Before You Schedule: 5 Things to Know About Video Visits at New Jersey Prisons
Before you set up a New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) videoconference, a few timing and policy rules can save you real frustration. Here are five questions that come up most often—answered so you can plan your next step with fewer surprises.
Plan ahead. NJDOC videoconference requests must be faxed to the facility's videoconferencing coordinator at least 48 hours in advance - that's at least two business days before your requested date. Weekends and holidays don't count toward that lead time. A request sent late on Friday likely won't meet the minimum notice for a Monday or Tuesday appointment.
Planning tip: The videoconferencing post officer is supposed to have the inmate in the waiting area at least 10 minutes before the scheduled conference - so you’ll want your side ready to start on time, too.
NJDOC videoconferences run during a set weekday window: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. No weekends, no holidays. If you're coordinating around travel, court dates, or work schedules, plan for a business-hours process.
Time cutoff: No videoconference with an NJDOC institution will be scheduled to end later than 4:00 PM.
- ✓ Nicole Berberena - Nicole.Berberena@doc.nj.gov, 908-735-3634
- ✓ Kimberly Hawk - Kimberly.Hawk@doc.nj.gov, 908-735-3611
- ✓ Debra Magyar - Debra.Magyar@doc.nj.gov, 908-735-3603
The agency that initiates the call covers the cost. If an out-of-state agency requests a videoconference with a New Jersey state inmate, that requesting agency places the call and pays for it.
No priority scheduling: Because videoconferencing is high-volume, no agency or department gets priority for appointments.
A videoconference can be ended even after it starts. The post officer has discretion to terminate the call if an inmate's behavior is inappropriate - or for other just cause.
Conferences can also be cancelled for broader operational reasons. The institutional administrator (or designee) may shut down all videoconferencing when security needs, staffing levels, or other situations require it.
Operational reality: Videoconferences run within the 8:00 AM–4:00 PM weekday window, and they won’t be scheduled to end after 4:00 PM - so late-day requests may be harder to fit in.
These videoconferences are treated as confidential. Before the call, the inmate must be told about its confidential nature and sign an Inmate Consent Form. During the video link, no third person - including correctional officers - may be present or within hearing distance unless both the inmate and their attorney or court officer authorize that person's presence in writing.
- Document what happened right away - note the date/time of the conference and what you believe violated confidentiality.
- Report the breach within 48 hours - breaches of confidentiality must be reported to the NJDOC Videoconferencing Coordinator within 48 hours for investigation.
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