Coronavirus: Jail offers video chatting to families of inmates

Montgomery County Jail

Montgomery County Jail

Families of inmates in the Montgomery County Jail can now schedule video chats, a move that was made due to visitation restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

“The new system gives inmates the opportunity to be face-to-face with their loved ones for the first time since the jail stopped in-person visitations due to state mandates on COVID-19,” Jail Commander Maj. Jeremy Roy said.

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Remote visits from home cost .25 cents for 15-minute increments. Inmates will be able to schedule up to two video visitations a week but not twice in the same day, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

“Video visitation is an inexpensive way of connecting those incarcerated with their family and friends who may be unable to travel for in-person visitation due to distance, physical limitations, lack of time or health,” Sheriff Rob Streck said. “This platform will not only reduce the chance of contraband entering our facility but will also expand visitation hours for friends and family.”

The jail is reviewing when it can reinstate visitation and is using the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health.

The sheriff’s office worked with Smart Communications to quickly launch software for video visitation. Residents are reminded that there may be some software hiccups initially due to fast-tracking the launch for video visitation, the sheriff office said.

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To schedule a visit with an inmate at the Montgomery County Jail, please visit https://www.smartjailmail.com/.

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