitation is a privilege, not a right, afforded to inmates/visitors under the jurisdiction of the Utah Department of Corrections.
• Visitors shall comply with all Department rules, policies and procedures.
• Visitors are subject to search of their person, personal belongings and vehicle upon entering all prison facilities. Visitation may be denied for failure to submit to such search request.
• Illegal and nuisance contraband is strictly prohibited.
• Falsification of any visiting form may result in a visiting suspension.
• Visitors who have questions regarding the rules, regulations and procedures are responsible to ask staff for clarification in order to thoroughly understand them.
• Visitors not in compliance with visiting rules shall be warned and/or required to leave the visiting area.
• Visiting rules apply without exception to all Utah correctional facilities. Due to the security concerns unique to maximum-security units and off-site medical facilities, additional rules may apply.
• All adult visitors shall submit a renewal form annually. If visiting staff determine that a visitor has submitted an annual renewal form, staff shall notify the inmate or visitor. If visiting staff does not received a renewal form within 30 days, they shall remove the visitor from the inmate’s approved visiting list.
• All minor visitors will be automatically removed from an inmate’s visiting list, without notification, on the minor’s 18th birthday. It is the responsibility of the inmate to submit an adult application, prior to the minor’s 18th birthday.
• All visitors will be required to remove their shoes during the screening process. Visitors who refuse will be turned away.
• The Department shall not be responsible for the loss of personal items brought on prison property.

General Visitation Rules

• Visitors shall access only those areas specifically designated as visiting areas.
• Personal property such as purses, wallets, paper money, coats, sweaters (used as an outer garment), blankets, writing paper, writing instruments, pictures, letters, etc. are not permitted in the visiting area. Visitors may not be permitted to bring in more than two vehicle keys. The keys should be on a small keyring.
• Visitors and inmates should remain seated during their visit at all times, and they should remain three feet or more from any wall or door in the visiting area.
• The inmate and visitor shall conduct themselves in a quiet, responsible manner.
• All kisses and hugs must be brief. Any prolonged kisses, open mouth kisses and hugs will result in suspensions from visiting.
• Visitors shall leave promptly when the visit is over.
• Visitors shall not be permitted to leave and re-enter the visiting area during a visit.
• Visitors’ restroom facilities shall be off-limits to inmates.
• Visitors are not permitted access to inmate restroom facilities.
• Children shall not be allowed to use restrooms without supervision by the visiting parent or other approved adult.
• Any visitor found in possession of nuisance or illegal contraband may have their visiting privileges suspended, restricted or revoked and their name removed from the inmate’s visiting list pending a review. Visitors with illegal contraband shall be referred to the Shift Commander for criminal prosecution.
• Visitors with babies shall bring no more than one transparent baby bottle and no more than two diapers into the visiting area; sippy cups are not allowed. Sanitation problems caused by children shall be taken care of immediately by the visitor.
• Tobacco products, matches and lighters are prohibited in the visiting areas. Food items (gum, candy, etc.) from outside the prison shall not be allowed.
• Visitors shall not be permitted to bring pets or other animals onto prison property. Service dogs are permitted with application.
• Visitors shall not be permitted to bring cameras or audio/video recording devices, cell phones or pagers into the visiting area.
• Visitors shall visit with only the inmate they are approved to visit; inmates and visitors shall not visit with other visitors or other inmates during their visiting time.
• Those visitors who have approval to be on more than one inmate’s visiting list shall only visit with one inmate per visiting session. The Warden/designee shall make exceptions in writing, on a case-by-case basis.

Visitor Conduct

Visitor Conduct:

• Sexual contact between inmates and visitors such as petting, fondling, prolonged/open mouth kissing or other bodily contact is prohibited.
• Any visitor/inmate who displays inappropriate or abusive behavior, foul and/or abusive language, or refuses to comply with Department rules, policies or procedures shall be denied entry into the visiting room or, if already in the visiting room, shall be required to leave the visiting area immediately.
• Any visitor who exhibits signs or behaviors that indicate they may be under the influence of drugs or intoxicants shall be detained and the matter referred to the Shift Commander.
• Inmates and the escorting adult visitor are responsible for controlling behavior of visiting children.

Visitor Dress Standards

All visitors shall adhere to the following visitor dress standards:

1. The attire must be conservative.

2. All visitors shall adhere to the following visitor dress standards (PROCEDURE FD04 – Visiting Revised: 7/11/2022 PUBLIC Page 4 of 22):

a. visitors must be fully clothed; b. visitors must wear shoes or closed-toe sandals; c. all clothing (e.g. skirts, dresses, capris) including slits in the garments, shall be knee-length or longer when standing; d. buttons and zippers must remain fastened; e. female adults and physically-mature minor female visitors must wear a bra and undergarments; and f. religious attire, e.g. scarves, head wraps, etc. may be worn but is subject to removal so it can be searched; and g. layered clothing may be approved on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the clothing is subject to search. Please be prepared to remove all jackets, sweaters, etc., for scanning by having appropriate clothing underneath.

3. The following types of clothing shall NOT be allowed:

a. any clothing, which resembles inmate-issued clothing or staff-issued uniforms; b. camouflage-patterned items (e.g. military-type clothing or military fatigues); c. transparent or sheer clothing, including “burn-out” fabrics, yoga pants, or leggings; d. any items that may not pass the body scanner or screening process, e.g. wired bras, excessive jewelry, pants with excessive buttons or zippers, etc.; e. open weave sweaters or blouses (i.e., lace); f. medical clothing (e.g. scrubs); g. strapless, tube tops, halter, low cut/backless, spaghetti straps or tops that expose the midriff; sleeveless tops/dresses, tank tops, wrap-around dresses or shirts, and/or any item of clothing that expose the chest and back; h. tight-fitting clothing (e.g. leggings, Jeggings, and spandex); i. attire displaying obscene/offensive, derogatory language or drawing; j. attire displaying gang association/ gang-related depiction; k. hats, hoods, or caps; and l. clothing fads that expose excessive amounts of skin, e.g. grunge, ripped, distressed, fatigued, destroyed, etc.

Processing Visitors Entering Visiting Area

• Visitors 16 years of age and older shall present a government-issued identification card prior to being permitted to visit.
• Visitors shall be screened with a body scanner, and must clear the body scanner, prior to visiting.
• Visitors are subject to a search (i.e., ionizer, property, vehicle search) upon entering the prison and/or visiting area. Visitation may be denied for failure to submit to a search request. Visitors may refuse a search at any time, but shall immediately leave prison property and shall not be allowed to visit.
• A maximum number of three visitors, will be allowed to visit an inmate per visiting session.

General Visiting Times and Durations

General Visiting Times

• Visiting times shall be scheduled and posted in advance.
• Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled visitation time.
• Visitors shall not exceed one hour per visit per day without visiting captain/designee approval.
• The inmate’s privilege matrix level shall determine the number of visits allowed per week/month.
• Exceptions shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Level I and Level II Inmate Visiting:

• All in-person visits shall be barrier;
• In-person visits shall not exceed 60 minutes per visit;
• Inmates and visitors shall remain seated on the chairs/benches provided during in-person visits.

Visiting & Privilege Levels

All offenders will still receive the same number of visits per their privilege level listed below:

ANTELOPE LEVELS: a – No visits b – 1 barrier visit per month c – 2 barrier visits per month d – 2 barrier visits per month e – 3 barrier visits per month f – 3 barrier visits per month

GENERAL POPULATION LEVELS: g – 2 visits per month (1 In person and 1 video visit) h – 3 visits per month (1 In person and 2 video visits) i – 4 visits per month (2 In person and 2 video visits) j – 5 visits per month (2 In person and 3 video visits) k – 8 visits per month (4 In person and 4 video visits) l – 12 visits per month (6 In person and 6 video visits)

Legal Access

Client Visits

To visit clients at either the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake or the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, you must fill out an application, available at the Warden’s Office at either facility.  As part of the application, which must be renewed annually, you will need to provide your Utah State Bar card and pass a background check.

Electronics: smartwatches, cameras, tape recorders, cell phones, laptops, or any Wi-Fi-capable devices must be cleared in advance by the Warden’s Office, prior to arriving on prison property.  Please call 801-522-7001 or email [email protected] to schedule your legal access visit at USCF.

Attorneys/representatives should call or email in advance to schedule a legal access visit at USCF.  This will ensure the availability of your inmate client and reduce administrative delays or possible security problems.  At the Utah State Correctional Facility, the Warden’s Office in the Stephen R. Anderson Building in front of the Screening Building.  At the Central Utah Correctional Facility, the Warden’s Office is in the main entrance building.

