Video Visits vs. In-Person Visits at Alexander Correctional: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Alexander Correctional offers two ways to visit: in-person and video. Both keep you connected, but they differ in who can participate, how you schedule, and how much planning you need.

One key difference is eligibility. Video visits are only available to people on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list. Make sure you're approved before counting on video as your main option.

Video visits at Alexander Correctional run through the GettingOut Visits app. Your loved one connects from a facility-provided tablet or video kiosk, so the equipment on their end is controlled by the prison.

• ✓ Use the GettingOut Visits app for the video visit
• ✓ Make sure you are on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list (video visits are limited to approved visitors)
• ✓ Expect your loved one to appear from a facility tablet or an in-facility video kiosk

Need flexibility? The GettingOut Visits app has an on-demand option called "Visit Now" that lets you start a visit without scheduling ahead. Keep in mind this depends on facility availability. It may work perfectly one day and not be available the next.

In-person visits work the opposite way. At Alexander Correctional, they're by appointment only, and you must call or email the prison to schedule. Once your visit is set, call the day before to confirm the facility's visitation status. You don't want to make a long trip only to get turned away.

For budgeting purposes, GettingOut Visits charges based on how long you actually talk. There are no upfront or connection fees built in.

Video visits require workable tech on your end for a live video call. Your loved one connects from a facility tablet or kiosk through GettingOut Visits, so your setup needs to run the service smoothly enough to see and hear each other clearly.

Video visits are often the easiest choice when your schedule is tight or travel is difficult. Costs feel predictable since you only pay for time spent on the call, with no upfront or connection fees. The trade-off: video visits are limited to people on the approved visitors list, so last-minute add-ons usually aren't possible.

In-person visits can be worth the extra effort when face-to-face time is what your family needs most. The big planning piece: visits are by appointment only, and you have to call or email the prison to schedule. I also recommend calling the day before to confirm visitation status, especially if you're arranging childcare, taking time off work, or driving a long distance.

For video visits, remember that your loved one uses facility-provided equipment (either a tablet or video kiosk). This limits what they can do on their end. Plan around the tools the facility provides rather than assuming personal accessories or add-ons will work.