How to Schedule a Video Visit at Oakland County Jail (on-site vs. remote)

Every visit at Oakland County Jail goes through a video system - no in-person, face-to-face visits. You'll pick your date and time through Smart Communications. Walk-ins aren't an option; appointments are required.

What you pay depends on where you visit from. On-site visits at the jail are free. Remote visits cost $0.11 per minute, paid through Smart Communications "credits" (1 credit = $0.01).

First, you'll need a Smart Communications account. This is where you'll schedule visits and - if you're visiting remotely - add funds to cover the cost.

Smart Communications uses a credit system for remote visits. Deposited funds convert to credits at a rate of 1 credit = $0.01. Remote visits cost 11 credits per minute, which works out to $0.11 per minute.

When scheduling, you'll pick a visit length: either 15 minutes or 30 minutes.

Then decide: on-site or remote? On-site visits are free. Remote visits from a computer or phone cost $0.11 per minute (11 credits per minute). Keep in mind that Oakland County Jail limits each inmate to one free visit and one paid visit per week - plan accordingly.

Professional visits have the most flexibility - time slots are available daily from 7:15 AM to 8:45 PM, both on-site and remote.

Social visits (family and friends) have a tighter schedule. No visits on Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday, slots run 1:15 PM to 8:15 PM. Weekends open earlier: Saturday and Sunday from 9:15 AM to 7:00 PM. These hours apply to both on-site and remote visits.

You can't book last-minute. Schedule at least 24 hours ahead, and you can book up to two weeks out.

1. Bring a current, valid photo ID - You’ll need a valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
2. Make sure the scheduled visitor is the one who shows up - Only the person who registered as the visitor may attend the visit.
3. Plan for the visitor limit - One adult visitor and one child visitor are allowed per visit.
4. If you have multiple children, rotate visits - Only one child may attend at a time per visit.
5. Keep children with you in the facility - During on-site visits, children can’t be left unattended in the waiting area.

1. Confirm your Smart Communications account is ready - Remote visits run through Smart Communications and are scheduled by appointment.
2. Add funds if you’re visiting remotely - Remote visits use credits (1 credit = $0.01).
3. Use Smart Communications support if you hit a snag - For account, payment, or credit issues, call 888-253-5178.