Staying Connected at McPherson: Phones, Kiosks, Video Visits and Commissary in the Barracks

Each barrack at McPherson has two inmate telephones. This is where most outgoing calls originate - so if you're expecting a call from your loved one, it's coming from one of these phones.

Each barrack also has two television viewing areas. This won't affect how you contact someone, but it gives you a sense of how shared spaces are organized inside.

The barracks also have tables with seats for letter writing or board games. If you're exchanging letters, know that there are designated spots where people can sit down and write.

Every barrack at McPherson has a kiosk, and it handles a lot of daily essentials. One major use: commissary. Inmates fill out commissary orders electronically at the kiosk instead of using paper forms.

The kiosk also handles health requests. Inmates submit sick call requests through it - that's the standard way to ask to be seen for medical concerns.

Video visits run through the kiosk too. At McPherson, inmates can connect with approved contacts via video visitation right from the barrack kiosk.

Want to set up a video visit? The key is approval. Video visits from the barrack kiosk only work with contacts who've been approved through the visitation system. No approval means no connection.

Both commissary and sick call at McPherson go through the barrack kiosk - orders are filled out electronically, and medical requests are submitted there. If you need to add funds so your loved one can make purchases, the ADC Family & Friends guide includes a section called "Depositing Money into an Inmate's Account" (listed with a page reference in the guide).