Why Your Attorney Might Use Video Instead of Visiting East Jersey State Prison (And How It Works)

When your attorney schedules a video teleconference (VTC) instead of visiting East Jersey State Prison in person, it's typically about efficiency and logistics - not a lack of commitment to your loved one's case. NJDOC's videoconferencing program handles legal matters like preliminary court activity, parole hearings, and deportation hearings without moving the incarcerated person outside the secure facility. This cuts costs, improves safety, and often means legal conversations happen faster since nobody has to coordinate travel and transport schedules.

Scheduling Flow

• ✓ VTC requests must be faxed to the appropriate institution and coordinator at least 48 hours before the requested day.
• ✓ The 48-hour lead time excludes weekends and holidays.

VTCs run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. NJDOC recommends starting video conferences at least one hour before closing whenever possible - so earlier time slots are easier to book and less likely to get squeezed by end-of-day constraints.

Confidentiality is built into how legal VTCs work. Before the videoconference begins, the post officer (or a designee) must advise the state-sentenced inmate that the conversation is confidential - and obtain their signature on an Inmate Consent Form. Your loved one is formally told the session is private and signs to acknowledge consent before anything starts.

If something goes wrong - missed time slots, trouble confirming an appointment, or questions about attorney visits and VTCs - contact East Jersey State Prison directly: Karyn Parker-Foreman (Karyn.Parker-Foreman@doc.nj.gov, 732-499-5010 x2613) or Carrie Davis (Carrie.Davis@doc.nj.gov, 732-499-5010 x2701).

For broader VTC-related issues, reach the NJDOC Videoconferencing Program Office at P.O. Box 863, Trenton, NJ 08625. Phone: 609-826-5642. Fax: 609-984-8284.