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Setting Up Video Visits at Western Tidewater Jail: Lobby Kiosks vs. GettingOut Tablets

• 3 min read • wtrj.org
Setting Up Video Visits at Western Tidewater Jail: Lobby Kiosks vs. GettingOut Tablets

Western Tidewater Jail offers two ways to do video visits: lobby kiosks at the jail, or remote visits through GettingOut tablets. Which one works best depends on whether you can make the trip to the lobby (and want to take advantage of the free weekly kiosk visit) or need to connect from home using your phone or computer.

Lobby kiosks are for onsite visits - you physically go to the jail and use a kiosk in the lobby to video chat. GettingOut handles remote communication: download the app to send messages and photos, or schedule video visits that connect to your loved one's tablet. You can also set things up through the "Getting Out" tab on the jail's website, which lets the inmate schedule a visit from their housing block tablet to your home computer or cell phone.

One thing to know: some inmates may be restricted from video visits due to disciplinary issues. If you can't find availability or a visit won't connect, the problem might not be something you can fix from your end.

The lobby has six video visitation kiosks. One is ADA compliant.

Here's a cost perk: lobby kiosks include one free 20-minute visit per week. If you're watching your budget, that free session is a solid reason to visit in person when you can.

Kiosks are available every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. That's a wide window, but plan your trip carefully so you don't show up during a blackout period.

Watch for blackout times: Video visits aren't allowed during meals or headcount. Pick a time outside those windows to avoid a wasted trip.

Setting Up Video Visits at Western Tidewater Jail: Lobby Kiosks vs. GettingOut Tablets
  1. Create or sign in to your GettingOut account - Use the GettingOut sign-in through the mobile app, or start from the jail website’s “Getting Out” tab to set up the tablet account.
  2. Use GettingOut for communication and visits - Once you’re in, you can send messages and photos and set up video visits.
  3. Schedule the tablet visit connection - The setup allows the inmate to schedule a visit from the tablet in their housing block to an outside device such as your home computer or cell phone.

GettingOut does more than video visits. You can also use it to exchange messages and photos, and to schedule visits that connect your loved one's tablet to your phone or computer.

Troubleshooting Support

  • ✓ Kiosk technical issues (vendor support): 1-800-306-2957
  • ✓ Inmate phone system issues (vendor support): 1-877-856-3184

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