How to Register and Start Video Visits at Hood County Jail
Video visits at Hood County Jail require a couple of setup steps, but once you've done them, scheduling gets much easier. The process comes down to two things: registering and getting approved through one system, then using a separate scheduling site to actually start your visit.
Your first step is registering as a visitor through the Hood County GTL VisitMe site. This is the system the jail uses to get you into the visitation system. It needs to be done before you try to schedule anything.
Once your visitor registration is in place, the actual scheduling happens through the Telmate scheduling site. That's where you sign in (or create an account), accept the agreement, pick the person you want to visit, and start a visit using "Visit Now." Already have a ConnectNetwork account? You can use the same email and password to sign in.
Start by creating your visitor account on the Hood County GTL VisitMe site. Don't skip this and jump straight to scheduling. The jail requires you to be in the visitor system first, and you'll end up stuck if you haven't registered.
Note: Everyone needs to be registered and approved before visits can be scheduled, including minors.
After you register, the jail still has to approve you before you can schedule a visit. Plan for this step. Registration alone doesn't mean you're cleared to visit.
Need to include a child? An adult can add them from inside their own account. Log in and use the "Manage Visitor Group" option to register the minor under the adult account.
- Open the Telmate scheduling site - This is where video visits are scheduled and started.
- Sign in or create your account - If you already have a ConnectNetwork account, use the same email and password.
- Accept the agreement - Read the statements and check the boxes to accept, then submit.
- Select the person you want to visit - Choose the incarcerated person from the list in your account.
- Start the visit - Click “Visit Now” in the Online section to begin.
Step4 Device Billing
- ✓ Internet-connected device
- ✓ Webcam
- ✓ Microphone
- ✓ Google Chrome browser
Before your first visit, make sure there are enough funds in at least one place: either the inmate account or the Friends & Family account. Funds need to be available even though payment is collected only after the visit happens.
If you keep money in a Friends & Family account, watch for inactivity. These accounts can become inactive and subject to forfeiture after 180 consecutive days without use.
Refund help: If your Friends & Family account was forfeited, you can request a refund by calling Telmate customer service at 866-516-0115.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Register at the Hood County GTL VisitMe site
- ✓ Wait for jail approval for every visitor, including minors
- ✓ Sign in or create your account on the Telmate scheduling site, then accept the agreement and choose the person you want to visit
- ✓ Use an internet-connected device with a webcam and microphone, and use Google Chrome
- ✓ Make sure there are sufficient funds in either the inmate account or the Friends & Family account (payment is collected after the visit)
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