Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Visit Facility

Visiting at EMRF comes down to scheduling correctly ahead of time. Here are the rules that matter most, plus what to confirm before you go.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources
How to Visit Facility

Video visits at EMRF require a reservation at least one day in advance through SmartInmate/Smart Communications. You'll need to create an account before you can schedule anything. Each session lasts 30 minutes, and the incarcerated person can have two video visits per week. Slots fill up first-come, first-served. Same-day video visits aren't available.

In-person social visits at EMRF are scheduled by phone. Call (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday between 6:30am and 6:00pm to set yours up.

Note: The available information doesn't cover fees, ID requirements, exact SmartInmate/Smart Communications portal details, or what happens if you miss or need to reschedule a visit. Confirm those details with the facility before making plans.

How to Visit Facility

Steps to Follow

  • ✓ Create your SmartInmate/Smart Communications account before you try to schedule a video visit.
  • ✓ Reserve video visits at least one day in advance (no same-day video visits).
  • ✓ Plan around the limits: video visits are 30 minutes, and the incarcerated person gets two video visits per week.
  • ✓ Schedule as early as you can since video visits are first-come, first-served.
  • ✓ To schedule an in-person social visit, call (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday, 6:30am to 6:00pm.
  1. Set up your SmartInmate/Smart Communications account - you must have an account before you can reserve a video visit.
  2. Book your video visit at least one day ahead - same-day video visits are not allowed, and time slots go first-come, first-served.
  3. Know what to expect during the visit - video sessions are 30 minutes, and the incarcerated person can have two video visits per week.
  4. Schedule an in-person social visit by phone - call (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday, 6:30am to 6:00pm.

Before locking in a visit time, check a few things directly with the facility. Ask whether there are fees for video or in-person visits, and what ID you need to show up or create an account. For video visits, confirm the exact SmartInmate/Smart Communications steps, including where to create your account and make reservations. Also worth asking: Are there exceptions to the two-video-visits-per-week limit? What are the cancellation or rescheduling rules? Do same-day exceptions ever apply? And does scheduling follow a specific time zone?

Reminder: To schedule an in-person social visit, call (619) 409-5000 Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30am to 6:00pm. While you're on the line, confirm any updated hours or alternate scheduling options.

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