Should You Visit From Home or Use the Free Terminal at Alexandria's Public Safety Center?

Remote video visits at Alexandria's Adult Detention Center work from any location with internet access. Home, a work break room, a friend's house - anywhere you can get a stable connection.

Don't have a reliable phone, tablet, or computer? Or maybe your internet is spotty? There's an on-site option. You can come to the Public Safety Center and use a free video terminal in the Detention Center lobby for your scheduled visit.

If you have a device and solid internet, visiting from home is usually the simplest choice. No commute, no need to build your day around getting to a building. You can take the visit from anywhere online, which makes it easier to work around job schedules, childcare, or transportation issues.

The free terminal in the Detention Center lobby works well when technology is the obstacle. No reliable device? Shaky internet? Just want a dedicated setup for the call? Head to the Public Safety Center and use the facility's terminal at no cost.

Keep the visit limits in mind when deciding. Inmates get two free 20-minute video visits per week. Think about which days and times you're most likely to make those sessions - at home with your own connection, or by traveling to the terminal.

Good news on timing: video visitation runs seven days a week, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern time. That wide window makes finding a slot easier - whether you're logging in remotely or planning a trip to the lobby terminal.

1. Register on SmartInmate.com - create your account so you can be considered for visitation access.
2. Wait for ASO staff approval - you must be approved before you’re able to schedule a video visit.
3. Schedule in the allowed window - book your visit the day before you want to visit, and no more than seven days ahead.

Decision Checklist

• ✓ Choose home if you have a dependable internet connection and a device you can use for the visit.
• ✓ Choose the Public Safety Center free terminal if internet access or device access is your main hurdle.
• ✓ Choose the free terminal if keeping costs down is the priority (the terminal itself is free to use).
• ✓ Choose home if you need the most flexibility and want to avoid travel time.
• ✓ Keep the two free 20-minute video visits per week in mind when picking which days/times you can reliably make work.
• ✓ Choose the option that gives you the most privacy and quiet during the call.
• ✓ If you’re going on-site, confirm any lobby/terminal process before you leave so your scheduled time isn’t at risk.