Illinois Considers Video Visits to Prison

[eb2008]

Virtual conjugal visits....inmates having cyber sex.....

I am waiting to see who the first person is to get banned from video visitation...!


Rick

I'm guessing IF at all possible *raises hand* That would be me 

[chippyn]

I guess its a good idea so we can see our lo's more often but i would much rather see and be with my hubby in person. I kno many inmates look forward to hugging and kissing their family.

[babybabybaby]

babybabybaby,

Is that exclusive? I've heard of jails that have set ups at the actual location, and they use video for all visits. It's horrid. All no contact. It seems to me that they are proposing an alternative, e.g., webcasts for people from far away. Hence, the goal is they will not have to relocate people to be closer to their families.

in our county it is exclusive  And not very compassionate. Jail is temporary. So I think it is safe to say we all would want to see other options in prisons.

Incarceration is closely related to poverty. Not all of us are broke. But, there are times that long trip, or an extra bill that needs paid can weigh heavy on your mind as you plan for a visit. this would be a viable option for persons of little means and poor health. 

[TimeStandsStill]

I just received this e-mail from JHA:

Dear Friend of the John Howard Association,


Every now and again we at JHA come across a good idea. We think if you read our brief report below, you will find a concept that helps keep families united, costs little and makes a great deal of sense.


As always, we appreciate your support.

Robert Manor

Prison & Jail Monitor
John Howard Association
(312) 503-6302
rmanoratthejha.org


Video Visits For Illinois Inmates And Families

Summary: A winner.

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is testing video visiting to make it easier for inmates to remain in touch with family and friends, a critical factor in an ex- offender's return to society.

 
Three computers equipped with video cameras have been installed at the Westside Adult Transition Center in Chicago. They allow visitors to meet with inmates at Dwight and Menard correctional centers and Tamms supermax prison.

 

Eventually IDOC hopes to make video visits available around the state. This would greatly improve opportunities for inmates to stay in touch with family.

 
Although most inmates held by IDOC are from the Chicago area, many of the state's prisons are located in remote rural areas. Menard, for example, is located 376 miles south and west of Chicago. It can take six hours or more to drive there.

 
Besides the time and effort involved, physical visits can be costly for low-income family members. There is also the uncertainty of actually being able to visit an inmate. Visits are curtailed or prohibited when a prison is on lockdown.

 
The video visits at Westside ATC are still in the experimental stage. But IDOC staff noted that the technology is simple and inexpensive.

 "I would like to see (video visiting) in all the ATCs," said Darryl Coleman, Regional Parole Supervisor.


On a recent visit by John Howard Association staff, two of the video cameras were in use.

 Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Broadview) was chatting with an obviously pleased Menard inmate. Yarbrough has long been interested in correctional issues.

 "I think his spirits were lifted," Yarbrough said. She looked pleased as well.

 Yarbrough said video visiting will have to be revenue neutral, as the state's financial crisis prohibits all but the most vital expenditures. Managers at IDOC are considering out-sourcing the video visits to minimize costs. Users might be asked to pay a small fee in exchange for an hour with an inmate.

 Jesse Montgomery Jr., Chief of Parole, said many details need to be worked out. He said he expects a full video visiting program to be in place within six months to a year.

 Managers at IDOC like the idea of video visiting because it is a privilege, not a right. Inmates are less likely to violate prison rules if they know it will mean the loss of video visitation.

Montgomery and others noted that the longer an inmate is in prison, the less likely he or she is to receive visitors. Isolation impedes a successful return to society.

 Inmates are monitored while using the video camera. Of course, security is enhanced compared to a physical visit as there is no possibility of someone slipping contraband to an inmate.

 Managers at IDOC see other possibilities for the video visiting project. For example, the computers could be used to send e-mail to inmates, avoiding the lengthy delays in delivery of mail to prisons.

 Observation: Video visitation is not a substitute for a physical visit. But it is far superior to no visit at all. The more an inmate remains integrated socially, the more likely he is to return to society successfully.

 Recommendation: Roll out video visitation as soon as practicable at all state prisons. Management of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice should also consider video visitation so that youth can remain connected to their families.

This report was written by Robert Manor, Prison & Jail Monitor for the John Howard Association. He may be reached at (312) 503-6302 or rmanoratthejha.org.

 Since 1901, JHA has provided public oversight of Illinois' juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Every year, JHA staff and trained volunteers inspect prisons, jails and detention centers throughout the state. Based on these inspections, JHA regularly issues reports instrumental in improving prison conditions.

[chippyn]

I still dont like it. A video is not the same as talking face to face and getting to hold your lo's hands. I think this is just another form of torture in my opinion. I really hope they dont do video visits

[humbird37]

It is my understanding the video visits, are not to replace regular visits.....humbird

[Marks_guy]

If they continue to develop this program, I hope they make sure to incluse those of us who are out-of-state. What good are video visits if you have to go to Illinois to use them? If I'm going to travel all that way, I'll just go see M in person.

[chippyn]

Oh i thought they were gonna be like those video visits i saw on lockup. I saw that in arizona (or new mexico not sure)they would go visit but they had to talk into a camera or something and they saw eachother through a screen on the other side of the building.i thought that was horrible. Hopefuly they dont do that in illinois

[Marks_guy]

No, these are supposed to be more like webchat type visits. Sort of like IDOC's answer to skype.

[HisGirl]

This would be good as long as it is addition to regular visits. And yes, it makes no sense if they don't make it available to those out of state.

With the cost of phone calls this could be a good thing, unless they find a way to charge some ridiculous price for this as well.

[chippyn]

Yeah this would be great as long as they didnt get rid of regular visits. But i wonder if they would charge for this?probably.... I cant imagine them doing this for free. But i would pay for it as long as the price wasnt too ridiculous

[loving_Liz]

I love the idea if we can do it from home, what good does it do to make a family member go to IL- I LOVE the email thing the feds have had it your years and not to many problems-I would love the e-mail

[Mrs. G]

Even though I go weekly and monthly to see my bf.. I would love to receive an email from him to start my day or end my day. As well as the kids can chat with him as well. I would rather pay a small monthly fee for the 1 hour chats than drive at times once a week and spend all that money. So it's like either way we got to chat and see one another. I am sure it would be WAY less than a phone call since internet is involved. I know the Feds have it with corrlinks.com and I chat daily with family members and even though I have not seen them in years (due to them being incarcerated in another state) we still keep in touch and it helps them keep up with technology.
Since many inmates entered when pagears were still in business  I am sure using computers would be awesome for them and new to experience and learn about how technology has improved. Even then they might start the schooling again and give computer classes a great thumbs up for our inmates to enter society and have some knowledge.