What You Can and Can't Do During a Video Visit (and What Happens If You Break the Rules)
Video visits help you stay connected—but Minnesota DOC takes certain behaviors seriously. Here's what to avoid, what happens if you slip up, and how bans can escalate.
Don't record or photograph any part of a video visit. That includes
Keep your language respectful, even when you're frustrated. Verbal or written abuse - toward staff or the incarcerated person - can trigger a suspension that grows with each violation: 3 months for a first offense, 6 months for a second, and an indefinite ban after that.
Threats are another hard line. If you make verbal or written threats toward staff or the incarcerated person during a video visit, you can lose visiting privileges for months. Repeat the behavior, and you're looking at an indefinite ban.
Minnesota DOC uses progressive sanctions - each repeat violation brings a bigger consequence. For abuse tied to video visits, the pattern is straightforward: first violation means a 3-month ban, second gets you 6 months, third is indefinite.
Note: Not every rule starts with a short suspension. Recording or photographing - even just attempting to - can end your visit immediately and result in a ban of up to a year, or indefinitely.
When you violate the rules mid-visit, the first thing that happens is your visit gets cut short. From there, you may face a suspension ranging from a few months to a year or more - especially for abuse or any recording attempt.
Note: If you try to record or take photos, expect the visit to be ended. The violation grid specifically lists termination of the visit for recording/photographing (including attempts).
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- ✓ Don’t record or photograph any part of the video visit (or attempt to) - the visit can be terminated and you can be banned up to a year or indefinitely.
- ✓ Stay respectful in what you say and write - verbal or written abuse tied to a video visit can lead to a 3-month ban, then 6 months, then an indefinite ban.
- ✓ Don’t make threats (verbal or written) - threats can lead to long suspensions and can escalate to an indefinite ban.
- ✓ If a situation is getting heated, end the conversation calmly - it’s better to lose a few minutes than risk losing video visits for months.
Not sure if something crosses the line? Treat the video visit like a monitored room - because that's exactly what it is. Stick to conversation, avoid confrontations, and don't do anything on camera you wouldn't do during a strict in-person visit.
Banned from video visiting? Check the Minnesota DOC Friends & Family handbook and the DOC's official resources for current rules and contact information. These materials are designed to help families stay connected and will have the latest info when policies change.
How long your ban lasts depends on what happened. Recording or photographing - even attempting to - can bring the harshest consequences: up to a year or an indefinite ban. If you want your privileges back, contact the facility directly and ask about the reinstatement process for your situation.
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