How inmates use tablets, phone, and video visiting in North Carolina
Tablets are central to daily communication in North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) prisons. NCDAC contracts with ViaPath/GTL for tablet services. These tablets handle phone calls, texting, digitized mail, and access to educational, self-help, and entertainment content.
For video visits, your loved one connects from a tablet or video kiosk at the facility while you use a video visiting app or personal computer. Video visits can be on-demand or scheduled ahead of time, but they're limited to people on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list. NCDAC directs visitors to download the Getting Out Visits app to conduct video visits or schedule appointments.
Costs come from both the service itself and payment processing. NCDAC lists service fees including $3.00 per use for automated payments, $5.94 per use for live operator payments, and $2.00 per use for paper bills or statements. Check the current NCDAC fee details before loading money so you know exactly what you'll be charged.
Common Questions
Q
Can I do a video visit with my loved one from home?
Yes, remote video visits are available through an approved video visiting app or from a personal computer, while your loved one connects from a tablet or a kiosk at the facility. NCDAC notes video visits can be on-demand or scheduled, and they are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
Q
What fees should I expect when using tablets or phone services?
NCDAC lists processing-related service fees that include $3.00 per use for automated payment, $5.94 per use for payments made with a live operator, and $2.00 per use for a paper bill or statement. For the full, current breakdown (including money transfer fees by method and amount), check NCDAC’s posted fee information.
Q
Are electronic messages and mail monitored or screened?
For NCDAC prisons, non-legal mail is screened and scanned by TextBehind and then delivered electronically to tablets. Electronic messaging rules can also include monitoring and screening, for example the federal TRULINCS system states that messages are screened and that inmates and contacts must consent to monitoring (and it is text-only with no attachments).
Find an Inmate
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
