How to Schedule Your First Video Visit at Oakland County Jail

Oakland County Jail handles all inmate visits through video, and you'll need an appointment through Smart Communications. You pick the date and time yourself when you create your account. Each inmate gets one free visit and one paid visit per week, so plan ahead and decide which one you want to use.

1. Go to Smart Communications and create your account - You will need a Smart Communications account to schedule a visit and to deposit funds for remote visits.
2. Log in and start a new video visit request - Once you are signed in, follow the scheduling prompts to select your visit type, date, and time.
3. Schedule under the name of the person who will attend - Only the person who registered as the visitor may visit.
4. Plan your visitors for the session - Oakland County allows one adult visitor and one child visitor per visit.
5. Have your ID ready - You must have a current valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport in order to visit.

Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day bookings aren't available. You can book up to two weeks out, which helps if you're trying to lock in a weekend slot or work around your schedule. When booking, you'll choose either a 15-minute or 30-minute visit.

Each inmate gets one free visit and one paid visit per week. If you've already used the free visit, you can still schedule another one, but it counts as your paid visit.

On-site visits at the jail are free. Remote visits from your computer or phone cost $0.11 per minute (11 credits per minute). Smart Communications converts your funds into credits, with one credit equaling $0.01.

Professional visits (on-site and remote) are available daily from 7:15 AM to 8:45 PM. Social visits for family and friends aren't available Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday, social visiting hours run 1:15 PM to 8:15 PM. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9:15 AM to 7:00 PM.

For remote visits, you'll need to add funds through Smart Communications since these visits use credits. You can deposit money in the same account you use for scheduling. Remember the rate: $0.11 per minute (11 credits per minute).

Device Tips Checklist

• ✓ Update your phone or tablet operating system before your visit (for example, current iPhone or iPad iOS).
• ✓ If possible, update the device the day before, not minutes before your scheduled time.
• ✓ Reboot your device after updating so the changes fully apply.

• ✓ Confirm your Smart Communications account is created and you can log in.
• ✓ Make sure your visit is scheduled at least 24 hours ahead (and no more than two weeks out).
• ✓ If you are visiting remotely, add enough funds for the minutes you booked.
• ✓ Update your mobile device operating system to reduce technical issues.
• ✓ If you are visiting on-site, bring a current valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport.