Set up phone, video, and messaging for a Nebraska inmate
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities typically use the GTL/ViaPath family of services for phone, video, messaging, and deposits. This includes ConnectNetwork, GettingOut, and TouchPay. GettingOut states that deposits to an incarcerated person's trust account are provided by TouchPay (doing business as GTL Financial Services), while ConnectNetwork handles services like AdvancePay calling accounts. Before signing up, confirm what your loved one's facility uses. County jails may use different systems than NDCS.
- Create the right account. To receive phone calls, you’ll typically need an AdvancePay account with ConnectNetwork. Video visits and messages also go through ConnectNetwork/GettingOut registration and funding.
- Fund the account you’ll use. Add money to your calling or messaging/video account so calls and sessions can go through.
- Link to the incarcerated person (if the jail requires it). At Hall County Department of Corrections, friends and family linking through CIDNET need an email address, a valid U.S. photo ID, a date of birth, and a home address.
- Know what can get blocked. If your number is blocked after hitting unpaid calling limits, Hall County’s guidance says you may need to call 1-800-844-6591 to have the inmate phone company verify and reset the number, and the company may require an additional deposit.
- Watch for deposit restrictions. NDCS policy restricts who can send money or money-equivalents in some situations (for example, money cannot come from family/friends of other incarcerated individuals or people on someone else’s approved visiting list).
Privacy note: ViaPath/Telmate says it records and stores communications made through its services (which may include your image and/or voice), and it may collect the location of the phone you use when receiving a call for billing and safety/security purposes.
Common Questions
Q
How do I set up an account to receive phone calls or video visits from my loved one?
If your loved one’s facility uses ConnectNetwork/GettingOut, you’ll generally create an account and fund it, then link it to the incarcerated person. GettingOut’s guidance says you need to create and fund an AdvancePay account with ConnectNetwork to receive phone calls, and video visitation/messages also require registering and funding accounts. For NDCS deposits and related services, GettingOut also notes TouchPay/GTL Financial Services is involved, so you’ll want to confirm which product your facility uses before you add funds.
Q
Are inmate phone calls or video sessions recorded or tracked?
They can be. ViaPath/Telmate says it records and stores communications made through its services with incarcerated individuals, and it may include your image and/or voice data. ViaPath/Telmate also says it collects the location of the phone you are using when you receive a phone call through the service for billing and safety/security purposes.
Q
Who should I call if phone numbers are blocked after unpaid calling limits?
Hall County’s guidance says that when your phone bill is paid, you must call 1-800-844-6591 so the inmate phone company can verify and reset the number, and they may require an additional deposit before allowing the number again. If you need a mail contact for the sheriff’s office, a Hall County Sheriff’s Office complaint form lists a return address of 111 Public Safety Drive, Grand Island, NE 68801.
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