How to Contact an Inmate at Chatham County Detention Center

After someone is processed into the Chatham County Detention Center, they're allowed to make at least one completed call from a holding cell phone. That call can be local or collect long-distance. This is designed to help people notify family or handle immediate needs right after intake. It's not the same as setting up ongoing communication.

For video visitation questions, Chatham County has a dedicated support line at 1-855-534-2870. Posted video visitation hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you're trying to visit outside those times (weekends, holidays, or after-hours), confirm availability first. Don't assume the system will be open.

The Sheriff's Office uses the JailATM system for inmate funds transfers, including commissary money, and lists a $2.50 fee per commissary transaction. If you're an attorney looking to set up a private legal video visit, the facility offers a "Privileged User" registration option in the same system. This keeps attorney video visits encrypted and ensures they are not recorded or monitored.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ If your person was just processed, watch for at least one completed call from the holding cell phone (local, or collect long-distance).

• ✓ For video visits, use the video visitation support line at 1-855-534-2870 and plan around the posted window (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm). Do not assume weekends or holidays are available without confirming.

• ✓ To add funds for commissary through the facility’s stated system, use JailATM and account for the listed $2.50 fee per commissary transaction.

1. Register as a Privileged User in the JailATM system: This is the status the facility describes for attorney communications.
2. Confirm your approval before you hold a legal video visit: The facility notes that video visits are reviewed by staff, and communications are meant to be encrypted and not recorded or monitored once you are set up as a Privileged User.
3. Verify the exact registration requirements: Ask what credentials or documentation are needed so your legal visits are handled as privileged from the start.

What to Verify

• ✓ Video visitation days and hours (only Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm are documented). Ask about weekends and holiday exceptions.

• ✓ The video visitation support line (1-855-534-2870), including whether there are different prompts or an alternate contact method if the line is busy.

• ✓ Whether JailATM is still the system used for inmate funds, what payment methods are accepted, how long deposits take to post, and whether the $2.50 commissary transaction fee has changed.

• ✓ For attorney video visits, how to register as a Privileged User, what documentation is required, and how the facility handles encryption and recording/monitoring for privileged communications.

That first phone call after processing is described as "at least one completed" call from a holding cell phone. If you're waiting on a time-sensitive call, it's worth confirming how this works in practice. Ask whether everyone receives it, whether there are time limits, and whether certain destinations or call types are restricted.