Video Visits vs. In-Person at Pamlico: How to Choose and Set Up Both Options
Pamlico offers two ways to visit: in person or by video. Once you understand the approval process and scheduling basics, choosing the right option—and setting it up—gets a lot simpler.
At Pamlico and other NCDAC facilities, you can visit either in person or by video. Both keep you connected, but they work differently - especially when it comes to who can visit and how scheduling works.
Video visits aren't open to everyone who downloads the app. You need to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list first. Approval comes before video access - so if you're not approved yet, start there before worrying about scheduling a call.
The practical difference: video visits require approved visitor status, then you connect through the video system. In-person visits are more formal - they're by appointment only, which means planning ahead rather than connecting spontaneously.
NCDAC video visits, including at Pamlico, run through the Getting Out Visits app. That's where you'll connect - either joining an available call or scheduling one for a specific date and time.
- Download Getting Out Visits - install the Getting Out Visits app on your phone or device.
- Create your account - follow the prompts to set up your profile so you can use the video visiting system.
- Confirm you’re an approved visitor - video visits are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list, so make sure you’re on that list before you try to book time.
- Choose how you want to visit - use the system to either start an on-demand visit or schedule a visit for a future time/date.
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the approved visitors list before you try to schedule - video visits are limited to approved visitors.
- ✓ Decide whether you want on-demand or a scheduled visit (future time/date) and plan around that.
- ✓ Pick a time when you can stay in one place with a reliable connection.
- ✓ Test your audio and camera ahead of time so you’re not troubleshooting during your visit.
Dealing with distance, work schedules, or childcare? Video visits can help you stay in touch more consistently - especially since they can be on-demand or scheduled ahead. In-person visits feel more grounding for many families, but they take more planning and travel. Think about what you can realistically do week after week, not just on a perfect day.
At Pamlico and other NCDAC facilities, in-person visits are by appointment only. To schedule one, call or email the prison directly.
Quick Troubleshooting and Verification
- ✓ Verify you’re on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list (video visits are limited to approved visitors).
- ✓ Open the Getting Out Visits app ahead of time and make sure you can sign in.
- ✓ If you’re scheduling, double-check you selected a future time/date that works for you.
- ✓ If you’re trying on-demand, be ready to try again later if a connection isn’t available right away.
- ✓ Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the visit starts.
Note: If the app isn’t working after you’ve verified your account and setup, use the Getting Out Visits in-app help or contact their support for the quickest fix.
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