Should You Visit at WVRJ or a Local Jail? Options for Visiting WVRJ Inmates

WVRJ actually encourages visitors to use participating local jails instead of coming to the regional facility. In practice, this means you may be able to visit at a member-jurisdiction facility - like Roanoke or Montgomery County - and complete your video visit there.

This matters because regular visits with WVRJ inmates aren't face-to-face. Non-professional visitation happens through video - either from home or at a facility. In-person visits are reserved for attorneys or specially approved cases. So if you want a structured, on-site setup without the full trip to WVRJ, a local jail remote unit is a practical alternative.

WVRJ references member-jurisdiction jails in Roanoke County, Franklin County, and Montgomery County as options for remote visitation. The bottom line: if one of those facilities is closer or easier for you to reach, it may be able to host your video visit.

Factors to Consider

• ✓ Compare the local jail’s remote-unit hours to WVRJ’s home video visit windows: 8 a.m.–11 a.m., 2 p.m.–5 p.m., and 7 p.m.–10 p.m. (Monday through Sunday).
• ✓ If you’re trying to visit at a specific time (like evenings), confirm the local facility is open and running remote visits during that same block.

Before deciding whether to travel to a remote unit, know the numbers. WVRJ home video visits run up to 30 minutes at $0.25 per minute. That helps you plan how long you'll talk and what you'll spend.

Think about what setup works best for you. WVRJ offers home video visits through your own device, plus video visits at WVRJ itself or at participating local jails. Going to a facility means checking in and waiting your turn. Home visits let you connect from wherever you have your phone or tablet ready.

1. Create your account - Set up your account at GettingOut.com.
2. Add the inmate as a contact - You need the inmate established as a contact before you can accept a visit request.
3. Be ready to accept the visit request - Once your account and contact are set, you’ll be able to accept the request when it comes through.

1. Pick the local jail you want to use - WVRJ encourages using local jails (for example, Roanoke or Montgomery County) for visitation.
2. Call before you drive over - Confirm the remote video visitation unit hours and any local check-in requirements so you don’t show up at the wrong time.
3. Build in extra time - Give yourself a cushion for check-in and any waiting that may happen at the facility.

If you visit at WVRJ, check-in starts in the lobby. Walk up to the Master Control window, press the button to speak with an officer, show your photo ID, and tell them which inmate you're visiting. Then sit in the lobby until your name is called. You'll be directed to a specific booth number - sit in front of the monitor and wait until you see the correct inmate on screen before picking up the handset. Your time starts the moment you pick it up.