What to Bring and Expect for an On‑Site Video Visit at Western Virginia Regional Jail (Salem Lobby)
On-site video visits at Western Virginia Regional Jail in Salem are straightforward once you know the process. Bring the right ID, follow the lobby check-in steps, and you'll be ready when staff direct you to a booth.
Bring a picture ID. Staff will ask you to identify yourself at check-in, and visitors without proper identification won't be admitted.
- ✓ The inmate’s name (so you can tell the officer exactly who you are visiting)
- ✓ Western Virginia Regional Jail address: 5885 West River Road, Salem, Virginia 24153
- Go to the Master Control window in the lobby - Walk up to the window when you enter.
- Press the button and speak to the officer - This starts the check-in process.
- Tell the officer which inmate you are visiting - Be ready with the inmate’s name when you check in.
After checking in, take a seat in the lobby. Staff will call your name when it's time to head back for your visit.
When your name is called, head to the booth number the officer gives you. Going to the correct booth ensures you're matched with the right visit station.
At the booth, sit down in front of the monitor and wait. Don't pick up the handset until you see the correct inmate on screen.
Your timed visit begins the moment you pick up the handset, so make sure everything looks right on the monitor first. Visit lengths vary: 15 to 40 minutes depending on the inmate's classification status.
Two-minute warning: You will get a warning when your visit has two minutes remaining, both audibly and visually.
Family and friend visits at WVRJ are non-contact. All visits happen via video and phone, not face-to-face.
Behavior matters: Misconduct by a visitor can result in being banned from visitation for a specified period, at the Superintendent's discretion.
- ✓ All inmates are allowed two visitors per week
- ✓ Inmates can submit a visitation list with 2 to 8 individuals (depending on classification status)
- ✓ Visitation lists can only be changed on the first day of every third month: March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1
- ✓ A child may visit only when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is on the inmate’s visitation list, and children must be included on the list for verification but are not counted toward the total
ID Hours and Contact
- ✓ Picture ID (required for admission)
- ✓ The inmate’s name (you will need to tell staff who you are visiting)
- ✓ Address for your trip: 5885 West River Road, Salem, Virginia 24153
For the Salem facility, the phone number is 540-378-3700. Visitation hours are Monday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Planning your day? Expect some variation. Visits run 15 to 40 minutes depending on the inmate's classification status, and you'll get both an audible and visual warning when two minutes remain.
Treat your visit privileges as something worth protecting. Misconduct can get you banned from visiting for a period of time, and that call is up to the Superintendent.
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