Setting Up Video Visits at Pinellas County Jail: Step-by-Step

Before you can do video visits with someone at Pinellas County Jail, you'll need a Smart Communications (SmartInmate) account. This account connects you to the inmate and lets you schedule visits. Have the inmate's name and any identifying information ready when you register - it'll help you find and connect to the right person quickly.

Pre-scheduled remote video visits are set up in 30-minute increments, and you can’t book them at the last second. Pinellas County Jail allows you to schedule up to seven days in advance, but no less than 24 hours before the visit time - so plan at least a day ahead.

1. Log in to your Smart Communications (SmartInmate) account - this is the account you’ll use to connect and schedule.
2. Select the inmate you want to visit - search and choose the correct person before you look at times.
3. Pick a date and time within the allowed window - you can book up to 7 days ahead, but you must schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
4. Choose an on-the-hour or half-hour start time - all pre-scheduled sessions begin on the hour or the half-hour.
5. Confirm the 30-minute visit slot and submit - pre-scheduled remote visits are booked in 30-minute increments, so double-check the time you selected before you finalize.

Pinellas County Jail also offers "Video on Demand" calls, which the inmate initiates. These are time-sensitive: when the call comes through, you have just three minutes to answer or you'll miss it.

The difference comes down to control and timing. Pre-scheduled visits are booked at least 24 hours ahead (up to seven days out) and run in 30-minute blocks. Video on Demand is initiated by the inmate - instead of waiting for a scheduled time, you watch for the call and answer quickly when it comes in.

Each inmate gets four 30-minute video visitation sessions per week at Pinellas County Jail. These can be used for pre-scheduled remote visits or on-demand video visits, so coordinate with your loved one on which option works best that week.

• ✓ Additional video visitation time can be purchased at $0.16 per minute (a 30-minute extra session would cost $4.80).

Setting up professional or attorney remote visitation still runs through Smart Communications. Professional visitors create their account through the SmartInmate website. Once approved, they can schedule professional/privileged remote visitation sessions through that system.

• ✓ Government-issued ID
• ✓ Bar Card (attorneys)

Remote video visitation hours at Pinellas County Jail run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. That's a wide window to find a time that works - just remember pre-scheduled visits still need to be booked at least 24 hours ahead.

1. Aim for an on-the-hour or half-hour start - pre-scheduled sessions only begin on the hour or half-hour.
2. Treat it like a 30-minute appointment - pre-scheduled visits run in 30-minute increments, so plan to be fully available for that block.
3. Log in a few minutes early - give yourself time to get signed in and ready so you don’t waste any of the 30 minutes once the session starts.