Scheduling a Video Visit from Out of State: Extra Steps You Need to Know
If you're an out-of-state agency—or an attorney working with one—trying to schedule a videoconference with a New Jersey state inmate at Edna Mahan, there's an extra clearance step you can't skip. Follow these steps and checklists to avoid delays.
These extra steps apply whenever an out-of-state agency requests a videoconference with a New Jersey state inmate. Before sending anything to the facility, you need clearance through Donna Sweeney-Elrose to check for conflicts under New Jersey's Inter-State Compact Agreement.
- Call for Inter-State Compact clearance first - Contact Donna Sweeney-Elrose at 609-984-9598 to confirm any possible conflicts under New Jersey’s Inter-State Compact Agreement.
- Wait for confirmation to proceed - Once NJDOC provides Inter-State Compact confirmation, you can move forward with requesting the videoconference through the institution’s videoconference coordinator.
The requesting agency is responsible for initiating the conference call and covering all costs. If you're helping coordinate, make sure the agency requesting the VTC is ready to place the call and handle expenses on their end.
Once you have Inter-State Compact confirmation, fax the videoconference request to the facility's videoconferencing coordinator (or designee). Requests must arrive at least 48 hours - two business days - before your scheduled conference. Don't wait until the last minute. Faxed documents are treated as confidential. If you plan to fax documents to the inmate on the day of the videoconference, note that on your request (yes/no) so staff know what to expect.
- ✓ Nicole Berberena - 908-735-3634
- ✓ Kimberly Hawk - 908-735-3611
- ✓ Debra Magyar - 908-735-3603
NJDOC videoconferencing hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM - no weekends or holidays. When proposing a start time, aim to begin at least one hour before closing. On the facility side, the videoconferencing post officer ensures the correct inmate is in the waiting area at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start. That way, the call can begin on time when your agency dials in.
Checklist
- ✓ Confirm Inter-State Compact clearance first by calling Donna Sweeney-Elrose at 609-984-9598.
- ✓ Prepare your videoconference request and plan to send it by fax (not email).
- ✓ Fax the request to the facility videoconferencing coordinator at least 48 hours (at least 2 business days) before the requested conference.
- ✓ Make sure the out-of-state requesting agency will initiate the conference call and assume the expenses.
- ✓ Follow up with Edna Mahan’s VTC coordinators to confirm receipt: Nicole Berberena (908-735-3634), Kimberly Hawk (908-735-3611), or Debra Magyar (908-735-3603).
Find an Inmate at Edna Mahan Corrections Facility, NJ
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
