Video-only Visitation at Northwestern Detention Center — On-site vs. Remote (what families need to know)
Planning to visit someone at Northwestern? Here's the key thing: every family and friend visit happens by video. You can either come to the facility's lobby for an on-site session, or connect remotely through an on-demand video system.
Northwestern Detention Center doesn't offer traditional in-person contact visits. Everything goes through video. Your two options: on-site video visits (you come to the lobby and use their video stations) or off-site on-demand visits (you connect remotely through the GettingOut system). Heading to the lobby? It's first-come, first-served, so expect a wait if it's busy.
- Go to gettingout.com and create an account - off-site video visits use the GettingOut system, and you’ll need your own account set up before you can connect.
- Complete your registration details - finish the sign-up process so you’re ready when it’s time to visit.
- Plan to use your account for off-site visits - once you’re registered, you can use that account to visit from an off-site location.
Remote sessions are shorter - each off-site on-demand video visit is capped at 15 minutes. The "on-demand" part means the inmate initiates the call during their leisure time, so it helps to be ready and available when they're able to connect.
For an on-site visit, you'll come to the facility and use the video stations in the main lobby. These sessions can run up to 30 minutes - twice as long as the remote option.
Note: Lobby visits are handled first-come, first-served, so build in extra time in case there’s a line or a wait.
Whether you're visiting on-site or connecting remotely, you must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. Not on it yet? Handle that first - it's the step that trips up most first-time visitors.
- ✓ Valid state driver’s license
- ✓ Other current photo identification
Northwestern has age requirements. You must be 18 or older to visit on your own. Visitors under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult who's at least 21.
Keep your group small. The limit is 2 adults and 1 child, or 1 adult and 2 children at a time. If more people want to visit, you'll need to plan separate sessions.
For lobby visits, lockers are available to store items you can't bring in. Once seated, stay put - you can't give up your seat or swap with someone else. If anyone in your group leaves the visitation area, the visit ends immediately. Handle restroom breaks before you sit down.
Recorded visits: All visits are recorded, and behavior the facility considers inappropriate can lead to a suspension of visitation privileges - temporary or permanent.
Heading to the lobby? Arrive early. Visits are first-come, first-served, and once you're in the visitation area, stepping out ends the session for your whole group.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list
- ✓ Bring a valid state driver’s license or other current photo ID
- ✓ If you’re visiting off-site, register an account at gettingout.com ahead of time
- ✓ If you’re visiting on-site in the lobby, arrive early (first-come, first-served)
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