If you plan to send a legal representative or investigator, please provide a letter from the Attorney of Record authorizing them to meet with your client.  Attorneys/representatives may conduct business with their inmate clients at the USCF Facility, Monday through Friday, 0800-1100 hours, and 1300-1500 hours.  Prior clearance from the Warden/designee may be obtained for times not addressed above for exigent circumstances.  This request will need to be approved by the Warden/designee so please provide a justification.

Utah State Correctional Facility PO Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Phone: 1-801-522-7046 (between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); If call not answered, try again or, for quickest response, email [email protected] .

Visiting Lt. Gull: [email protected]

Central Utah Correctional Facility PO Box 550 Gunnison, UT 84634 [email protected]

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Statistical information about prison population, daily admissions, relase, visits etc..

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Submit grievances of your wards lodged inside the prison online.

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In This Section

• Attorney Visits
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Visitation Schedule

• Visit Day Check In
• Visitor Eligibility
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• Visitor Waiting Area
• Court Related
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Visitation schedule change The jail will not have in-person social visitation July 9 or 10, 2024

Incarcerated individuals and approved visitors are eligible for contactless visits regardless of vaccination status.  Visitors must first register as an approved visitor by calling 412-350-2413 , 412-350-2035 or 412-350-2036 , or by visiting the jail lobby. Previously registered approved visitors will not need to re-register unless they see no inmate listed when they log in on the Inmate Visitation Scheduling website . Once approved, visitors must sign up for social visits online .

Visits must be scheduled a minimum of two days in advance.  All visitors need to be checked-in for their visit in the visit lobby at least 15 minutes before their visits. All v isiting schedules are subject to change or cancellation.

Pods 1C and 4A have incarcerated individuals isolated for COVID-19 protocol. Individuals cleared for work detail and assigned to those pods, and individuals who have completed isolation status on those pods may receive visitors. Visitors must call the morning of the assigned visitation day to schedule a visit rather than scheduling online.  Incarcerated individuals housed on 8E and 1C will be approved for visitation on a case-by-case basis following previously outlined guidelines. A maximum of two individuals will be permitted to visit at a time.  Incarcerated individuals from the following pods will need to visit on Level 1 and must be preapproved: 5B, 5MC, 5MD. Any visits on Level 1 will be a maximum of two individuals using alternating visitation booths.

Visits canceled due to incarcerated individual movement, facility-wide lockdown or emergency situations will have to be rescheduled. Prior to arrival, visitors should call 412-350-2035 or 412-350-2036 to ensure their visit has not been canceled for any of these reasons.

Requests to be placed on visiting lists for multiple inmates can be made by contacting Chief Deputy Warden Jason Beasom at 412-350-2027 . 

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Online Scheduling for Video Visitation/Scheduling for Face to Face Visitation

Effective Monday, January 9, 2023 , in-person visits at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) and face-to-face visits at the Central Detention Facility (CDF) will resume for all residents and visitors according to scheduling services provided by DOC Operations Team. 

COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for DOC residents and visitors. 

The Video Visitation Center will be CLOSED on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022. 

The video visitation center will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on new year’s day, sunday, january 1, 2023. , beginning monday, july 19, 2021 video visitation will be resume at the following dcpl satellite locations: .

• Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020 – Visits are conducted on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Capitol View Neighborhood Library, 5001 Central Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019 - Visits are conducted on Wednesday and Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

UPDATE: Saturday, April 4, 2020 – Your health and safety is extremely important to us. Together, everyone needs to play their part in helping to flatten the curve. To mitigate the possible spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) through DC Department of Corrections (DC DOC) facilities, the Department will implement a medical stay-in-place, effective immediately , which will further limit movement of residents and help “flatten the curve”, as we anticipate the pandemic’s peak in the next several weeks. During the medical stay in place, DOC will cease all video visitations.

The VVC is located behind the Correctional Treatment Facility (1901 E Street, SE, Washington, DC 20009), on the ground level of The READY Center.

All visits will continue to be scheduled via the Internet or by calling 1 (888) 906-6394 or (202) 442-6155 (Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am-5 pm).

Social visits at the DC Jail are conducted at the Department’s Video Visitation Center, located at the DC General Hospital complex (adjacent to the jail), and in select community visitation locations. Visits may be scheduled via the Internet  or by calling 1 (888) 906-6394 or (202) 442-6155 (Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am-5 pm). Visits are conducted Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 11 am and ending at 10 pm. The last session begins at 9 pm. Visitation hours at the community locations differ. Please see below for visitation hours for each satellite location. DOC encourages all visitors to arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled visit. Visits must start on time and are automatically cancelled if visitors arrive late.

