Video visits and phone calls: what to expect
Maryland DPSCS virtual video visits require a Microsoft Teams account. Set this up ahead of time so you're not troubleshooting at the last minute.
Phone rules vary by facility. At Anne Arundel County detention facilities, dormitory telephones are available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Calls cut off automatically after 20 minutes. All collect calls are recorded, though attorneys can request a recording exemption by writing to the Facility Administrator.
Federal communication systems have their own rules. BOP electronic messaging through TRULINCS is text-only with no attachments, and messages max out at 13,000 characters. According to BOP's TRUFONE documentation, call recordings are stored temporarily and deleted after 180 days unless needed for legal or administrative purposes.
Common Questions
Q
How do I request an in-person visit at Metropolitan Transition Center (MTC)?
To request an in-person visit at Metropolitan Transition Center (MTC), email MTC.InmateVisitation@maryland.gov. DPSCS lists this email as the contact point for MTC visitation requests.
Q
Do I need Microsoft Teams for virtual visits with Maryland facilities?
Yes for Maryland DPSCS video visitation, you must have a Microsoft Teams account. Set it up ahead of time so you are ready when your visit is scheduled.
Q
Can I visit an inmate right after they are booked or do I need approval first?
Approval is often required before you can visit. In the federal BOP system, you can only visit after the incarcerated person places you on their visiting list and you have been cleared by the BOP. Intake timing can also affect how quickly things move; Anne Arundel County detention facilities state initial intakes are completed Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.
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