Visiting in Idaho prisons and local jails: applications, scheduling, and rules
- Read the visiting rules first. Use the facility’s visiting rules for residents and visitors as your guide.
- Complete the visiting application process. IDOC facilities instruct visitors to complete the application process before visiting.
- Plan for screening at the door. IDOC states staff may search any item or any visitor entering the visiting area.
Video visiting rules can be very specific. Canyon County Jail has transitioned to a video-only visitation system provided by CTel. Inmates get 60 minutes of video visits per week at no cost (those free minutes do not roll over). All video visits must be scheduled at least two hours in advance. Daily video visit availability runs in three blocks: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. Remote video visits cost $0.20 per minute.
Other facilities use different vendors and lobby rules. Cassia County's friends and family guidance says you must schedule visits through InmateSales and create an account. InmateSales lists a customer service number (702-829-3001) for questions about scheduling or services. Cassia also lists common prohibited items for the lobby: no cell phones, no cameras, and no food or drink. IDOC notes that staff may search any item or visitor entering the visiting area.
Common Questions
Q
How do I schedule a video visit for someone at Canyon County Jail?
Canyon County Jail states visitation is video-only through CTel, and all video visits must be scheduled at least two hours in advance. Video visits are available seven days a week in three daily blocks: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Canyon County also states inmates receive 60 minutes of video visits per week at no cost (those free minutes are not cumulative).
Q
Do visitors need to complete a background check before visiting?
IDOC facilities instruct visitors to complete the visiting application process before visiting. IDOC also states staff may search any item or any visitor entering the visiting area.
Q
Are cell phones or cameras allowed in the visitor lobby?
Some facilities prohibit them. Cassia County’s lobby rules list “No cell phones” and “No cameras,” and IDOC states staff may search items and visitors entering the visiting area.
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