Northwestern Detention Center: How Video-Only Visits Work (On-site vs Remote)

Northwestern Detention Center handles all family and friend visitation through video. You have two options: come to the facility for an on-site video visit, or connect remotely using off-site, on-demand video visitation.

For on-site visits, you'll head to the facility's Main Lobby. These visits run during specific lobby hours and need to be scheduled through the facility's process, so check the on-site schedule before you go.

• ✓ On-site video visitation is first come, first served.
• ✓ Pay attention to posted cutoff times. For example, visitors are not accepted after 11:00 AM for morning visitation.
• ✓ The on-site visitation schedule (effective 7/7/2025) shows on-site visitation is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• ✓ Each on-site visit can be up to 30 minutes.

Lockers are available in the visitation area, but you can't give up your seat or swap seats with anyone. If someone in your visiting party leaves the visitation area during the visit, the visit ends immediately. All video visits are recorded, and inappropriate behavior can lead to suspension of visitation privileges, including permanent suspension. Do not bring weapons, illegal substances, tobacco products, drugs, or any other contraband or prohibited items into the detention center. The facility treats this as a violation of the Code of Virginia, and it can lead to criminal prosecution.

Remote visits at Northwestern work through off-site, on-demand video visitation. Family and friends can visit daily from any off-site location by registering an account through GettingOut.com. These remote visits are shorter than on-site visits, limited to 15 minutes.

1. Register your remote visitation account - Create your account through GettingOut.com so you can be available for off-site video visits.
2. Make sure you are approved to visit - You must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list before a visit will be permitted.
3. Be ready for the inmate to initiate the visit - Once you are registered and approved, the inmate can initiate a video visit with you during their available time.

Common Rules Both

• ✓ Bring a valid state driver’s license or other current photo identification.
• ✓ You must be at least 18 to visit. If someone under 18 is visiting, they must be with an adult who is at least 21.
• ✓ Group size is limited to no more than 2 adults and 1 child, or 1 adult and 2 children at one time.

Whether you visit on-site or remotely, take the contraband rules seriously. Bringing weapons, illegal substances, tobacco products, drugs, or other prohibited items into the detention center can violate the Code of Virginia and lead to criminal prosecution. Behavior matters, too. All video visits are recorded, and inappropriate actions can cost you visiting privileges, including permanent suspension.

Practical Tips

• ✓ If you are visiting on-site, go to the facility’s Main Lobby and plan around the on-site lobby hours.
• ✓ On-site visits can be up to 30 minutes. Watch the clock so your conversation does not get cut short.
• ✓ Remote, off-site on-demand visits are limited to 15 minutes. Plan for a shorter call.
• ✓ Set up your remote access ahead of time by registering your account through GettingOut.com.
• ✓ Bring a valid, current photo ID.
• ✓ Confirm you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list before you make the trip or wait for a remote visit.