Video Visits vs. In-Person Visits at ECI: Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

At Eastern Correctional Institution (NCDAC), you can visit your loved one in person or by video. One important catch with video visits: you must be on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list. Confirm that before you start making plans.

Video visits at ECI run through the Getting Out Visits system. You can use the Getting Out Visits app or connect from a computer with internet, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent browser. Once you're set up, you're not limited to one style: video visits can be on-demand ("Visit Now") or scheduled for a specific date and time.

1. Confirm you are approved: Video visits are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
2. Pick on-demand or scheduled: Use Getting Out Visits to start an on-demand “Visit Now” session or schedule a visit for a later time.
3. Choose your device and set up: Connect through the app, or use a home computer with internet, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent web browser.
4. Join when it’s time: If you scheduled, be ready at the start time. If you used “Visit Now,” be ready to connect when the visit is accepted.

In-person visits work differently. They're by appointment only, and you'll need to call or email the prison to schedule. Once you have an appointment, call the day before to confirm the facility's visitation status. You don't want to make the trip only to find out visits are canceled.

Video visits offer more flexibility. Getting Out Visits supports both scheduled visits and on-demand visits (the "Visit Now" option). If your schedule is unpredictable, that on-demand option can be a lifesaver since you can try for a visit without planning days in advance.

The GettingOut Visits app advertises no upfront costs, no connection fees, no penalties, and no minimum or maximum charges. You pay only for the actual duration of the visit. That makes it easier to have smaller, more frequent check-ins if that works better for your family.

• ✓ If you want an option that may not require advance scheduling, consider video using Getting Out Visits with “Visit Now” or a scheduled time.
• ✓ If you prefer face-to-face time, plan for an in-person appointment (you will need to call or email to schedule).
• ✓ Call the day before any in-person appointment to confirm the facility’s visitation status.
• ✓ For video, make sure you have the basics at home: a computer with internet, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent web browser (or use the app).
• ✓ For video, confirm you are on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
• ✓ If costs are a deciding factor for video, keep in mind the app’s advertised model: no upfront or connection fees, and you are charged only for the time you actually visit.