The Department of Corrections in Washington, D.C., recently launched its “Video Visitation” system, which enables visitors to meet with inmates via video. Details, costs, vendorWhat Happened?
The Department of Corrections in Washington, D.C., recently launched its “Video Visitation” system, which enables prison visitors to meet with inmates via video.
So What?
Prisons are increasingly migrating to such video systems, as they tend to be cheaper and safer than managing in-person visits. In some cases they are revenue drivers, which may be of interest to Gov1 readers.
The Basics
With a video visitation system, visitors schedule “meetings” with inmates, typically through an online registration system or toll-free number. The visitor then visits a “video visitation center” at a pre-arranged time, where a video monitor has been reserved for their use.
The DC System
In Washington, D.C., the Video Visitation Center is located right across the “quadrangle” from the D.C. Jail, and includes more than 100 video stations; about half are located at the jails themselves. Visits are arranged through a toll-free number, or visitors can log onto the DC Department of Corrections Web site to schedule a visit.
According to reports, the system was set up at no charge by Global Tel*Link, which generates revenue from inmates’ phone calls; the software was developed by Renovo Software, which has worked with correctional facilities in Utah, Arkansas, Orange County, and elsewhere. Of course, Renovo is not the only player in the video-visitation market; others include JPay, VUGate, InnoVisit and others.
Savings & Revenue
According to reports, the new system should save Washington, D.C.’s correctional department more than $400,000 per year.
And while the District is not charging for use of the system, others are. According to reports, the Florida county jail is charging $35 for video visitations, with revenues being shared with the sheriff’s department. Virginia charges $15 for a 30-minute visit, and $30 for a 60-minute visit.
The Pros
Visitors are no longer subject to long lines and pat-down searches when visiting friends and loved ones in prison. Plus, more visits are possible—Washington, D.C., literally doubled its daily visit capacity. In fact, one sheriff in Boise, Idaho, says video systems can actually lower recidivism by increasing family visits. The system keeps jails more secure as inmates aren’t moved around as much, and visits are no longer interrupted by security-related incidents or lockdowns. The new service has extended visits to include weekends, adding flexibility and convenience, and some cities like D.C are “exploring the option of in-home access using computers.
The Cons
Critics say that the lack of in-person visits could negatively impact inmate morale. Others say that children with incarcerated parents could have a very difficult time if in-person visits were replaced by video chats. In addition, video visitation is not without its own inconveniences: Use of video visitation systems typically requires “registration”—including a photo identification—and the video systems typically cannot be used at home; visitors must use the system at a special video center.
Other Cities
Many other cities have video visitation programs, including:
- Virginia: Which expanded its use of video in 2010, and is now in use in 10 different correctional facilities.
- Idaho: Ada County in Boise allows for two video visits per day, with costs set at $6.18 each.
- Florida: Pinellas County not only offers a visitation center, but a “Mobile Video Visitation Bus” that frequents several different locations weekly.
More Information
Washington, D.C. developed a 10-minute video introduction to the service, which is available via YouTube. A list of frequently asked questions is also available, as is a two-page brochure on the system.