Jail installs video system for inmate visits
Inmates at the Montgomery County Jail and their families and friends have a new way to interact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video visitation stations are now in the lobby of the jail. Inmates are allowed two 30-minute visits a week, one per day.
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said ending visitations was one of the hardest decisions he had to make at the beginning of the pandemic last year. He said it is important to him that inmates have an opportunity to see and talk with those they love while inside the Montgomery County Jail.
“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 that the new equipment did not cost local taxpayers. He said the sheriff ’s office worked with their vendor, Smart Communications, who put their equipment in the lobby. The sheriff ’s office did use CARES Act money to create the space for the visitation center. An exact amount of money spent wasn’t available Tuesday.
Streck said Smart Communications does charge a fee for other services they provide such as an emailing system inmates may use and a communication system that allows visitors to visit an inmate virtually.
The lobby visitation system is operational, but visitors must register and schedule 24 hours in advance at smartinmate.com or call 888843-1972. Visitations are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors in the jail are asked to social distance and wear a mask.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s season by helping save lives. Donate at the Faith Community United Methodist Church blood drive Monday, March 15, from 2 to 6 p.m., at 100 Country Club Dr.
Everyone who registers to donate gets the St. Pat’s “Donor Shenanigans” t-shirt plus free COVID-19 antibody testing. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com or call 937-461-3220.
Community Blood Center is declaring 2021 “Blood Donor Year” because of the impact of COVID19 restrictions and weather cancellations on blood drives. Type O positive blood is in high demand and CBC has a continued need for type O positive donors.
CBC is encouraging those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma. Anitbodies in your plasma may help COVID patients recover. Learn more about donating CCP and register at ccp.givingblood.org and make an appointment at 937-461-3220
There is no deferral or delay in making a regular blood donation after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CCP donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine may be eligible to continue donating CCP. To confirm your eligibility email canidonate@givingblood.org or call 937-461-3220.