Cook County Considering Video Visitation For Jail Inmates
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Video links might become an option for visiting inmates at the Cook County Jail.
The Cook County Sheriff's office said it is exploring use of so-called "visitation technology," which would provide friends and family another option for communicating with inmates, by allowing them to visit remotely via computer.
The use of video links as an option for visitation would reduce or even eliminate the need to travel to the jail to talk to an inmate, as well as the associated costs for visitors. Wait times for onsite visits would also be reduced.
Jail officials said onsite visitation would not be eliminated. Video links would just be a new option to see someone who is in custody.
The sheriff's office was asking friends and family of current and former inmates to participate in a free survey to evaluate video visitation. To participate, call (855) 849-6521 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until July 1.