Effective Wednesday, September 12, 2012, inmates are allowed two (2) 45-minute social visits per week--visits are free and by appointment only. However, One adult and up to two minor children (under the age of 18) may enter the video visitation room to visit, effective November 6, 2012. Additional minor children may be rotated in during the forty-five (45) minute visitation period as long as they are supervised by an adult while in the waiting area.

About Face to Face Visitation

The D.C. Department of Corrections offers visitation for the families and loved ones of those incarcerated in our facilities. Most social visits for inmates housed at the D.C. Jail are conducted through video visitation. However, as an incentive for positive behavior, face to face visitation is now available for eligible inmates. This program began on June 22, 2015.

Correctional Treatment Facility:

There will be no weekend or Sunday visitation on Sunday, December 25, 2022, or Sunday, January 1, 2023.

Christmas Day (Observed) Monday, December 26, 2022 - Female Population Only.         Holiday Schedule - 8AM,  9AM, 10AM, 11AM, and 12PM

New Year's Day (Observed) Monday, January 2, 2023 - Female Population Only .         Holiday Schedule - 8AM, 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, and 12PM

Note:  All Mondays are reserved for the female population at the CTF.

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A Volunteer Visitation Program to Federal and Military Prisoners Throughout the United States

Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS) is a volunteer visitation program for people incarcerated in federal and military prisons throughout the United States.

Our mission is to provide prisoners with regular, face to face contact from the world outside of prison to help them cope with prison life, encourage personal growth, and prepare for successful reentry into society.

Our vision is to provide qualified visitors to fulfill all requests for visits by prisoners in every federal and military prison.

Our priority is to visit those prisoners who:  

• do not ordinarily receive visits from family and friends,

• want or need visits,

• are in solitary confinement,

• are on death row,

• or are serving long sentences.

“I just wanted to tell you how very thankful I am to you for what you have done for me. Mrs. Colleen is such a good-hearted person…Each visit seems to last only seconds because she is so easy to talk with. She always talks to me & treats me as if I am just a regular person & not like a low-life. Thank you so very much for bringing her into my life. She gives me something to look forward to.”

Prisoner, USMCFP Springfield, MO

“I also would like to thank you for your inspiration. You are a great person and have become a great, positive role model over the past few months. I have gained so much knowledge and wisdom that has allowed my brain to free itself from the suffering of mental servitude. Yes, you are my elder, but I have not looked upon a friendship with this much appreciation since I was very young. So I thank you very much.” 

Prisoner, USP Florence, CO

“I’ve been incarcerated a little over 2 decades & I never met anyone or a group of people that really cared with no strings attached. Who would’ve ever thought that people actually would take the time to get to know a bunch of misfits that society gave up on?  My grandma said that in life we will meet a lot of different people, but never forget the special ones. Suzanne is that special one for me. She really makes a difference. PVS, you are a beacon of light for guys like us.”

 Prisoner, USP Coleman 2, FL

Without our Visitors...

...there is no pvs.

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Jail visiting information

Any individuals in isolation or quarantine cannot have in-person visits until medical clears them. holiday schedules are full-day schedules rotating the populations of the jails. please see the dates below. online scheduling is available for in-person visits starting at 9 a.m. to midnight the day before for the following day. visitors are required to be on site 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. please review all guidelines for scheduling visits. see below for covid-19 health and safety rules for jail visits. in-person visiting is subject to change at any time based on the safety and security of the jails and city health covid-19 guidelines. updated in-person visiting days for the remainder of 2024: *june 19th, 2024 will follow the regular schedule instead of the holiday schedule. county jail #2: tuesdays, 2:00 pm - 8:50 pm a, c, d, e, and f pods wednesdays, 3:25 pm - 655 pm b, d, e, and f pods (workers) thursdays, 2:00 pm - 8:50 pm b, c, e, and civil commitments saturdays and holidays, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm a, b, c, d, e, f, and civil commitments county jail #3: wednesdays, 1:00 pm - 8:15 pm all pods sundays and holidays, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm all pods.

• Schedule a jail visit
• Visiting jail with your child
• Rules for visiting county jails
• What clothes are not allowed?

How to schedule a jail visit

Check to see if the person you want to visit is in jail..

