Video Visits at SCI Dallas: How to Download Zoom and Join Your Call
Video visits at SCI Dallas run through Pennsylvania DOC's Inmate Visitation System (IVS) and connect via Zoom. Here's how to get set up, join on time, and troubleshoot the most common tech hiccups.
Pennsylvania DOC uses the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) to schedule and join visits at SCI Dallas, including video visits. You'll sign in through Keystone Login to verify your identity and check your visit details. One thing to know: all visits - in-person and video - must be scheduled at least 3 days ahead, and you can't book more than 60 days out. Don't wait until the last minute if you're trying to set something up for this week.
- Open your app store - On Android, use Google Play. On iPhone/iPad, use the App Store.
- Search for “Zoom Cloud Meetings” - Make sure you’re choosing the official Zoom app.
- Install the app - Download and install it before your scheduled visit.
- Allow camera and microphone access - If your device asks for permissions, approve them so you can be seen and heard during the visit.
Joining from a computer? Install Zoom ahead of time and test your camera, speakers, and microphone before visit day. You don't want to be scrambling with updates or audio settings when your visit window opens.
- ✓ Install the Zoom Cloud Meetings app before your scheduled visit
- ✓ Confirm Zoom has permission to use your camera and microphone
- ✓ Check for Zoom app updates earlier in the day (not right at visit time)
- ✓ Do a quick test call or device check so you know your audio/video works
Your scheduled visit details live in IVS. Since IVS uses Keystone Login, sign in a little early and double-check your visit information before it's time to join. I recommend doing this ahead of time so you're not hunting for credentials or confirmation details at the last second.
- ✓ Use a strong, stable internet connection (Wi‑Fi is usually smoother than weak cellular service)
- ✓ Plug in your device or charge it fully before the visit
- ✓ Use headphones if you can to cut down on echo and background noise
- ✓ Close other apps and browser tabs that might be using your camera, microphone, or bandwidth
- ✓ Keep Zoom updated so you don’t get blocked by an old version
- ✓ Join a few minutes early so you have time to fix audio/video settings
Quick fix: If you can’t be heard or seen, check that Zoom isn’t muted, your device permissions allow camera/mic access, and no other app is “using” your camera. If things still look stuck, fully close Zoom and reopen it before trying again.
Recording rules depend on who the visit is with. All video visits with non-attorneys are audio/video recorded and subject to review. Attorney video visits are not recorded - an important distinction if you're handling legal matters.
Note: Because non-attorney video visits are recorded and can be reviewed, keep the conversation focused on family updates and avoid sharing sensitive details you wouldn’t want replayed later.
Group size limits differ for in-person versus video visits. Up to 4 authorized visitors can join an in-person visit, while video visits allow up to 6. Coordinating a bigger family? Plan around that video limit so nobody gets left out at the last minute.
- ✓ Pick up to 6 people to join the video visit and rotate who attends from visit to visit
- ✓ If more than 6 people want to participate, split into separate scheduled video visits (when times are available)
- ✓ Decide ahead of time who will be on-camera so the visit time isn’t spent sorting it out
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