Nelson Coleman video visits and video arraignments: what families need to know

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office uses video arraignments to reduce the need to transport inmates to court. Video visitation also helps limit contraband entering the facility. For court proceedings, arraignments happen through video conferencing. Courts communicate with inmates using the sheriff's microwave links. The key point for families: an arraignment may take place over video rather than requiring someone to leave the jail for a court appearance.

The Sheriff's Office Information Technology (IT) team handles network support through a help desk and an end-user support coordinator. Technicians are on call around the clock to keep the system running. Why does this matter to you? Video visits and video court connections depend on that network. If a call drops, audio cuts out, or a connection won't start, know that the Sheriff's Office treats network support as a dedicated function, not an afterthought.

Video arraignments reduce inmate transports for court. Fewer physical movements out of the facility means tighter security. Video visitation serves a similar purpose: reducing contraband entering the jail. For families, the practical takeaway is that video options are part of the facility's security approach. You may be asked or expected to use them in situations where you would normally expect in-person contact.

• ✓ Ask whether your loved one’s arraignment will be handled by video conferencing through the sheriff’s microwave links, or if it will be in person.
• ✓ If it is by video, ask what that changes for families who want to attend or observe, and what you need to do ahead of time (times, location, any check-in steps).
• ✓ Confirm who can answer day-of questions if there are connection issues during an arraignment.

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• ✓ When I call (985) 783-6237, who should I ask for to get video visitation instructions for Nelson Coleman?
• ✓ What are the steps to get a video visit scheduled, and what information do you need from me to set it up?
• ✓ How far in advance should I schedule, and how will I know the visit time is confirmed?
• ✓ What do I need on my end for the visit to work (device type, connection requirements, and anything I should test ahead of time)?
• ✓ If the video freezes, drops, or will not connect, what number should I call for help, and what details should I have ready (name, date/time of visit, any reference information you provide)?
• ✓ For arraignments, will the court communicate with the inmate by video conferencing, and is that done through the sheriff’s microwave links?
• ✓ If an arraignment is by video, can family observe it, and if so, where do we go and what time should we arrive?
• ✓ If we show up to observe and the schedule changes, who can confirm the updated time the same day?

If a video visit won't connect, the sound isn't working, or you need to confirm how a video arraignment is being handled, call the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office at (985) 783-6237. This is also the number for IT and network service questions. When you call, have the inmate's name ready along with the date and time you're trying to connect. If the problem is happening right now, say so up front. That helps get you routed to the right help faster.

Public information explains the goals of video arraignments and video visitation, including reducing transports for court. But it doesn't spell out every step a family needs to follow to schedule a video visit or observe a court event. Before you take off work, plan travel, or count on video access at a specific time, confirm the current procedure directly with the Sheriff's Office.