Illinois Considers Video Visits to Prison

[Forevermah]

Illinois considers video visits to prison


Tuesday, August 3, 2010



SPRINGFIELD — A high-tech alternative to visiting inmates in prison may be coming to Illinois.

Instead of family members traveling long distances to visit loved ones in prison, Illinois could join more than two dozen other states that allow virtual visits via video conferencing.

Along with saving families potentially long drives, some believe the change could improve safety behind bars: After all, it's awful hard to pass weapons or contraband through an Internet connection.

In other states where the concept has been implemented, a company is hired to set up special video visitation kiosks at prisons.

The state then has the option of allowing people with web cams on their computers to contact inmates from their homes or requiring that video terminals be placed in community settings, such as social service agency offices.

The latter scenario is what's in place in Pennsylvania, where families can go to special offices to visit with inmates. One 55-minute session costs about $20.

The kiosks are equipped with a video monitor and a camera to record their image and a phone so the inmate and family member can listen and talk.

In its request for information from potential suppliers, the Illinois Department of Corrections says the system must be able to be monitored by prison personnel at all times. This could help make sure inmates and families aren't, for example, exposing themselves or plotting escape plans.

The agency also asks for a proposal that includes e-mail capabilities for prisoners.

Corrections spokeswoman Sharyn Elman said the state is waiting for responses from potential vendors.

"We are looking into when the pilot program will launch, but have not set the date as of yet," Elman said


http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/article_aa00530c-9f4d-11df-b62c-001cc4c03286.html

[eb2008]

I think I rather see my LO in person. No matter what the cost or how far the drive seeing him in person sounds like the best option, for me..(JMO)

[MariaL]

Its not a bad idea, but I too would rather see my LO in person.

[jenplus2]

I can't afford to see my l/o in person, so for me, this would be great!

[Dazzler]

This is ridiculous.  Another money maker for the state.  I can foresee the IDOC terminating all physical visits to save money by eliminating visiting room staff.  If people go along with this it'll only encourage the use of video conferencing.  With the way IDOC manages everything else it'll be broken all the time.  Don't you want to hug your inmates?  Kiss them hello and goodbye and whisper in their ear....if you go along with this crap it'll be bad for everyone.  Inmate families need to boycott this if it's implemented or object very loudly before the idiots in IDOC decide it's a good thing.....for them.

[me]

I'm with Dazz - I think this is a really BAD idea.........
And I think we should boycott it!

[jenplus2]

Sorry, I thought it would be "in addition" to regular visits... I guess I misunderstood.

[Dazzler]

Well, I don't know about that Jen....maybe, but anytime the IDOC can make money and save money the inmates and their families suffer.  It would be a nice option for those that can't afford to visit...but $20 to talk over a webcam....geez.   If it's an additional alternative then it might be okay....but I envision IDOC using it to eliminate visits altogether.

[jenplus2]

I really didn't think about that... it would be like them to eliminate jobs and make money on top of it. So even if they did start it out  as an "addition", we know in the end it would back fire against us and our l/o's. I'm now in agreement with the "NO votes". In the end they would find a way to screw us and make money doing it.

[Cashyc]

From the first sentence  about this program  I'd vote NO!... Im with Dazz.

Its all about money and saving their (IDOC) butts. $20 bucks? What if I lived 15mins. from my LO,gas wuldn't be 20dollars. I WANT to HUG & KISS my LO IN PERSON at whatever the cost. There's nothing like being with a person 'in person'. Computers are man-made anything could go wrong. I could see it now "Computers/monitors are down,sorry for the inconvience"..or..''Were working on getting a clearer/bigger monitor''... NO Thanks I'l take my visit in person anyday....

Videotape & recording my visits?... Let's get a video of All the CO's and IDOC staff doing their jobs..OR NOT DOING IT!!

As an alternate option, I'd say yes..or.. for maybe elderly/sickly people who are unable to visit but otherwise I'd say no...

[plainjane]

I think it would be a great alternative for the elderly, kids (on school schedules), and others that are unable to visit due to illness, schedules, etc. Not as a replacement, but an alternative. It's about time.

[plainjane]

Wonder where the pilot test will be?

[humbird37]

As an alternative....maybe, but my son needs a hug!  I think it would be a terrible idea if it were to replace visits altogether!  humbird

[plainjane]

Sorry for the multiple posts, but I found an article about it here: http://www.allbusiness.com/society-social/families-children-family/13800483-1.html

It appears to come from this passed In January 2010: Public Act: Public Act 096-0869
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0869&GA=96

Namely, this clause:
==========
 (f-5) The Department shall establish a pilot program in one 
or more institutions or facilities of the Department to permit 
committed persons to remotely visit family members through 
interactive video conferences. The Department may enter into 
agreements with third-party organizations to provide video 
conference facilities for family members of committed persons. 
The Department may determine who is a family member eligible to 
participate in the program and the conditions in which and 
times when the video conferences may be conducted. The 
Department may conduct such conferences as an alternative to 
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons.
    Beginning on October 1, 2010 and through October 1, 2012, 
the Department shall issue an annual report to the General 
Assembly regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the 
 
pilot program created by this subsection (f-5). 
========

It sounds like it is proposed as an "alternative to 
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons."

So, others more familiar with the legaleze/State language may be better equipped to address. I wasn't aware that they ever even considered "transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons. Thoughts?

[Dazzler]

LOL...so they run a shuttle service for inmates to visit families.....someone is living in LaLa land.

Notice it says 'family members'?

[plainjane]

Exactly. That's what I thought.

But beyond that, the only "mandate" it seems is the establishment of a pilot program. The language is "shall." Beyond that, it's "may." So, all we got at this point is the mandate of a pilot program? Am I reading this right?

So, report is due in October on the pilot, and they have a year to submit. The language is cryptic to me. Just asking.

[AndysAngel]

Nothing can compare to holding my guys hand and see his happiness while he gazes into my eyes. I'd rather drive the 350+ miles and BE with him.

[inrepublic]

"alternative to
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions
of the Department near the residences of family members of the
committed persons."

This may refer to when an inmate has a dying family member. When my sister in law was dying we were in the process of having 2 of her sons moved closer to her (for a visit, not a transfer) so they could see her before she passed--which is another rant altogether (the runarounds, expense, etc.). She passed quickly though, so it never happened. She wanted to see the boys before she died rather than have them brought to see her after the fact. In this case this video conferencing option would have been a blessing.

It can refer to inmates granted transfers based on terminally ill family members or their own terminal illness. Which is still a crock of s**t, what can replace the comfort of touching your LO when you are at the end stages of life?

As for the rest it sounds like the only "visits" they want to include in the pilot program are those from immediate family members. It also says they will have the discretion to determine "who" counts as family. I can see cases where that will be a double edged sword especially with same sex unions and these parents' children.

Then there will be plenty of room for arguments as to just what they consider "faraway". 150 miles? 300? Only out of state family? What?

Will they do this in a way that they can make money? Hell yeah, it's the IDOC. Will there constantly be excuses over failed equipment? Pffft....goes without saying.

[inrepublic]

....but I envision IDOC using it to eliminate visits altogether.

This.

To an extent I agree. I see them denying inmates face to face visits and only allowing video visits as a punitive measure or retaliation.

[Forevermah]

Inrepublic, can you post a link to the your last post?