How to Schedule Your First Video Visit at Jackson County Jail

Who Can Use and Requirements

• ✓ Android or Apple smartphone
• ✓ Tablet
• ✓ Computer with a webcam
• ✓ Internet access

Enrolling from a computer? You'll need a webcam. During setup, the system asks you to snap a picture of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) as part of the verification process.

Start by creating a Smart Online account through SmartJailMail. Head to the SmartJailMail site, click "Sign Up," and follow the prompts.

If you're enrolling on a computer, have your webcam ready. You'll need to take a picture of your government-issued photo ID during the process. Once you submit everything, your account needs to be approved before you can schedule. You should get an email when approval goes through. If you hit a snag during setup or approval takes longer than expected, SmartJailMail offers FAQs, step-by-step instructions for managing video visitation accounts, and live chat support.

Once your SmartJailMail account is approved, log in and click "Schedule a Visit." The prompts will walk you through setting up your remote video visit from there.

Pay attention to the location option during scheduling so you select the right type of visit (remote versus on-site). The available time slots are based on your loved one's schedule, so if you don't see the time you expected, check other openings. Keep in mind that some slots within the general visitation window can be blocked out for jail security activities.

On visit day, log in to your SmartJailMail account 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. That buffer lets you get fully connected so you don't lose any of your actual visit.

• ✓ Use a supported device (Android or Apple smartphone, tablet, or a computer)
• ✓ Make sure your device has a working webcam
• ✓ Confirm you have reliable internet access
• ✓ If enrolling or re-verifying, have your government-issued photo ID ready for the webcam photo step

If something isn't working on visit day, check SmartJailMail's support options. Their FAQs and account instructions cover common issues, and live chat is available when you need help in real time.

Troubleshooting and Help

• ✓ Double-check that you are on a supported device and that your webcam is working
• ✓ Verify your internet access (unstable connections can prevent the video visit from starting)
• ✓ If one device is giving you trouble, try another supported option (phone, tablet, or computer)
• ✓ Use SmartJailMail’s FAQs and setup instructions to confirm your account and video visitation settings

For issues that don't resolve quickly, reach out to SmartJailMail support. Their FAQs and step-by-step account guidance cover a lot of ground, and live chat can help with account or technical problems that are keeping you from scheduling or joining a visit.

Jackson County Jail lists general visitation hours as 7:30 AM to 10:20 PM. Some time slots within that window may be blocked for jail security activities, so check availability when you schedule.