Scheduling visits and using remote visitation options
Visitation in Alabama can be on-site, remote, or remote-only, and the scheduling method depends on the vendor the facility uses. Cullman County Detention Center offers both on-site and remote visitation. Scheduling must be completed by the visitor using the listed phone or website. There's also a visitation kiosk in the detention center lobby for setting up a visitor account and scheduling. Madison County's rules look different: all visits are conducted remotely and are subject to monitoring and recording. Inmates must be incarcerated 30 days before visitation is allowed. Visitation appointments can be scheduled online up to 48 hours before the visit, are first-come, first-serve, and inmates are allowed up to three visits a day. Some facilities route video visits, messaging, and related services through third-party platforms. CorrectPay's service menu includes options like scheduling video visits and sending messages, along with phone time and commissary deposits.
- Confirm eligibility. Some jails require a waiting period before visits are allowed.
- Set up your visitor account. Depending on the jail, you may do this through a vendor website, a phone number, or an on-site lobby kiosk.
- Book the appointment as soon as the window opens. Some systems allow scheduling up to 48 hours before the visit and fill on a first-come basis.
- Plan for limits. Some facilities limit the number of visits per day.
Warning: Remote visits may be monitored and recorded, just like calls. Madison County states its remote visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
Common Questions
Q
How can I get notified if someone is released?
In Madison County, release notifications are handled through VINE, not by detention staff. Madison County states VINE is available 24/7 for custody status changes and that you can register online or by phone, and it also states detention facility staff does not make release notification phone calls.
Q
Are inmate phone calls monitored or recorded?
Yes, at least some Alabama facilities explicitly state inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded. Madison County states all calls are subject to monitoring and recording, so plan your conversations with that in mind.
Q
Is there a free first-time call from an inmate?
Some facilities offer a short complimentary first contact call. Cullman County’s detention center information states the first time an inmate contacts you, you receive a free 60-second complimentary call.
Q
How do I schedule a visit and are there visit limits?
Scheduling is often done through a vendor site or system, and some facilities also provide a lobby kiosk for setting up accounts and scheduling. Cullman County states scheduling must be completed by the visitor using the listed phone or website and that a visitation kiosk in the lobby can be used; Madison County states inmates are allowed up to three visits a day and uses an online scheduling system.
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