Smart Communications is a company that offers communication services for inmates in the United States. A variety of communication services offered by Smart Communications for inmates including phone services, email, and video visitation. Surely, such services allow the inmates to stay in touch with their family members and friends outside of the jail or prison.
Apparently, the process for using Smart Communications’ services will vary depending on the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.
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However, in general, here is how Smart Communications works for inmates:
1. Phone Service
The inmates will be able to use Smart Communications to make outgoing phone calls to approved numbers. Also, in several facilities, the inmates will be able to receive incoming calls from approved numbers. To use the phone service offered by Smart Communications, usually the inmates must set up an account. Aside from that, the inmates also must add funds to their account to pay for the cost of the calls.
The process of setting up an account is very easy. And, it only takes a few minutes to finish. Usually, in setting up an account, will be asked to enter personal information such as the name of the inmate, identification number, and the location of the facility. Also, in some cases, the inmates will be asked to enter the phone numbers of their approved contacts. After creating an account, then the inmate will be able to start using the phone service to make outgoing calls. They can do that by dialing a toll-free number and following the instructions to connect to the desired number. For note: The cost of the phone calls will vary. It depends on the facility and the location of the recipient.
2. Email Service
The inmates can use Smart Communications to send and receive electronic messages from approved contacts outside of the facility. An email service offered by Smart Communications is called SmartJailMail. Usually, the inmates will be able to access their SmartJailMail account via a kiosk or tablet provided by the facility. Then, they will be able to send messages or photos to approved contacts who have already set up an account with SmartJailMail.
Of course, setting up an account is a step that inmates do not skip so that they will be able to use email service. After setting up an account, inmates also must add funds to their account to pay for the cost of sending messages or photos. Remember that the cost of sending a message or photo will vary depending on the facility. And, the length of the message also will determine its cost. Inmates can only send email to their approved contacts. The message is delivered to the recipient electronically. Several facilities also prohibit the inmates from discussing particular topics or using profanity in their messages.
3. Video Visitation
Through Smart Communications, the inmates can enjoy a video visitation service. This service allows the inmates to have virtual visits with their friends or family members outside of the facility. Via a video call, inmates and their friends or family members can connect, using a computer or mobile device with a camera and microphone. Of course, the cost of video visitation will vary. Its cost depends on the facility and the length of the visit. The longer the video call, then the more expensive it will be.
Same with using other services, in using this video visitation service, the inmates and their friends or family members also need to set up their account. Aside from that, scheduling a visitation time is an important thing in making a video visitation. Then, inmates and their friends or family members will connect to the visitation platform at the scheduled time. Through the video call, they can see and hear each other. Before doing a video visitation, it is very recommended to check the rules of the facility. This is because several facilities have restrictions on the length of the visit and the number of visits per week.
Well, the text above is an explanation about how Smart Communications work for inmates. If you need further information about this information, or you want to know other information related to Smart Communications, then you can read other articles on our website.
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