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What to Know Before Your First Video Visit with Someone at Paul Phelps Correctional Center

Your first video visit goes much smoother when you confirm the provider, get approved if needed, and test your device before your appointment.

• 4 min read
What to Know Before Your First Video Visit with Someone at Paul Phelps Correctional Center

Before you set anything up, confirm which video visitation provider Paul Phelps Correctional Center uses. Facilities control key details like what visit times are available, how long sessions run, what they cost, and whether you need to be approved before you can schedule. The fastest way to avoid wasted time is to check the facility’s visitation information and, if it’s not clear, ask the vendor directly whether Paul Phelps uses JPay, Securus, or another system - and what their approval steps are for this location.

  • ✓ Check the facility’s posted visitation information to see which video provider is listed for Paul Phelps
  • ✓ Contact the video provider’s customer support and ask them to confirm the correct facility and platform
  • ✓ Verify whether you need prior approval before you can schedule, and how to request that approval

Device Software Checklist

  • ✓ A device with a working webcam, microphone, and speakers (or a headset)
  • ✓ A reliable internet connection (strong enough for live video)
  • ✓ If you’re using a computer: Windows 10 or newer
  • ✓ A compatible browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge
  1. Test your camera and microphone - confirm your webcam turns on and your mic picks up your voice before the visit day.
  2. Allow browser permissions - when prompted, click “Allow” for camera and microphone access (blocking either one can break the visit).
  3. Do a quick connection check - make sure your internet is stable enough for video; if it’s choppy, switch to a stronger connection.
  4. Close extra apps and tabs - video calls work better when your device isn’t fighting other programs for bandwidth.
What to Know Before Your First Video Visit with Someone at Paul Phelps Correctional Center

Video visits are usually not “drop-in.” You’ll schedule a specific time through the provider, and depending on the facility’s rules you may also need approval before a visit can happen. Keep in mind that Paul Phelps (like other facilities) controls the schedule: available time slots, session length, and any rates or fees can vary and can change, so plan around what you see in the scheduling system and leave yourself a little cushion.

  1. Log in early - sign into your account a few minutes ahead so you’re not troubleshooting at the start time.
  2. Join at the scheduled time - be ready to connect right when your appointment begins.
  3. Follow the facility-controlled timing - the facility sets the session window, and visits may start or end based on their schedule and procedures.

Quick Troubleshooting

  • ✓ Confirm you’re using a supported setup (Windows 10+ on a computer, and a compatible browser like Chrome or Edge)
  • ✓ Refresh your browser permissions and make sure camera and microphone access are set to “Allow”
  • ✓ Check that your webcam and mic aren’t being used by another app (video meeting apps are common culprits)
  • ✓ Restart the browser, then try again; if that doesn’t help, restart your device
  • ✓ Switch to a stronger internet connection if video is freezing or audio is cutting out
  • ✓ If the platform is facility-specific, double-check you selected the correct facility/provider setup in your account

Note: If the basic fixes don’t work, contact the video provider’s customer support during your troubleshooting window. Having their support number handy before your scheduled time can save the visit.

If you’re still stuck, split the problem into two buckets. For technical issues - login trouble, audio/video not working, errors, or the session not connecting - start with the video provider’s customer service. For questions about scheduling rules, required approvals, or whether a visit was allowed to proceed, contact the facility.

  • ✓ Your account email/username (and the incarcerated person’s name/ID if the system uses it)
  • ✓ The date and time of the scheduled visit (and whether you were trying to join early or right on time)
  • ✓ Your device type and operating system (for example, Windows 10)
  • ✓ Your browser name (for example, Chrome or Edge)
  • ✓ Any on-screen error message or code (a screenshot helps)
  • ✓ What you already tried (restart, permissions, switching internet, etc.)

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