Special housing unit (SHU): visits, calls, and restricted items
If your loved one is in restrictive housing, ask about SHU rules before planning a trip or counting on regular call access. Delaware DOC's description for JTVCC says inmates in the SHU may have visitors and make telephone calls, but they have limited personal items in their cells (things like a radio, magazines, and books) based on their assigned quality of life level. That level is a big part of what determines what's allowed. Confirm the current status and what it means for visits and calls before you make plans.
Tip: If someone is in SHU, ask specifically whether visits and phone calls are allowed at their current quality-of-life level before you travel.
Common Questions
Q
How do I set up phone and video accounts so my loved one can call or video visit?
For Delaware, the GettingOut information says you set up phone calls by creating and funding an AdvancePay account with ConnectNetwork, and you set up video visits by registering and funding a Video Visit account with ConnectNetwork. Delaware DOC notes video visits can be scheduled and paid through the “Schedule Video Visit” link. If you need help troubleshooting, GettingOut lists Customer Care at 1-866-516-0115, and Delaware DOC also lists GTL at 1-866-230-7761 for establishing a pre-paid phone account.
Q
How long do in-person visits last and how often can an inmate have a video visit?
At BWCI, Delaware DOC states inmate visits last up to 1 hour. Delaware DOC also states most inmates may have one video visit each week (in addition to a face-to-face visit) in 15- or 30-minute increments. For face-to-face days, Delaware DOC posts a schedule (effective May 1, 2023) that assigns Units 5 to 9 to Sunday through Tuesday and Units 3 and 4 to Thursday through Saturday.
Q
Which Delaware facilities are all-male or hold multiple security levels?
Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) is described as housing an all-male population, and it houses maximum, medium, and minimum security inmates. James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is described as a facility for men. If you are confirming placement, use the facility’s population and security level descriptions to make sure you are contacting the right institution.
Q
Who should I call for questions about scheduling a visit at BWCI?
For BWCI visit scheduling, Delaware DOC states the number to call is 302-577-5837. The same notice says the visitation phone line is available Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and that visits are scheduled for the following week (Monday through Sunday).
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