What a 15‑Minute Video Visit Actually Looks Like at SWVRJA: Facial Recognition, Monitoring, and Lost Connections
Fifteen minutes goes fast. At SWVRJA, a few things can catch first-timers off guard — facial recognition that can cut your feed, monitoring on every call, and a strict no-refund policy if your connection drops.
Each remote video visit at SWVRJA lasts 15 minutes - and that includes settling in and getting started. Go in with a plan. Say what matters early. Don't assume you'll have time to circle back.
- ✓ Write down your top 2–3 topics before the call so you don’t spend half the visit figuring out what to talk about.
- ✓ Start with time-sensitive updates first (health, kids, housing, court-related logistics you’re comfortable discussing).
- ✓ If kids are joining, decide ahead of time who talks first so everyone gets a moment within the 15 minutes.
- ✓ Keep a pen and paper nearby so you can jot down details instead of asking the same question twice.
- ✓ Plan a quick wrap-up (one last question, one next step, one reassurance) with about a minute left.
Every video visit at SWVRJA is monitored and recorded. Think of it as a conversation in a room where staff can hear everything - because that's exactly how these calls work.
SWVRJA uses facial recognition during video visits. The inmate must face the camera the entire time. Look away too long, cover your face, or move out of frame? The system may fail to detect them, and the camera can shut off.
Note: Facial recognition can turn off the camera if it can’t detect the inmate’s face. Staying centered and facing forward helps keep the visit from being interrupted.
Miss your scheduled video visit - even by accident - and you're out of luck. SWVRJA's policy is clear: if a visitor does not show up, no refund will be issued.
Connection problems can cost you the whole session. If you lose internet connection during the video visitation, you won't be allowed to reconnect, and no refund will be issued.
Tip: Your connection is part of the visit. A no-show or disconnect means losing both time and money - set a reminder and use the most stable internet you have.
Before planning a video visit, confirm you're on the inmate's approved visitor list. SWVRJA requires all visitors to be on the approved visitor list in order to conduct a video visitation session.
- ✓ Remain seated for the entire video visitation session.
- ✓ Make sure the inmate remains seated as well.
- ✓ If you have a small child with you, children five (5) and younger must stay on your lap during the visit.
Onsite video visitation is currently suspended due to COVID-19. When it resumes, visitors must be 18 or older - anyone under 18 needs an adult with them. Sessions are 15 minutes, and onsite visits are capped at two adults and two children at a time.
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