5 Video-Visit Rules That Can Get Your VADOC Session Terminated

A VADOC video visit can end fast if you trip a rule, even one that feels minor in the moment. These five rules are the ones that most commonly get sessions terminated or cause problems afterward. Know them ahead of time and you'll keep your visit uninterrupted.

If the inmate needs to use the restroom during the video visit, the session will be terminated. No exceptions, no talking your way around it. Treat the visit like a fixed appointment and plan bathroom breaks beforehand.

1. Plan a restroom break beforehand: Treat the visit time like "no interruptions" time.
2. Pick a time that fits their routine: If you know certain times are tougher (med line, meals, etc.), schedule for a calmer window.
3. If it becomes urgent, expect the visit to end: Once the restroom need comes up, the realistic plan is to terminate and try again later.

Do not record, film, or screenshot the visit. This applies to everyone in the room with you, not just the person who booked the session. If a third party tries to capture the screen from the side, that counts too.

• ✓ Turn off any screen-recording or meeting-recording features on your device
• ✓ Close apps that can capture your screen (or pop up recording controls)
• ✓ Ask everyone in the room to put away phones and cameras
• ✓ Do not prop another device up to “take a quick picture” of the screen

VADOC caps video visits at 5 total people, children included. If any minors are participating, at least one visitor must be over 18 and must be that minor's parent or legal guardian. Sort this out before you connect.

• ✓ Count everyone who will be on camera or participating before you start (maximum of five, including kids)
• ✓ If a minor will be present, make sure an adult parent or legal guardian (18+) is also present
• ✓ If your group is bigger than five, split it into separate visits instead of trying to “rotate” people in

Stick to the one device you're using for the session and keep other technology out of the frame. Extra devices in the room raise the same red flags as recording or third-party involvement, especially if it looks like someone is capturing the screen or joining from elsewhere.

• ✓ Use one device for the visit, and put other phones/tablets away
• ✓ Do not set up a second device “just for audio” or to take photos of the screen
• ✓ If someone is not part of the visit, have them step out rather than hovering off-camera

VADOC expects both the inmate and the visitor to behave in an orderly, responsible way during a video visit. Profanity, yelling, and hostile communication are not allowed. Inappropriate behavior can end the session on the spot. Keep voices calm, keep the conversation respectful, and avoid anything that looks like escalating conflict on camera.

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• ✓ Plan the visit for a time when the inmate will not need the restroom
• ✓ Keep the group to five people total (children count)
• ✓ If a minor is present, make sure a parent or legal guardian (18+) is also participating
• ✓ Do not record, film, photograph, or screenshot the visit
• ✓ Put away extra devices so nothing looks like recording or third-party involvement
• ✓ Keep the conversation calm and respectful (no profanity, loud, or hostile communication)