Dallas County Jail Video Visitation lets families, friends, and legal advisors connect with inmates through secure online video calls. The system runs on Securus Video Connect®, a web-based platform that works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. Visits are scheduled in advance and last up to 20 minutes per session. Users must create an account, verify their identity, and follow strict rules during calls. Violations like profanity, showing weapons, or breaking dress code can lead to a 30-day suspension or permanent ban. In 2023, video visits increased by 27% compared to the previous year, showing more people rely on this service.
How Video Visitation Works in Dallas County Jail
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office manages all video visitation through a centralized system. To start, visitors download the free Securus app or visit the online portal. They enter the inmate’s 7-digit booking number, upload a government-issued photo ID, and create a password-protected account. After email verification, users can book visits. Each inmate allows up to three video visits per week. Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Calls are live, one-on-one, and recorded with consent. The system uses NIST-validated encryption to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access.
Eligibility and Registration Requirements
Only approved individuals may use Dallas County Jail Video Visitation. Visitors must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to register and attend the call. All visitors undergo a background check that includes fingerprinting and a warrant search through the Texas Department of Public Safety. If someone has an active warrant, they cannot visit—even virtually. Once cleared, the visitor receives a printed visitation card listing allowed days and the inmate’s name. This card must be shown at in-person visits but is also referenced during video enrollment for identity confirmation.
Scheduling a Video Visit: Step-by-Step Process
To schedule a video visit, log into your Securus account and select “Schedule Visit.” Choose the inmate from your approved list and pick an available time slot. Slots open 7 days in advance and fill quickly. Each session costs $20, paid online via credit or debit card. No per-minute charges apply in Dallas County. After payment, you’ll get a confirmation email with a secure link to join the call. Arrive online 5 minutes early. Late arrivals may lose their slot. If the inmate is unavailable—due to court, medical care, or disciplinary status—the visit is canceled automatically. Rescheduling is allowed once per week without penalty.
Rules and Conduct During Video Visits
All participants must follow strict behavior rules. Prohibited actions include using profanity, showing weapons, wearing revealing or gang-related clothing, or attempting to pass messages about contraband. Staff monitor calls in real time and can end a session immediately for violations. First offenses typically result in a 30-day suspension. Repeat or severe violations—like threats or illegal discussions—lead to permanent bans. Both the visitor and inmate receive written notice of any penalties. The policy is posted on the Sheriff’s website and displayed in visitation areas. Compliance ensures continued access for everyone.
Technology and Device Compatibility
Securus Video Connect® works on iOS 12 or later, Android 8 or later, and Windows 10 browsers. The app is free on Google Play and the Apple App Store. A stable broadband connection is required—minimum 2 Mbps upload and download speed. Poor connections may cause lag or disconnection. Tablets and laptops with front-facing cameras work best. Phones are allowed but may limit visibility. Headsets improve audio clarity. The system does not support group calls or screen sharing. All data is encrypted end-to-end, meaning only the visitor and inmate can see and hear the conversation. Recordings are stored securely and deleted after 30 days unless needed for investigations.
Costs and Payment Options
Each video visit in Dallas County costs a flat fee of $20. This covers the full 20-minute session. There are no hidden fees or per-minute charges. Payments are made online using Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Prepaid cards are not accepted. Refunds are only issued if the facility cancels the visit due to technical issues or inmate unavailability. No refunds are given for no-shows or rule violations. Families can prepay for multiple visits, but unused credits expire after 90 days. Low-income assistance is not currently offered, though advocates have requested fee waivers for qualifying households.
Difference Between Video and In-Person Visits
Video visitation complements but does not replace in-person visits in Dallas County. In-person visits occur Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with check-in by 1:30 p.m. Each session lasts 30 minutes. Video visits happen Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 20 minutes. In-person visits allow physical contact like hugs, while video calls are visual and audio only. Background checks are required for both, but video visits skip the travel and wait times. The Sheriff’s Office maintains both options to support family connections while managing facility security.
Special Cases: Attorneys, Officials, and Medical Visits
Attorneys and authorized officials can schedule confidential video visits outside regular hours. These sessions are not recorded and bypass standard background checks due to professional status. Medical visits are only permitted with a court order stating necessity. Hospital-based video calls require approval from both the jail medical director and the presiding judge. Minors visiting parents may use video visitation if accompanied by a guardian. All special requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours in advance through the Sheriff’s visitation office.
