Setting Up Video Visits at Yellowstone County Detention: From Creating Your NCIC Account to Your First Call

Yellowstone County Detention offers remote video visits through tablets and kiosks. Once an inmate is moved to a housing unit, they can use those devices to connect with family and friends.

Each inmate gets two free video visits per week. If you're juggling work, school, or childcare, think of those two free visits as a weekly allowance you can space out to fit your schedule.

You need an NCIC account before you can schedule or join a video visit. Without one, you won't be able to connect through the electronic video visitation system.

Yellowstone County's detention information directs people to NCIC for video visitation services. The actual place to set up your account and schedule visits is the NCIC VideoVisit portal (videovisit dot ncic dot com). You might also see the general NCIC site referenced (ncic dot com). If you land there first, look for the VideoVisit area and follow the path into the scheduling portal, since that's where visits are set up and managed.

Devices Kiosks

• ✓ Use a smartphone for your video visit if that is easiest for you
• ✓ Use a laptop for a bigger screen and more stable setup
• ✓ Use a desktop computer that has a camera and microphone
• ✓ Use a kiosk in the facility lobby if you do not have a compatible device or you would rather visit on-site
• ✓ Know that the inmate side of the visit is handled through a tablet or kiosk inside the detention facility

Two free video visits each week is a solid baseline, but you're not limited to just two. Additional visits can be purchased through NCIC by the inmate or by friends and family. This can help if you need more regular contact during a stressful week.

1. Create your NCIC account - Use the NCIC VideoVisit portal (videovisit dot ncic dot com) so you are in the correct place to schedule.
2. Schedule the visit in your account - Pick an available time and confirm the booking so it shows up on your visit list.
3. Get your device ready ahead of time - Check that your camera and microphone work, and make sure you have a steady internet connection.
4. Log in a little early and join from your scheduled visit - Give yourself a few minutes to sign in and get set before the session starts.
5. Use the facility lobby kiosk if needed - If your phone or computer is not cooperating, the lobby kiosks give you another way to complete the visit.