How to Set Up Your First Video Visit at Alexandria Detention Center
Setting up your first video visit is straightforward: create an account, wait for approval, then schedule within the allowed window.
Video visitation for the Alexandria Adult Detention Center runs through SmartInmate.com. That’s the system you’ll use to create an account, get approved, and schedule your visit - whether you’re visiting from home or using the on-site option.
One thing to know before you say anything personal: video visits with family and friends are monitored and recorded. Keep that in mind so you don't accidentally create problems for your loved one.
Note: If you run into login, account, or technical problems, those questions are handled by the vendor (Smart Communications), not the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.
Step1 Create Account
- ✓ Your full legal name (enter it the same way you’d want it reviewed)
- ✓ Your current return address
- ✓ A way to confirm your identity during registration/approval
Create your account at SmartInmate.com. Registration is free and quick - just have your information ready and enter it accurately the first time.
Registering doesn't mean you're ready to book. Alexandria Sheriff's Office (ASO) staff must approve family and friends before you can schedule video visits, so build in time for that review step.
After you submit your registration, you'll wait on ASO staff approval before scheduling opens up. If you hit a snag with passwords, account access, or technical issues, contact Smart Communications - they handle those questions for remote video visitation.
Once approved, you can schedule video visits any day of the week - holidays included. The window runs from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Alexandria has a specific booking window: schedule at least the day before your visit, and no more than seven days ahead. That means no same-day slots, so plan week to week rather than trying to book far out.
Good to know: You can do a scheduled video visit using a free terminal in the Detention Center lobby at the Public Safety Center.
Even when everything runs smoothly, treat a video visit like it's being observed - because it is. All video visits with family and friends are monitored and recorded.
Heads up: A video visit can be ended early due to emergencies or other operational priorities at the facility.
Smart Communications handles technical support and account questions for remote video visitation. If your visit won't connect, your audio or video isn't working, or you can't access your account, start there.
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office doesn't provide tech support for the system. If the problem is with video visitation itself, you'll get help faster by going directly through the vendor.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Create your SmartInmate.com account
- ✓ Submit your registration and wait for ASO staff approval before trying to schedule
- ✓ Pick a visit time between 7:00 a.m. and midnight (Eastern Time), any day of the week (including holidays)
- ✓ Schedule at least the day before, and no more than seven days in advance
- ✓ If you can’t visit remotely, plan to use the free terminal in the Detention Center lobby for your scheduled visit
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