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

Alexandria ADC offers two ways to do a video visit. You can connect remotely from any location with an internet connection, which is the easiest option if you have a dependable device and service. Don't have reliable internet or a good device? You can still video visit by coming to the Public Safety Center and using the free terminal in the Detention Center lobby.

Visiting from home (or anywhere you can get online) is the most flexible option. You skip the trip to the Public Safety Center and can pick a spot that feels comfortable and convenient. The only requirement: internet access at the time of the visit.

One thing to know: if you run into account problems or technical issues during a remote visit, Smart Communications handles that support, not the Alexandria Sheriff's Office. If you think you might need help setting things up, keep that in mind before scheduling a remote visit.

The free lobby terminal is often the better choice when your home internet is unreliable, you don't have a device you trust for video calls, or you just want a predictable setup. You still schedule the visit ahead of time, then show up at the Public Safety Center and use the terminal in the Detention Center lobby at no cost.

Video visitation is available seven days a week, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern time. Those long hours make both options workable. You'll still want to plan around your schedule and your loved one's availability.

• ✓ Schedule visits the day before the visit (not same-day).
• ✓ Do not schedule more than seven days in advance.
• ✓ Inmates receive two free 20-minute video visits each week.

Scheduling rules affect your choice more than most people expect. You have to book at least a day ahead (and no more than a week out), so you can't decide last-minute to switch from home to the lobby terminal, or the other way around, without rebooking within that window. If you plan to use the lobby terminal, build in travel time so you're ready to start on time. This matters especially if you book an early-morning or late-night slot within the 7 a.m. to midnight hours.

1. Confirm what you need for lobby check-in. Ask what the check-in process looks like for using the Detention Center lobby terminal and what you should bring.
2. Ask about arrival timing. Find out how early you should arrive for a scheduled lobby-terminal visit and whether there is a strict arrival window.
3. Make sure your approval covers your plan. Registration with SmartInmate.com and ASO approval are required before scheduling, so confirm you are fully approved and ready to book the lobby-terminal visit you want.