Recent Changes and Policy Updates
In January 2024, Dallas County approved a $500,000 contract with Securus Technologies to expand video visitation kiosks across jail facilities. This upgrade improves call quality and reduces downtime. The agreement ensures in-person visits continue unchanged. A 2023-Q3 report confirmed a 27% rise in video usage, prompting longer operating hours and faster enrollment processing. As of March 2024, limited in-person visits resumed after a pandemic pause, but video remains the preferred option for most families due to convenience and cost savings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a video call fails to connect, first check your internet speed and restart the app. Clear browser cache if using a computer. Ensure your device meets minimum system requirements. If the inmate doesn’t appear, they may be in court, medical isolation, or under disciplinary review. Contact the visitation office at 214-653-3450 for status updates. For payment errors, verify card details and try again. If banned unfairly, submit an appeal in writing with evidence. Most technical issues resolve within 24 hours. Keep confirmation emails for all transactions.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For questions about Dallas County Jail Video Visitation, call the Sheriff’s Visitation Office at 214-653-3450. The Lew Sterrett Justice Center is located at 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. Video visits operate Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. In-person visits are Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. All policies, forms, and updates are posted at https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/sheriff/video-visitation/. Enrollment guides and FAQs are available in English and Spanish. Staff respond to emails within two business days.
Related Services and Support
Families can also use inmate lookup tools, phone services, and legal aid resources. The Sheriff’s Office provides information on voting rights, fingerprinting, and reentry programs. For those outside Dallas, similar systems exist in other counties. Always verify local rules before traveling. Support groups like Prison Fellowship offer counseling for families affected by incarceration. Online portals allow users to send messages, photos, and money to inmates, though these are separate from video visitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Dallas County Jail Video Visitation. Below are clear answers based on current policies and real user experiences.
Can I visit my loved one via video if I live out of state?
Yes. Dallas County Jail Video Visitation is available to anyone with internet access, regardless of location. You do not need to be in Texas. Simply create a Securus account, verify your ID, and schedule a visit during Dallas business hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Time). The $20 fee applies the same as for local visitors. However, time zone differences may affect availability. If you’re in California, for example, a 9 a.m. Dallas slot is 6 a.m. your time. Plan accordingly. International visitors must use a U.S.-compatible payment method and ensure their device supports the Securus app. Language barriers are not accommodated—all calls are in English unless an interpreter is pre-approved for legal visits only.
What happens if the video call drops during the visit?
If the connection fails due to technical issues on the jail’s end, you will receive a full refund automatically within 3–5 business days. If the drop is caused by your internet or device, no refund is issued. However, you may reschedule once without penalty. The system logs all disconnections, and staff review them daily. Frequent drops from your location may trigger a support call from Securus. To prevent this, test your connection beforehand using speedtest.net. Use Ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi when possible. Close other apps that use bandwidth. If the inmate disconnects, it usually means they were called for court, medical care, or disciplinary action. Wait 15 minutes and try rejoining. If unsuccessful, contact the visitation office.
Are video visits recorded, and who can access them?
Yes, all video visits are recorded with the inmate’s consent. The recording lasts up to 15 minutes and is stored securely for 30 days. Only authorized Sheriff’s Office personnel can access these files, and only for investigations involving rule violations, threats, or suspected criminal activity. Recordings are not shared with third parties unless required by court order. Visitors are notified at the start of each call that recording is active. Attorneys conducting legal visits can request non-recorded sessions, which are granted automatically. The system does not allow screenshots or screen recordings by users. Violating this rule results in immediate suspension.
Can children participate in video visits?
Children under 18 may join video visits only if a parent or legal guardian is present and registered as the primary visitor. The minor does not need a separate account but must be listed on the guardian’s profile. Guardians must show proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or court order. Children cannot schedule visits independently. During the call, minors should remain visible and behave appropriately. Inappropriate language or behavior by a child may lead to suspension of the guardian’s privileges. The Sheriff’s Office encourages age-appropriate conversations and discourages exposing children to adult topics. If a child becomes disruptive, staff may pause the call.
How do I appeal a video visitation ban?
If banned from video visitation, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason and duration. To appeal, submit a formal letter to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Visitation Office within 10 business days. Include your name, inmate’s name and booking number, date of the incident, and any evidence (e.g., call logs, witness statements). Mail to: 111 West Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75202. Appeals are reviewed by a supervisor not involved in the original decision. Responses take 14–21 days. Permanent bans are rare and usually result from serious threats, weapon displays, or contraband discussions. Temporary bans (30 days) are more common for dress code or language violations. While appealing, you may still attend in-person visits if eligible.
Is there a limit to how many people can visit one inmate per week?
Each inmate is allowed up to three video visits per week, regardless of who schedules them. These can be with the same person or different visitors. For example, a mother, father, and sibling can each have one visit. Once the three-slot limit is reached, no additional video visits are permitted until the next week. This rule ensures fair access for all families. In-person visits follow a separate schedule—up to four visitors per day on weekends. Combining both types is allowed, but video slots reset weekly on Monday at midnight. Overbooking is prevented by the Securus system, which blocks new reservations once the limit is hit.
What should I do if I see someone violating visitation rules?
If you witness another visitor using profanity, showing weapons, or attempting to pass contraband messages, report it immediately. During the call, click the “Report Issue” button in the Securus app. Describe what you saw. Reports are anonymous and reviewed within 24 hours. You can also call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 214-761-9025. Do not confront the person directly—this could escalate the situation. Staff monitor all calls and may already be aware. Your report helps protect the integrity of the system and ensures fair access for everyone. False reports are taken seriously and may result in your own suspension.