Dallas County Jail Video Visitation lets families and friends connect with inmates through secure online video calls. The system runs on Securus Video Connect®, a trusted platform used in jails across the country. Each visit costs $20, lasts up to 15 minutes, and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. Visits happen Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with weekend times by appointment only. All calls are monitored, recorded, and can be stopped if rules are broken. This service helps keep connections strong while keeping everyone safe.
How to Schedule a Video Visit in Dallas County
To start a video visit, you need to create a free account on the Securus website or app. You’ll upload a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Next, enter the inmate’s booking number, which you can find using the Dallas County inmate search tool. Once approved, you’ll get a unique access code for each visit. Book your session at least one full day before the call. Choose a time slot during operating hours and pay the $20 fee online. On the day of the visit, log in early with a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone. Make sure your device meets the minimum speed of 2 Mbps for smooth video.
Video Visitation Rules and Conduct Policy
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department can stop any video visit if someone breaks the rules. This includes using bad language, showing weapons, trying to record the call, or acting disrespectfully. Staff watch every session and can end it right away. If someone keeps breaking rules, they may be banned from future visits. The goal is to protect inmates, staff, and families. All visits are recorded with timestamps for safety and review. Visitors must follow the code of conduct at all times. Failure to do so can lead to permanent loss of visitation rights.
Securus Video Connect: The Technology Behind Remote Visits
Securus Video Connect® is the official platform used by Dallas County Jail for remote visits. It works on phones, tablets, and computers without extra software. Calls are encrypted so no one else can listen in. Each session gets a special code sent only to approved visitors. The system tracks when calls start and end for security logs. Users can schedule, reschedule, or cancel visits through the app. Technical support is available 24/7 if you have trouble connecting. The app also sends reminders before your visit starts.
In-Person vs. Video Visitation: What’s the Difference?
In-person visits happen on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. You must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to be processed. Video visits run Monday to Friday and cost $20 per session. In-person visits are free but require a background check and valid ID. Children under 12 must be with an adult for both types. Video visits let you connect from home, saving travel time and gas. In-person visits allow physical contact like hugs, which some families prefer. Both options follow strict safety rules.
Lew Sterrett Justice Center: Location and Contact Info
The Lew Sterrett Justice Center is at 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. Call 214-761-9025 to confirm visit times or ask questions. This is the main jail facility that handles most inmate housing and visitation. Video visits are managed through this location even if you’re calling from another state. Staff can help with booking issues, ID problems, or technical errors. Office hours for phone support are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Always call ahead if you plan to visit in person or have concerns about your scheduled video call.
Enrollment Steps for New Users
New users must sign up on the Securus website first. Click “Create Account” and enter your name, email, and phone number. Upload a clear photo of your government ID. Then, add the inmate by typing their full name and booking number. Wait for approval, which usually takes less than 24 hours. Once approved, you’ll see available time slots. Pick one, pay the fee, and save your access code. On visit day, open the app or website, enter the code, and wait for the call to begin. Keep your ID nearby in case staff ask to verify your identity during the call.
Required Equipment and Internet Speed
You need a device with a camera and microphone—like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. A wired headset helps reduce echo. Your internet must be at least 2 Mbps download and upload speed. Test your connection before the visit using free tools like Speedtest.net. Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a private, password-protected network instead. Close other apps that use bandwidth, like streaming videos or downloads. If the video lags or cuts out, restart your router or switch to a stronger signal area.
Cost and Payment Options
Each video visit costs exactly $20. This covers platform use, monitoring, and maintenance. Pay online with a credit or debit card when you book. No cash, checks, or money orders are accepted for video visits. The fee is non-refundable unless the jail cancels the session. Some families set up payment plans through Securus for multiple visits. Ask customer service about discounts for low-income users—though these are rare. Always keep your receipt in case of disputes.
What Happens If a Visit Is Terminated?
If a visit is stopped early due to rule violations, you won’t get a refund. The staff will note the reason in the inmate’s file. Repeated issues can lead to a ban from all future video visits. You’ll receive an official notice by mail explaining the restriction. If you believe the termination was unfair, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 214-653-3450. Provide your name, inmate’s name, date of visit, and details of what happened. Appeals are reviewed within 10 business days.
Weekend and Holiday Visitation Policies
Video visits are not available on major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. Weekend video visits require advance appointments—call 214-761-9025 to request one. In-person visits still happen on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but not on holidays. Always check the Dallas County Sheriff’s website or call before traveling. Unexpected closures can occur due to staffing or emergencies.
Post-COVID Visitation Updates
As of November 2024, Dallas County Jail has resumed in-person visits after a long pause. Video visitation remains available as an option. For in-person visits, you may need a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours. Masks might be required depending on current health guidelines. Capacity is limited to allow distancing. These rules can change quickly—always verify requirements before your visit.
Recent Technology Upgrades
In 2024, Dallas County approved a $1.2 million contract to improve its video visitation system. The new setup keeps in-person visits available while adding better video quality and security. Calls are now fully encrypted and backed up for audits. Staff received training to handle technical issues faster. Families praised the decision because it gives them more choices without losing face-to-face time.
Finding an Inmate’s Booking Number
You need the inmate’s booking number to schedule a video visit. Search the Dallas County inmate database online at the Sheriff’s official site. Enter their full name or date of birth. The result will show their current status, housing location, and booking ID. If you can’t find them, call 214-653-3450. Have the inmate’s full legal name and approximate booking date ready. Numbers change if someone is moved between facilities.
Visitation Cards and Special Requests
Families can request temporary visitation cards for upcoming visits. These are useful if your ID is expired or lost. Submit a form at the Sheriff’s Office or online. Compassionate visits for seriously ill inmates need approval from the medical director. Hospital visits are almost never allowed unless it’s a life-threatening emergency. All special requests take 3–5 days to process.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Dallas County Sheriff’s Department 111 West Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: 214-761-9025 Video visitation support: 214-653-3450 Website: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/sheriff/video-visitation/ In-person visitation center: 133 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207 Video visit hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. In-person hours: Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to fix connection problems during video visits. First, check your internet speed—it should be at least 2 Mbps. Restart your router and close other apps. Use a wired headset to reduce noise. If the screen freezes, refresh the page or restart the app. For login issues, reset your password or contact Securus support. Always test your setup 30 minutes before the visit.
Another common question is whether children can join video visits. Yes, kids of any age can participate if supervised by an adult. The adult must be the registered visitor and show valid ID. Children don’t need their own accounts. However, they must behave appropriately—crying or loud play may cause the visit to end early.
Some families wonder if they can record the video call. No, recording is strictly forbidden. Attempting to do so will immediately stop the visit and may result in a ban. The system already records all sessions for security. If you need a copy for legal reasons, request it through the Sheriff’s Office with a formal written appeal.
Others ask about rescheduling a missed visit. If you miss your slot, you lose the $20 fee unless the jail cancels it. To reschedule, book a new time and pay again. There’s no grace period. Set calendar reminders and log in 10 minutes early to avoid missing your window.
Finally, people often ask if attorneys can use video visitation. Yes, lawyers can schedule professional visits through Securus. They must register with their bar number and state ID. Attorney visits may have different time limits and are not subject to the same conduct rules as family calls, but monitoring still applies.