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Visitation

How to Schedule Your First Video Visit at East Mesa Reentry Facility (EMRF)

Scheduling your first video visit at East Mesa Reentry Facility is straightforward once you understand the system and timing rules.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

EMRF began offering video visitation through the SMART Communications System on January 8, 2024. Visits are available seven days a week, so finding a day that works is usually doable. Just plan ahead and reserve your time slot through the platform.

Each video visit lasts 30 minutes. There's also a weekly cap: the person you're visiting can have two video visits per week total. If other family members or friends also want to visit, coordinate before you book.

Before you can reserve anything, you'll need a SmartInmate (Smart Communications) account. Signing up is free. Create your account first, then you can schedule your visit.

Reservations must be made at least one day in advance through SmartInmate/Smart Communications. Same-day visits aren't allowed, so if you're hoping to visit today, it won't work. Plan for tomorrow or later.

Time slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis. If you see an opening you want, book it right away. Popular times go fast, and remember: no same-day visits.

EMRF organizes video visits into daily time blocks: DAILY AM, DAILY PM, and DAILY EVENING. Within those blocks, you'll find 30-minute appointment slots. Example start times include 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.

Keep the limits in mind when choosing your slot: visits are 30 minutes, and the incarcerated person can have two video visits per week. Want to spread out contact? Booking on different days often works better than using both visits back-to-back.

Need to cancel? EMRF requires cancellations to be made in person with ID verification. If you think you won't make your scheduled time, handle the cancellation as early as possible so the slot doesn't go to waste.

Note: EMRF may cancel a scheduled visit at any time due to rule violations, incarcerated person transfers, or jail security.

Quick Checklist

  • ✓ Create your SmartInmate (Smart Communications) account before you try to book
  • ✓ Reserve your visit at least one day in advance (no same-day video visits)
  • ✓ Plan for a 30-minute visit
  • ✓ Coordinate with others, the limit is two video visits per week per incarcerated person
  • ✓ Test your device and connection ahead of time so you are ready at your scheduled start time

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