Phone calls, video visits, and messaging: what to expect and how to connect
How you connect depends on whether your loved one is in a county jail or state facility, and which vendor that facility uses. Some county jails direct families to fund a phone account through Global Tel Link (GTL) so the incarcerated person can call out. Others use online video visitation systems with companion mobile apps, plus desktop software for visits from home.
- Log in early. Sign into your visitor account at least 10 minutes before the visit.
- Run the Internet Visit Tester. Use the “Internet Visit Tester” option and follow the prompts.
- Use the required desktop software. Some systems require downloading GTL VisBridge for desktop visits.
Tip: Vendor privacy terms often allow recording and storage of your communications (including voice and video). Accepting a call can also trigger temporary phone location collection for a set period.
Common Questions
Q
Can I receive video visits or videoconferences with New Jersey state prisons?
Yes, NJDOC publishes a videoconferencing (VTC) process with operational times of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays. NJDOC’s request form states VTC requests must be faxed to the appropriate institution and coordinator at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends and holidays).
Q
Are phone calls or video calls recorded?
They can be, depending on the vendor and facility. One vendor privacy statement says communications can be recorded and stored, including your voice and image. The same statement says that if you accept a call placed from an incarcerated person, your phone location can be obtained for a set period after you accept the call.
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