Video Visits vs. In-Person Visits at Caldwell Correctional Center: How to Decide
Caldwell Correctional Center offers both in-person and video visits through NCDAC. Here's how they compare - and how to figure out which option makes sense for you.
Video visits require you to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list. No exceptions. That same approval status controls other things too - like whether you can deposit money into their account. If you're not approved yet, handle that first. It unlocks more than just video visits.
Tip: Before you plan a video visit, confirm you’re on your loved one’s approved visitors list so you don’t hit a last-minute roadblock.
Video visits offer more flexibility. You can start one on-demand or schedule ahead, all through the Getting Out Visits app. Your loved one connects from an electronic tablet inside the facility. You join from home using a computer with a webcam, microphone, and decent internet connection.
In-person visits require an appointment. Call or email the prison to schedule, then call again the day before to confirm the facility's visitation status. That second call protects your time - and your travel plans.
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list
- ✓ Decide whether video or in-person makes the most sense for this visit
- ✓ If you’re visiting in person, call or email to schedule an appointment - and call again the day before to confirm visitation status
- ✓ If you’re visiting by video, choose on-demand or scheduled and use the Getting Out Visits app or a web browser
One practical downside of in-person visits: you can't bring electronics inside. Cellphones, smartwatches, cameras, recording devices, smart glasses - all prohibited at NCDAC prisons. If you rely on your phone for directions or childcare updates, plan accordingly. For some families, this restriction alone tips the scale toward video visits.
- ✓ If you want maximum flexibility: video visits can be on-demand or scheduled, and you can join from home using the app or a web browser
- ✓ If you’re planning an in-person visit: it’s appointment-only, you’ll schedule by calling or emailing the prison, and you should call the day before to confirm visitation status
- ✓ If bringing a phone is a problem: in-person visiting comes with strict device limits (no cellphones, smartwatches, cameras, recording devices, or smart/AI glasses)
- ✓ If you’re not on the approved list: video visiting is limited to approved visitors - so eligibility can decide the question for you
- ✓ If you’re handling money support too: only approved visitors can deposit funds into an offender’s account, so getting approved can simplify both visiting and support
Note: Even if you prefer in-person visits, you still need to be an approved visitor - and you won’t be allowed to bring prohibited devices like phones or smartwatches inside.
- Confirm you’re approved to visit - video visits are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
- Decide on on-demand vs. scheduled - choose whether you want to connect right away or pick a future time/date.
- Set up your device - use the Getting Out Visits app or a web browser on a home computer (with internet, webcam, microphone, and a recent browser).
- Test your setup ahead of time - check your connection and camera/audio before the visit window so you’re not troubleshooting while the clock is running.
Tip: For video visits, plan to use your home computer or tablet - don’t assume you’ll be able to rely on a phone or other prohibited device as a backup if you’re also trying to coordinate an in-person visit.
Both in-person and video visits are available at Caldwell through NCDAC. For video visits, you must be on the approved visitors list - no workarounds. For in-person visits, the process is appointment-based: call or email to schedule, then follow up the day before to confirm.
Reminder: Call the prison the day before your scheduled in-person visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status.
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