Setting Up Free Video Visits with Someone at Cheshire: A Complete Guide
Video visits with someone at Cheshire are free — but miss a step during setup and you might not get connected. This guide walks you through confirming the person's location, getting your device ready for Microsoft Teams, and joining on time for staff screening.
Video visits are free, which makes them a great option when you can't get to the facility in person or just need more flexibility. Before scheduling anything, confirm the person is actually at Cheshire using the CT Inmate Search. This matters because scheduling details depend on which facility they're currently housed at.
Treat the video visit like you're there in person. Conduct rules and dress code still apply while you're on camera, so keep things appropriate and distraction-free.
Technical Requirements
- ✓ A smartphone, tablet, or laptop that can run Microsoft Teams
- ✓ Working camera (video) and microphone/speakers (audio)
- ✓ A setup that lets you join a Teams call reliably on your device
You'll need a valid email address to schedule. That's how you'll receive visit-related messages, including the confirmation - don't assume you're scheduled until you see it.
- Watch for your confirmation - your visit isn’t considered scheduled until you receive confirmation.
- Open Microsoft Teams ahead of time - make sure the app (or browser version) loads and your camera/mic are working before the visit window.
- Join at least 15 minutes early - you’re required to enter the visit early so staff can screen and verify you.
- Stay ready for verification - staff screening happens before the visit starts, so don’t step away once you’ve joined.
Reminder: Conduct and dress code rules still apply during video visits. If you wouldn’t wear it or do it in the visiting room, don’t do it on camera.
Expect the visit to be recorded. Facility staff record all video visits, and you're not allowed to record on your end - no screen recording, no personal devices. If you're joining from a shared space at home, think about privacy. Anyone in the room may be seen or heard, so keep the area calm and limit background activity.
Can't connect? Start with the basics: make sure you're using the same email you scheduled with and look for a confirmation message. Join at least 15 minutes early - that gives you time to fix common issues like Teams permissions for your camera and mic before staff screening begins.
Still having trouble? Contact the DOC Tablet Liaison by email at DOC.Tablet@ct.gov.
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