What Happens If You Break the Rules During a VADOC Video Visit
A VADOC video visit can be cut short or cost you your visiting privileges if the rules are broken. Here's what "breaking the rules" actually looks like, and what usually happens next.
The rules apply to both sides of the screen during a VADOC video visit. You're responsible for your behavior, and the inmate is responsible for theirs. If anything inappropriate happens, VADOC can suspend video visitation privileges for both of you, even if only one person caused the problem.
No recording, no screenshots, no extra participants. Recording or filming a video visit is prohibited. That includes taking pictures or screenshots of the inmate. Having a third party join the visit through any technology outside the GTL Visitor Web application is also prohibited.
- ✓ Do not have any other technology present (cellphone, computer, tablet, television, etc.) besides the device you are using for the visit.
- ✓ Do not have any disallowed minor children attending or participating in the visit.
Treat a video visit the same as an in-person visit when it comes to clothing. VADOC requires visitors to wear outer garments and undergarments that cover from the neck to the kneecaps. Underwear is required.
Plan for bathroom breaks: If the inmate must use the restroom during a video visit, the visit will be terminated.
The typical penalty for inappropriate behavior during a VADOC video visit is a 6 month suspension of video visitation privileges. That's a long time to lose contact. Treat every session as something that can be reviewed and enforced, because it can be.
The consequence doesn't just fall on the person who caused the problem. VADOC holds both the visitor and the inmate responsible for inappropriate behavior during the visit, and both can be suspended from video visitation.
Serious violations can go further. Some violations carry enhanced sanctions, up to and including a permanent ban from the video visitation system.
- Log into GTL early (home visits) - Home internet video visitors must be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes before the visit starts.
- Arrive early at an AFOI Visitor Center - If you’re using an AFOI Visitor Center, arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit.
- Treat the start time as fixed - Visits run in exact scheduled time slots, and fees will not be refunded for late arrivals or missed visits.
- ✓ Wear outer garments and undergarments that cover from the neck to the kneecaps.
- ✓ Make sure underwear is worn.
- ✓ Keep other devices out of the visit area (no extra phones, tablets, TVs, computers, etc.).
If kids will be nearby, plan ahead so no disallowed minor children end up attending or participating. Keep the call limited to the approved platform, too. A third party joining through technology outside the GTL Visitor Web application is prohibited. And don't record, film, take pictures, or screenshot the inmate during the session.
Avoid an automatic cutoff. If the inmate has to use the restroom during the video visit, the visit will be terminated. Encourage them to handle that before the session starts if you can.
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