Phone calls, video visits, and messaging systems used in Arkansas facilities

In Arkansas county facilities, the phone and video visit system depends on the county. Crittenden County Detention Facility, for example, uses a City Tele-Coin video visitation system for onsite booths and remote visits. Inmates there place collect calls, and families set up an account through City Telecoin to receive them. Other Arkansas counties use Smart Communications (SmartInmate) for communications and video visitation scheduling. SmartInmate says signing up is quick and free.

1. Confirm the facility’s vendor. The jail or detention center will typically tell you whether calls and visits run through a provider like City Tele-Coin or Smart Communications (SmartInmate). If an online facility page is down, you may need to confirm by phone.
2. Create your account. SmartInmate advertises that signup is free; CityTeleCoin account tools may ask for the phone number associated with your account.
3. Add funds if required. Some systems require you to add money before phone calling features can be used.
4. Schedule video visits the way the facility requires. Some facilities direct visitors to use Smart Communications to set up an account and schedule video visitation.