How to Schedule a Video Visit at Fairfax County Adult Detention Center

Authorized visitors can schedule one video visit per day, choosing either a 15-minute or 30-minute session. Visits are available during three daily windows: 9:00–11:00 a.m., 12:30–4:00 p.m., and 5:00–6:00 p.m.

Video visiting for inmates in the general population at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center began in August 2021.

You'll schedule and pay for video visits through Smart Communications. Book at least 24 hours ahead - otherwise, the inmate may not get notified in time.

Remote video visits cost $0.10 per minute, so the total depends on whether you schedule a 15-minute or 30-minute session.

If you use an on-site video visiting kiosk in the Adult Detention Center lobby, there’s no charge for the visit.

Good lighting makes all the difference. Sit in a well-lit area with light on your face, and avoid bright light behind you. Keep your head upright and look directly into the camera - this helps the system detect your face.

If the system can't detect a face, your video feed will go blank. Adjust your lighting and camera angle if that happens. One more thing: be careful with the controls. Clicking the End Visit button ends the session permanently - you can't rejoin once you've clicked it.

Checklist

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is authorized for visitation (the one-visit-per-day limit applies to authorized visitors).
• ✓ Pick a 15- or 30-minute visit length.
• ✓ Choose an available daily time window: 9:00–11:00 a.m., 12:30–4:00 p.m., or 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• ✓ Schedule and pay through Smart Communications.
• ✓ Book at least 24 hours ahead so the inmate receives notification of the pending visit.
• ✓ For remote visits, budget $0.10 per minute.
• ✓ Consider the on-site kiosk option in the ADC lobby if you want a free visit.
• ✓ Before the call, set up good face lighting (no bright background), keep your head upright, and look into the camera so the video doesn’t go blank.