Locate the person you want to visit using our “Find a Person in Jail” search tool. If the person is not listed, they are not in our jail.

Book your appointment online the day before you plan to visit

You will need the person in jail’s name or SF number to schedule your visit. You can locate their SF number, or “SFNO,” on the “Find a Person in Jail” search tool. 

You also will need to register for a visitor’s account with our online scheduler if you haven’t done so. You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Once you register, you’ll receive an email with a temporary password and your visitor ID. Use the temporary password and your email address to log in to the online scheduler and reserve your visit. 

When you reserve your visit online, you will need to provide:

• Date of birth
• Email address
• Home address as printed on your ID; and
• Phone number

You can bring up to two people with you. You also will need to provide the same information for them when you book your visit online.

Schedule your visit

Arrive at the jail 30 minutes before your visit

You will need to show a current, government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. If you do not provide the requested ID, the Sheriff’s Office may refuse your visit. You can bring keys, ID, and money, which you must secure in the jail’s visiting locker. Please allow plenty of time for parking, There are only paid public parking lots for County Jail #2.

County Jail #2 parking & transportation

County Jail #3 parking & transportation

Intake & Release Center   parking & transportation to pick up release from custody

COVID-19 jail visiting rules

All visitors including minors  must be symptom free and not diagnosed or tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days.  Visitors who have had close contact with someone who in the past 14 days has been in isolation for, or tested positive for, COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.     

  Visitors must be free of the following symptoms: 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever of 100.4 or greater
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Persistent runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell

  If you have any of these symptoms, you will not be allowed to visit.  If you have symptoms, please contact your health care provider for further information and guidance.

The San Francisco County Jails are following COVID-19 guidelines for everyone who enters the jail. 

Visitors are required to provide proof of complete vaccination and booster if eligible.

If a visitor does not have proof of vaccination/booster then proof of a negative Covid-19 test dated within 48 hours of the visit must be presented. Negative test result must be from official testing location (Color CityTestSF, Walgreens, CVS, health care provider, etc). A picture of a home administered test will not be sufficient.

K/N95 Masks are required for entry to jail grounds; the visiting rooms and for the duration of the visit until you exit the grounds of the jail. If you do not have a K/N95 mask, one will be provided to you.

Visitors must arrive at the entrance of CJ#2 & #3 30 minutes before the scheduled visiting time to allow time for vaccination/test verification and check in. Anyone arriving late for a visit will be deemed a cancellation.

Social distancing guidelines will apply at all times at San Francisco County Jails. 

The TransMetro Shuttle will be in service for County Jail #3. Check SF Sheriff website for shuttle information.  County Jail #3 | San Francisco Sheriff's Department (sfsheriff.com)

Please note the regular visiting rules apply to the in-person visits.  Violations of the jail rules and/or the COVID-19 protocols will result in termination of the visit.  Visit  SFSheriff.com  to review visitation rules.

Schedule a legal video visit

Jail video visits

Troubleshooting your in-person scheduling account [email protected]

For more information please call: (415) 553-1430

At this time in person parent child visits are limited and scheduled internally through each facility.

Incarcerated people can apply to have their minor child (under 18) have a contact visit with them in jail. To qualify, the person in jail must:

• Submit an application 
• Complete parenting classes
• Follow the rules of conduct

The person in jail must NOT have a disqualifying order, conviction, or pending felony criminal charge involving a minor.

If the Sheriff’s Office approves your child for a jail visit, you must remain with the child during the visit. 

Visitors who are 16- or 17-years-old may apply to visit their parent, sibling, or legal guardian in jail by themselves. Click here for the unaccompanied minor application.

The Sheriff’s Office may end your visit and cancel future visits if you, your group, or child:

You must show a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport or you will not be allowed to visit

You may bring your keys, money, and ID and store them in the jail’s public visiting lockers

You must wear appropriate, non-revealing clothes with shoes. See what clothes are not allowed .

You and your belongings may be subject to search

Minor children under 18-years-old must receive advance approval for jail visits.

Disobey visitor rules, posted jail rules, or deputy directions

Disrupt the jail

Show uncontrollable behavior

Take photographs

You cannot bring food, drinks or any personal items

You cannot bring cell phones or cameras

You cannot yell or swear

You cannot show gang signs, tattoos, or graffiti

You cannot give anything to a person in jail

You cannot receive anything from a person in jail without approval from the jail watch commander

You cannot visit a person in jail more than once a day

You cannot visit a person in jail if you have a restraining order or other court order against that person

The Sheriff’s Office is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  

We may detain and arrest you if you:

• threaten the security of the jail
• appear to be affected by alcohol or drugs
• bring any alcohol, drugs, medications, or tobacco products
• bring any weapons or explosives

The jail watch commander must approve your visit in advance if you have been convicted of a felony and incarcerated in state prison.

