How to Set Up PayTel Video Visits with an Inmate at Houston County Detention
Houston County Detention Center uses PayTel for video visitation. Head to paytel.com and create your visitor account - you'll need this before you can schedule or complete any video visits.
Note: All PayTel video visits - whether remote or in the front lobby - are monitored by Detention Center staff.
- Go to paytel.com - Start the setup from PayTel’s website.
- Create your visitor account - Follow the prompts to register so you can be added as a visitor.
- Submit a photo ID for approval - Upload a photo and picture identification (for example, a driver’s license). Staff must be able to read it clearly for review, or your approval can get held up.
Tip: Use a clear, well-lit image of your ID where the text is easy to read. Keeping your ID handy while you sign up can help you finish the approval step in one sitting.
Remote video visits from the housing units last 20 minutes each. If an inmate has lost phone or visitation privileges due to disciplinary action, they won't be able to use the video visitation system.
PayTel video visits at Houston County Detention Center cost $0.30 per minute. A full 20-minute remote visit runs $6.00, so budget accordingly.
When the PayTel kiosk in the front lobby is operational, authorized inmates get one 30-minute visit per week. The facility's visitation schedule determines when that weekly visit can happen.
Update: The lobby kiosks are currently not in service. Inmates will be advised when the kiosks return to full service.
To video visit, you need to be approved as a visitor in PayTel. Approval requires submitting a photo and a picture ID (like a driver's license) that's clear enough for Detention Center staff to review.
During your visit, both you and the inmate must follow the conduct rules in the inmate handbook. Profanity, gang signs, indecency, or lewd behavior can get the visit cut short - or get you banned from visitation entirely. Remember, staff monitor all video visits.
Violate the conduct code, and visitation privileges can be revoked for at least 30 days. If you're unsure whether something is appropriate to discuss or show on camera, play it safe.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Create your PayTel visitor account at paytel.com
- ✓ Upload a clear, readable photo ID (such as a driver’s license) so staff can approve you
- ✓ Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the visit starts
- ✓ Plan for 20-minute remote visits (if the inmate’s phone/visitation privileges haven’t been revoked)
- ✓ Budget for the current rate of $0.30 per minute
Warning: Profanity, gang signs, indecency, and lewd behavior can get you excluded from visitation, and violations can cost you visitation privileges for at least 30 days.
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