Inmates in the Marshall County Jail will soon have the opportunity to video visit with loved ones who are at home instead of at the jail. They will also have to ability to send and receive emails.
During Tuesday’s Marshall County Commissioner’s meeting Sheriff Tom Chamberlin received approval to enter into a four year contract with Telmate, an inmate communication company.
The new communication system will provide a video kiosk in each pod and two notebooks for inmates to use to visit with family and friends as well as the. The notebooks may also be used for inmates to take courses towards a GED or receive training on drug and alcohol abuse and even purchase books to read.
Chamberlin said, “By law we must provide 30 minutes of visitation for free.” Currently video visitation is offered in 10 minute increments and with the new system it will be 15 minute increments.
Email will be part of the new contract. Inmates will have 10 free minutes to send and receive email and additional minutes will be charged at $.15.
