As of May 2013, the total population of prison inmates reached 218,171. It is unlikely that the population of prison inmates will see a decline until sweeping changes are made to the legal and prison systems; therefore, it will be important for prisons to find ways to cut costs while not sacrificing the rights of their inmates. The virtual visitation system brings 21st century technology to prison facilities in a way that is both cost effective and still respectful of prisoner visitation rights. Below are three reasons why this unique virtual visitation system would be beneficial to a prison.

1. A video visitation system can cut costs.

It is not uncommon for these video systems to be a part of new facility design. If it is not necessary to construct visitation quarters then a facility can experience a cost savings in the construction phase alone. Also, facility staffing can be reduced with a virtual visitation system because there will be less of a need for guards to oversee the visitation process. Although allowing inmates to have more visits does not equate to a cost savings, it can be seen as a benefit for any facility that the inmates have greater opportunity to socialize and maintain contact with friends and family who could have a positive effect on them.

2. A video visitation system has more than one use!

Peripheral applications of a visitation system include telemedicine, arraignment via the virtual system, distance learning, and video pleas. Digital videoconferencing has been in wide use by businesses all over the world, and now with a video visitation system prisons can also take advantage of the technology and its many uses. Virtual visitation is more than just an investment in protecting your facility budget, it is an investment in utilizing technology with multiple uses and benefits. Additionally, specialized virtual visitation can incorporate privileged options which would simplify the work of attorneys to prepare their cases.

Consider the benefit of a visitation system which allows for specialists across the world to provide input on a prisoners condition without having to actually visit the facility!

3. A video visitation system is secure and controlled.

Prison video visitation systems allow authorized personnel to keep complete control throughout a visitation. They can conduct the visit, monitor it, interact with the prisoners, and terminate any visit from the home system. Many systems also allow for playback which could be very valuable when a visitation takes a strange turn.

If you still doubt that a visitation system could be beneficial for prisons, then I encourage you to research the providers for yourself. Removing the cost and time burden of visitations from prisons could be incredibly valuable to the movement of prison facilities into the future. Learn more.