How to set up and use phone and video calls

If your facility uses an online video system, you'll usually need to create an account before you can visit. Bernalillo County's MDC, for example, requires visitors to set up an online account for video visitation. Account setup asks for basic details: your name, address, phone number, email address, and a password. MDC says the process typically takes less than five minutes.

1. Use the right device and browser. You will need an internet-connected device, a webcam, a microphone, and Google Chrome.
2. Log in to your account. Sign in with the email address and password on your account.
3. Accept the visit agreement. Read the statements and click the check boxes to accept.
4. Pick your person. Select the incarcerated person you want to visit with.
5. Start the visit. Click “Visit Now” to begin an on-demand visit.

For phone calls, confirm two things: how calls are paid for and how long each call can last. Some facilities require the incarcerated person to have money available for calls. Others require you to set up billing arrangements with the phone vendor (Securus, for example, provides a billing-arrangements number). Some facilities also impose time limits, such as 20 minutes per call.