CONTRIBUTED — The Carter County Detention Center has launched a new online visitation system for inmates and their families.

The new system, run by Securus Technologies, enables visitors to talk to inmates from their own home via video chat. This technology will allow families who live long distances from the jail a better opportunity for visitation, and create more chances for inmates to receive visits while incarcerated.

Remote visitors will be able to use their smartphone, tablet, or a computer with a webcam to share a video call with their loved one. The video chat can be accessed through the Securus website or mobile app. Inmates will be able to use a visitation terminal inside their housing unit to access the video chat.

“This system will also help us maintain a more secure facility,” Sheriff Dexter Lunceford said. “Reducing the number of people entering the visitation room by allowing them to visit remotely cuts down on the risk of contraband being introduced into the jail, as well as helping with other security concerns.”

Online video visitation will be conducted in addition to onsite visitation. Inmates can receive an unlimited number of remote visits during weekday visitation hours, and they will still have a weekly opportunity for a 60 minute visit from friends or family onsite at the jail.