Articles
TeleCorrections
TeleCorrections is a web-based video visitation system that allows an inmate and community member to securely communicate face-to-face, with the inmate never leaving the secure area of his or her housing area. The system provides a convenient alternative to travelling to correctional facilities for onsite visitations.
Also, families and friends that cannot travel back and forth between home and a facility will find this an ideal solution. It helps by eliminating the long hours spent waiting and passing security check points.
Learn more about how TeleCorrections works, the pricing and required computer support by following this link: Westchester County Jail Valhalla, New York.
What is TeleCorrections?
The Department of Correction assisted in the development of the TeleCorrections system and currently has 20 terminals in operation. These terminals allow inmates to meet with probation officers, pre-trial services (i.e. bail expediters), attorneys and other professionals. Additionally, the public is now able to communicate with an inmate directly from any computer with a broadband Internet connection.
The use of this technology, designed by Primonics TeleCorrections System, has greatly benefited the Department of Correction as well as other county agencies:
- Dept. of Probation utilizes the system to perform over 95 percent of their pre-sentence interviews from off-site locations.
- Westchester County Pre-Trial Services Institute (PTSI) uses TeleCorrections for 100 percent of its bail expediter interviews.
- And in 2010, TeleCorrections saved the Dept. of Correction approximately 280 offender jail days per month.
The Dept. of Correction has implemented home and community center video visits for its inmate population. Giving an inmate the ability to stay connected to family and friends while in custody has a positive impact on morale and institutional behavior. Members of the public are required to register and pay at least 24 hours in advance of a video visit and can then visit the inmate from their home PC or laptop.
Individuals who don’t have a computer can call a toll-free number and register to visit at one of the established Family Services of Westchester community sites. For security purposes and to preserve the integrity of the video visit process, all family member/friend video visits are recorded and subject to electronic review by Dept. of Correction personnel. No additional department staff is needed to accomplish this.