Using Tablets and Video Visits at Alexander C.I.: Getting Out App, Phone Accounts, and Messaging
Staying in touch with someone at Alexander C.I. comes down to two main tools: the facility tablet system and video visits through Getting Out. Here's how everything works, including the account setup and fees you'll encounter.
North Carolina's prison system contracts with ViaPath (GTL) for tablet services. At Alexander C.I., the tablet is the central hub for how your loved one connects with you and handles everyday communication.
Through the tablet, incarcerated people can make phone calls and send text-style messages to family and friends. If you're setting up contact for the first time, think of the tablet as the device that powers both.
Tablets also deliver digitized mail. Physical letters get scanned and sent to your loved one's device electronically.
Beyond communication, tablets offer educational resources, self-help content, and entertainment. If your loved one mentions using the tablet for classes or programs, it's all part of this same system.
Video visits aren't open to the public. You must be on your loved one's approved visitors list before you can video visit them at Alexander C.I. If you haven't been approved yet, start there first through the normal visitation process.
Once approved, you can video visit through the Getting Out Visits app or from a computer with internet, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent web browser. Depending on availability, visits can be on-demand or scheduled in advance.
- Set up your Getting Out account - Use the Getting Out Visits app (or the web option) and create your Friends and Family profile so you are ready to request and manage video visits.
- Confirm you are an approved visitor before you plan a video visit - Video visits are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list, so approval comes first.
- Decide if you need to fund phone calling - If you want your loved one to be able to call using a PIN debit balance, you can add money to their PIN debit phone account through a ConnectNetwork PIN Debit account.
- Fund the phone account when you are ready - Phone account setup and funding can be done online any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the ConnectNetwork system.
Two approvals matter here. Only people on the approved visitors list can participate in video visits. And only approved visitors can deposit funds into that person's account, including money for communication costs.
For phone calls, one common option is a ConnectNetwork PIN Debit account. You deposit money into an incarcerated person's PIN debit phone account, and they use it to call allowed phone numbers.
Need to set up an account or add funds? The ConnectNetwork phone system is available online 24/7. That's especially helpful when you're trying to fix a low balance outside normal business hours.
- ✓ Automated payment (credit card, debit card, and bill processing): $3.00 per use
- ✓ Payment using a live operator: $5.94 per use
- ✓ Paper bill or statement: $2.00 per use
Note: Only approved visitors are permitted to deposit funds to an offender’s account. If your payment will not go through, check approval status first.
Before a video visit, test your camera and microphone. Make sure your internet connection is stable. If the app offers both on-demand and scheduled visits, booking ahead helps you avoid last-minute problems. For messaging and calls, keep your login info somewhere safe and double-check that your name and contact details match exactly what's on the approved visitor records.
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