Visitors must wear appropriate, non-revealing clothes and shoes. If you wear clothes that are not approved, we will ask you to change them. You will not get extra visiting time if you change your clothes during the time reserved for your visit. You CANNOT wear:

Hats, bandanas, wave caps, headscarves, or other head coverings except for religious headwear

Sexually provocative clothing that reveals genitalia, buttocks, or breasts

Clothes that show your underwear

See-through or excessively tight clothing

Spaghetti strap, strapless, halter, bare midriff, or sleeveless shirts or tops

Mini-skirts or shorts (all skirts and shorts must be as long as the ends of your fingertips when your hands are resting at your sides)

Gang-related clothing, colors, or accessories

Clothes that are printed with obscene or offensive words or drawings

Orange, red, all-blue, or all-green clothes that could be confused for an incarcerated person’s clothes

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office does not tolerate sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Please call (415) 734-3111 to report suspected sexual misconduct

Schedule a Jail Visit [email protected] (415) 553-1430  

One Family One Family supports visits with children for people in San Francisco County jails.  Visit the One Family website

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Leningrad Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Leningrad oblast: Saint Petersburg .

Leningrad Oblast - Overview

Leningrad Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the northwest of the European part of the country, part of the North-West Federal District. The regional authorities are located in St. Petersburg (from 1924 to 1991 - Leningrad, hence the name of the region).

The population of Leningrad Oblast is about 1,911,600 (2022), the area - 83,908 sq. km.

Leningrad oblast flag

Leningrad oblast coat of arms.

Leningrad oblast map, Russia

Leningrad oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

9 September, 2021 / Entertainment near St. Petersburg .

3 June, 2021 / Vyborg Castle - a unique architectural monument for Russia .

2 February, 2021 / Ivangorod Fortress - the western outpost of medieval Russia .

17 October, 2017 / Picturesque views of Vyborg .

22 March, 2017 / Vyborg - the only historic town in the Leningrad region .

More posts..

History of Leningrad Oblast

The first settlements on the territory of the present Leningrad region appeared in the 9th-8th millennium BC, after the retreat of the glacier. By the middle of the 1st millennium AD, the Finno-Ugric tribes engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding, hunting, and fishing lived here. In the 8th century, the Slavic tribes came to the region.

In the 750s, Ladoga appeared (since the 18th century - Staraya (Old) Ladoga) - the most ancient Russian settlement. In the 9th-10th centuries, Ladoga became an important political and economic center of the ancient Russian state. At the end of the 10th century, Lagoda lost this role. Novgorod became the new center.

In the 12th century, Novgorod gained political independence, and the lands on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Luga, Neva, Ladoga, Volkhov became part of the Novgorod Republic. In the 13th-14th centuries, this region became an arena of struggle of Novgorod and Pskov Republics against the Livonian knights and Swedish feudal lords.

More historical facts…

In 1240, the famous Battle of the Neva took place in which the Novgorod troops headed by Prince Alexander Yaroslavich defeated the Swedish troops. After the battle, Alexander Yaroslavich received an honorary nickname of “Nevsky” and became known simply as Alexander Nevsky.

In the 13th-14th centuries, for the protection of the north-western borders, several new fortresses were founded: Yam, Koporje, Oreshek, Korela, Tiversky town. In January, 1478, the Novgorod Republic was conquered by the Moscow principality. The region became part of the united Russian state.

In the early 17th century, during the Time of Troubles, Russia was cut off from the Baltic Sea. The north-east of the country was captured by the Swedes. In the early 18th century, during the Northern War, Russia regained control of the region and Saint Petersburg, a new capital of the state, was founded here.

In 1708, the Ingermanland region was formed. In 1710, it was renamed into Saint Petersburg, in 1914 - Petrograd, in 1924 - Leningrad oblast. During the Second World War, a large part of the territory was occupied by the Germans and the Finns and suffered greatly. In January 1945, the population of the region was 483,000. The population before the war was 1,258,000.

