Videoconference hours at NJ prisons (What to expect when scheduling for South Woods)
Scheduling a videoconference with someone at South Woods? The two things that trip people up most: VTC only runs on weekdays, and you need to submit your request well in advance.
South Woods runs videoconferences from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. When you pick a time for your request, make sure it falls within that weekday window - otherwise it won't make it onto the calendar.
Note: VTC is weekday-only (Monday–Friday). Weekend slots aren't available - you'll need to pick a different day.
Hours run until 4:00 PM, but sessions are expected to start at least an hour before closing whenever possible. That makes late-afternoon slots harder to get - and if you do land one, you might feel rushed. Want a longer conversation? Aim for earlier in the day so you're not bumping up against the end-of-day cutoff.
- Pick an earlier start time - when you need the full meeting time, avoid the last hour of the day whenever you can.
- Build the “one hour before closing” guidance into your request - schedule with that expectation so your session isn’t squeezed at the end.
- Confirm the start time after you submit - make sure the time you requested is the time that gets placed on the schedule.
Lead time matters just as much as the daily hours. Your VTC request must be faxed to the institution and coordinator at least 48 hours before your requested day - and weekends and holidays don't count toward that 48-hour window. Planning for an early-week appointment? Think in business days, not calendar days.
- ✓ Make sure the date and time you want falls within 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
- ✓ Count at least 48 hours excluding weekends and holidays before the day you’re requesting.
- ✓ Fax the request to both the appropriate institution and the coordinator.
- ✓ If you’re trying for a late slot, plan extra cushion time since VTCs should start no later than one hour before closing whenever possible.
Warning: Requests that don't meet the 48-hour business-day requirement may not be scheduled.
There's no priority scheduling - no agency or department gets to skip the line. Your safest bet is to submit your request earlier than you think you need to, especially if you want a specific day or a morning slot.
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