New, free video chat system at Montgomery County Jail

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — A new system at the Montgomery County Jail will give inmates a way to connect with loved ones while the jail is not allowing in-person visits due to Covid.

Tuesday, the jail unveiled a new service, kiosks for video calls.

“A lot of people don’t have laptop computers, or computers in their home, or phones that they can visit on, so at least now they can come downtown and sign up and visit their loved ones,” Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said.

Unlike already established video chat systems at the jail, this one will not cost inmates or families anything to use. Additionally, the company that supplied the kiosks covered the price of the equipment and the service. The Sheriff’s Office used $73,500 in CARES Act money to build the new space for the kiosks.

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“I want the people who have to live in this jail, whether it’s for a week or for a year, I want them to be able to see their friends and family,” Streck said.

He also explained, having the system will help maintain safety.

“Anytime that someone who is incarcerated can see a loved one, a friend, just a friendly face and talk to them about things they can’t talk to other people about, it’s always going to help us as far as care, custody, and control of people who are housed in the jail,” Streck said.

Inmates will be allowed two 30 minute visits on the kiosks each week.

Visitors must schedule their visits 24 hours in advance by using this link or by calling 888-843-1972.

Cox Media Group