In the postwar period, the regional economy was restored, a number of new towns and villages appeared. In 1973, the Leningrad nuclear power plant was opened in Sosnovy Bor.

Nature of Leningrad Oblast

Leningrad Oblast landscape

Author: Roman Rozanov

Leningrad Oblast nature

Author: Igor Los

Field in the Leningrad region

Author: Vitaliy Karputkin

Leningrad Oblast - Features

St. Petersburg is not part of the Leningrad region. It is an independent subject of the Russian Federation, a city of federal significance. Leningrad Oblast is the only federal subject of Russia the authorities of which are located entirely on the territory of another federal subject.

Leningrad Oblast, located on the East European (Russian) Plain, stretches from west to east for 500 km, from north to south - 320 km. The region borders with the European Union: in the west - with Estonia, in the north-west - with Finland.

The climate is continental. Marine air masses cause relatively mild winter with frequent thaws and moderately warm, sometimes cool summer. The average temperature in January is in the range of minus 8-11 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 16-18 degrees Celsius.

Leningrad Oblast is rich in water resources - rivers and lakes. There are about 1,800 lakes including Ladoga Lake - the largest lake in Europe. Much of the region is occupied by marshes.

Industry is the backbone of the local economy. Such industries as food industry, transport equipment, oil product, pulp and paper industry prevail. Part of the Nord Stream gas pipeline passes through the territory of the region.

Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant is situated in the town of Sosnovy Bor. Machine-building plants are situated in different towns of the province. Ford Automobile Plant is situated in Vsevolozhsk, Caterpillar - in Tosno.

The transport network is well developed in the region. Saint Petersburg is one of the largest transport hubs of Russia.

The largest towns of Leningrad Oblast are Murino (89,600), Gatchina (87,600), Vsevolozhsk (76,600), Vyborg (73,000), Sosnovy Bor (66,000), Sertolovo (61,200), Tikhvin (56,700), Kudrovo (54,500), Kirishi (49,600), Kingisepp (43,900) Volkhov (43,300).

Attractions of Leningrad Oblast

In 1990, a number of monuments of history and culture of Leningrad Oblast were included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage:

• The fortifications on the shore of the Gulf of Finland: “Seraya Loshad” (Grey Horse) and “Krasnaya Gorka” (Red Hill),
• The historical part of the town of Shlisselburg,
• The fortress “Oreshek”,
• The palace and park ensembles in Ropsha, Gostilitsy, Taytsy,
• The palace and park ensemble and the historical center of Gatchina,
• Sologubovka War Memorial - the largest German military cemetery.

Other places of interest:

• Staraya (Old) Ladoga - the ancient capital of northern Russia,
• Vyborg Castle,
• Assumption Monastery, the house-memorial of Rimsky-Korsakov in Tikhvin,
• Ivangorod Fortress,
• “Korela” fortress in Priozyorsk,
• Koporye fortress in Lomonosov district,
• “Priyutino” museum estate in Vsevolozhsk,
• Konevsky Monastery on Konevets Island,
• Wooden churches of Svir (“Golden Ring of Leningrad oblast”) in Podporozhsky district,
• Tervenichesky Convent,
• Zelenetskii Trinity Monastery,
• Lisino - the buildings designed by N.L.Benua,
• Museum estate of N.K. Roerich in Izvara,
• Museum “Stationmaster House” in Vyra.

Leningrad oblast of Russia photos

Leningrad Oblast scenery

Abandoned wooden church in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Sergei Baranov

Village of Leningrad Oblast

Author: Mikhail Petrov

Pictures of Leningrad Oblast

Classical Russian dacha in the Leningrad region

Author: Moskaluk Vitaliy

Wooden village house in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Zhelne Yuri

Winter in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Stanislav Kostin

Leningrad Oblast views

Railway bridge in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Antonio Racter

Abandoned church in the Leningrad Oblast

Author: Logutenkov Andrey

Church in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Semyonov A.V.

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Best Things To Do in Kingisepp, Russia

Kingisepp is a small place in Russia and can be easily explored within a day. There aren’t many things to do and attractions to visit in this town. Also, being a small town, there are fewer accommodation options. People usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to the neighboring cities. You can halt here for a quick snack and take a little break from your journey.

You can check out the list of the cities near Kingisepp and find out the top things to do in these towns. So, the next time you are in Kingisepp, you can decide which neighboring city to visit for a memorable trip.

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• What to do in Kingisepp in 1 day
• What to do in Kingisepp in 2 days