Why In-Person Visits Aren't Allowed at Lauderdale County Detention Center (and what to use instead)

Lauderdale County Detention Center doesn't offer in-person visitation for friends and family. Face-to-face visits are reserved for attorneys and their authorized staff. Representatives from approved Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers can also come in for assessments, but only with prior approval from the Director of Corrections. Beyond those narrow exceptions, contact visits aren't permitted unless the Director specifically authorizes one.

Face-to-face visits are sometimes considered for rare, exceptional circumstances - death notifications or other emergencies, for example. These count as special visits, not regular visitation, and the jail reviews each request individually. Even if approved, contact visits still require sign-off from the Director of Corrections.

Instead of in-person visits, the jail uses non-contact video visitation through inmate-issued tablets. ViaPath Communications runs the service at $0.25 per minute. Your loved one connects from a jail-issued tablet on their end while you join remotely - no trip to the facility required.

1. Set up video visits through ConnectNetwork - Create an account at ConnectNetwork, then schedule and conduct video visits using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
2. Use GettingOut for texts and photos - Register for a GettingOut account if you want to send text messages and pictures to your loved one.

Here's something that catches people off guard: if you add money through a ConnectNetwork visitor-funded account, those funds are tied to you specifically. Your loved one can only use that balance to call or video visit you - they can't use it to contact anyone else.

• ✓ Use the lobby kiosk at the Detention Center to deposit money to an inmate account (it accepts cash and debit cards).

If you have a genuine emergency and need to request a special in-person visit, be prepared to explain the situation and why face-to-face contact is necessary. The jail reviews these requests case-by-case, looking for a valid or emergency need. Approval isn't automatic - these visits are rare and require the Director of Corrections to sign off.

1. Call the Sheriff’s Office - Use 256-760-5757 to ask how to submit a special visitation request and what information they need for review.
2. Send documentation if you’re told to - If staff instruct you to submit something in writing, you can use the fax number 256-760-5765.
3. Mail your request if needed - You can also write to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office at P.O. Box 1710, Florence, Alabama 35631.
4. Be specific about the emergency - Special visits are reviewed case-by-case and must demonstrate a valid or emergency need, so include clear details and any supporting information you have.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Don’t drive to the jail expecting a normal in-person visit; contact visits aren’t permitted unless the Director of Corrections specifically authorizes them.
• ✓ If you need to see someone, plan on non-contact video visitation through ViaPath Communications (listed at $0.25 per minute).
• ✓ Set up video visits through a ConnectNetwork account on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• ✓ If you think you have an emergency situation (such as a death notification), call first and ask about requesting a special visit.