Can You Visit a Different Inmate Than You Scheduled? St. Joseph County Jail’s Policy Explained
If you scheduled a visit at St. Joseph County Jail, you can only visit the inmate listed on that appointment. Trying to switch to a different inmate isn't treated like a minor mix-up — it can cost you your visitation privileges permanently.
St. Joseph County Jail only allows you to visit the specific inmate named on your scheduled visitation. If you show up and visit with a different inmate instead, the jail's policy is clear: your visitation privileges will be removed permanently. There's no swapping who you're visiting once the appointment is set.
Note: Since visits are scheduled through your visitor account in the GTL system, make sure you select the correct inmate before you confirm the appointment.
This isn't a slap on the wrist or a "no visit today" situation. The policy states that visiting an inmate who wasn't on your scheduled visitation can result in losing all visitation privileges permanently. That's a big deal - especially if you're the main person helping your loved one stay connected to family.
Warning: "Permanent" means permanent. Treat the inmate selection on your scheduled visit as final - don't try to switch once you're connected.
The jail also prohibits multiple inmates from using a single terminal during any visit. If staff see more than one inmate on the terminal, you'll lose visitation privileges. What this means: only interact with the one inmate you scheduled. If a second person appears on their end, don't continue the visit.
Example: If another inmate appears on the terminal during your visit, that's exactly the kind of situation the policy warns about - and it can cost you your visitation privileges.
- Sign in to your visitor account - Use the GTL visitation site to schedule and manage your upcoming visits.
- Confirm you’re selecting the right inmate - Before you pick a time, double-check the inmate name/identity shown in your account so you don’t accidentally schedule under the wrong person.
- Choose your appointment details carefully - Select the date, time, and location that work for you, then confirm the visit. The system provides instant confirmation.
- Verify who you’re connected to before you continue - When the visit starts, make sure the inmate on the visit is the one listed on your scheduled visitation.
- Cancel and reschedule if anything looks off - If you realize you selected the wrong inmate or the visit is connecting to someone not listed on your appointment, don’t try to “make it work.” End it and fix the scheduling first, because visiting a different inmate can permanently remove your visitation privileges.
- ✓ The inmate on your scheduled visitation is the inmate you intend to visit
- ✓ Your visit shows as confirmed in the GTL system
- ✓ Only one inmate is present/participating on the terminal (no “multiple inmates” on a single visit)
- ✓ If multiple inmates appear on the terminal, end the visit rather than continuing and risking loss of visitation privileges
Final tip: Double-check which inmate is listed before you confirm your visit. GTL appointments confirm instantly, and St. Joseph County Jail's policy leaves no room for error - visiting a different inmate or having multiple inmates on a terminal can end your visitation privileges for good.
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