Why your VADOC video visit got cut off (and when you won't get a refund)
A VADOC video visit can end suddenly if staff spot a rule violation. Knowing the most common reasons visits get cut off can help you protect your time, your money, and your future visiting privileges.
At a Glance
- ✓ The inmate needs to use the restroom during the visit (the visit will be terminated)
- ✓ You are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (the visit will be terminated)
- ✓ Gang signs are used or displayed (the visit will be terminated, and the policy says this is without refund)
- ✓ Anyone records, films, takes pictures, or screenshots of the visit (not permitted)
- ✓ During a home internet visit, any portable electronics are used besides the device connecting the visit (no other technology can be present)
Note: These violations can end a visit on the spot. For gang sign displays specifically, the policy states the visit will be terminated without refund.
VADOC video visits run in exact scheduled time slots. If you arrive late or miss the visit entirely, the fee is not refunded, even if you only missed part of the slot.
This catches people off guard. Log in late or show up late, and you lose minutes from your paid slot. The policy says you will not get that fee back for late arrivals or missed visits. Certain rule violations also end the visit immediately. If the inmate needs to use the restroom, the visit will be terminated. If you appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the visit will be terminated. And if gang signs are displayed, the policy is clear: the visit will be terminated without refund.
A cut-off can cost more than just that day's conversation. Under VADOC's rules, both the inmate and the visitor are responsible for inappropriate behavior during a video visit. Both can be suspended from participating in video visitation. The policy states that video visitation privileges will be suspended for six months.
Heads up: Some violations can bring enhanced sanctions, up to and including a permanent ban from using the video visitation system.
Practical Steps
- ✓ Stay seated for the entire visit (the rules require both visitors and inmates to remain seated)
- ✓ Do not lie down during the visit
- ✓ Take the call from a family-friendly area (for example, a living room or dining room)
- ✓ Do not participate while driving a car
- ✓ For home internet visits, do not use any portable electronic device other than the device connecting the visit (no other technology can be present)
- ✓ Do not attempt a visit if you could be suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Quick tip: For home internet visits, use a family-friendly room like a living room. Keep other tech out of the visit space. The rules say no other form of technology can be present besides the device you're using for the call.
If your visit was terminated, start by adjusting your expectations about the time you lost. VADOC treats visits as exact scheduled time slots. You generally won't get extra time added to make up for a visit that ends early. On the money side, the written policy is clear: fees will not be refunded for late arrivals or missed visits. If there was inappropriate behavior during the visit, both the inmate and the visitor can be suspended from video visitation.
If a suspension is imposed for inappropriate behavior, the policy states video visitation privileges will be suspended for six months. For more serious situations, enhanced sanctions are possible, up to and including a permanent ban on use of the system.
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