FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2021
In-Person Inmate Visitation to Resume
On March 3, 2021, in accordance with GA-34, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards provided guidelines for county jails regarding the reinstatement of in-person inmate visitation. The guidelines require each jail facility to develop a safety plan, share the plan with the local health authority for comments/recommendations, then submit both to the commission for final approval.
TCSO submitted its plan to Austin Public Health (APH) March 9, 2021. That same day, APH reviewed the plan, commented that it appears safe and appropriate and offered no recommended changes. TCSO made the Texas Commission on Jail Standards aware of its intentions to reinstate in-person visitation.
TCSO received approval from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to resume in-person visitation starting March 16, 2021. Guidelines and schedules are posted on the TCSO web site and are as follows:
Pursuant to Executive Order (GA-34), in person visitation will resume March 16, 2021.
We encourage visitors to utilize the Securus Video Visitation System as an alternative method to connect with inmates. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our inmates, their loved ones, and our staff.
In an effort to protect staff, inmates, volunteers and visitors from potential exposure to the coronavirus, the following will occur upon entry to the Visitation Center:
• ALL VISITORS MUST AGREE TO PROPERLY WEAR A MASK COVERING THEIR FACE AND NOSE.
• ALL VISITORS WILL HAVE THEIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN BEFORE BEING ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE VISITATION CENTER.
• ALL VISITORS WILL REVIEW THE LIST OF SYMPTOMS PROVIDED BY THE CDC AND ADVISE IF ANY ARE APPLICABLE.
In General, children two years of age and older should wear a mask. All efforts to comply will need to be made, however, TCSO recognizes that wearing masks may not be possible in all situations when it comes to small children. Appropriate and consistent use of masks may be challenging for some children and adults such as those with certain disabilities, including cognitive, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and behavioral disorders.
The following will continue to be implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• ALL VISITATION AREAS WILL BE SANITIZED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF EACH VISIT.
• HAND SANTIZER AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR VISITORS TO USE.
• ALL RESTROOMS WILL HAVE SOAP TO WASH HANDS
SECURUS DISCOUNTS: Home Video Visits will continue to be $2.50 per visit until April 1, 2021. Attorney Video Visits will remain the same (no charge).
Any official visitors beyond the Visitation Center shall follow all COVID-19 mitigation protocols implemented by the Travis County Sheriff Office.
At Home Video Visits
At home video visits offer the visitor the convenience of visiting from home with their home computer, tablet or even a cell phone. These visits are also 20 minutes in duration, require a Securus account, and are scheduled and paid for by the visitor.
At home visits are available seven days a week (including holidays) from 8:05 am - 1:05 pm and from 3:20 - 8:05 pm. Visit www.securustech.net to register for an account and to schedule your next visit.
In-Person Face to Face:
• Visitation Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and from 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Face to Face visitation for family and friends will continue to be non-contact in nature.
• Face to Face visits must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance. These visits may be scheduled by registering for an account using the Archonix website. A social security number is NOT required to create this account. (Archonix scheduling software is temporarily unavailable due to technical issues. SEE TEMPORARY WALK IN VISITATION INFORMATION BELOW)
• Visitation stations will be sanitized with a cleaning solution after each visit to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Public lobby will have marked chairs designated sit/do not sit to maintain social distancing.
• Seating in visitation will be marked to maintain social distancing.
• Only 2 visitors will be allowed in the face to face visitation area. Exception: When there are children under the age of 12, the limit will be 3 visitors.
• All minors under age 17 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian while in the Visitation Center.
• All persons 17 year of age and older need a government issued photo ID.
• Visitors who show up late may have their visit cancelled and will need to re-register for the next available time slot.
Temporary Walk-In Procedures
• Face to face visitation appointments happen once an hour, on the hour. Walk in visitors should anticipate up to an hour wait.
• Visitors must sign in and be registered with Visitation reception staff.
• Visitors must wait in the central lobby while awaiting their visitation period to begin.
• When advised by visitation staff, the visitors will go into their assigned booth for their visits.
• Once the visit is complete, the visitor must exit the visitation area promptly.
Onsite Video Visits (Kiosk)
Visitation Hours: Available 5 days a week (excluding county holidays) from 8:05 am - 1:05 pm and from 3:20 - 8:05 pm.
Travis County Correctional Complex (map) 3614 Bill Price Rd. Del Valle, TX 78617
• Visitation is limited to 2 visitors MAX except when there are children under the age of 12, the limit will be 3 visitors.
• You may schedule video visits in advance by registering for a Securus account at www.securustech.net or by using the kiosk located in the TCCC Visitation Center.
• All TCCC and Travis County Jail onsite video visits will be administered at the TCCC Del Valle Correctional Complex.
Official Visits
• Additional PPE will be provided to any official visitor requesting it.
• Visitation stations will be sanitized with a cleaning solution after each visit to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Official visits will run in a timely manner, however, with the limitations due to the current pandemic, there may be times where official visitors may have to wait for an open spot.
Video Relay Services
Through Securus Technologies, we offer our deaf and hard of hearing inmates the option to make video calls through the Video Relay Services system with no additional charge. The service is available on all our Securus Video Visit terminals and can be accessed with the touch of a button.
All virtual equipment and meeting rooms will be sanitized after each use.
Virtual Discovery Visits
• Will continue with current process
Virtual Parole Hearings
• Will continue with current process
Virtual Magistration
• Will continue with current process
The following will remain restricted until the CDC and local government entities deem it safe to implement:
• Contact Visitation
• Non-Essential Vendors
• Non-Essential Volunteers
• Non-Essential Tours
Dress Code for Visitation
Visitors must abide by the dress code or visitation may be denied. A conservative dress code shall be strictly enforced for ALL visitors coming in to visit. Wearing inappropriate clothing will result in visitation being denied.
The following items shall NOT be permitted:
• NO transparent clothing or see through garments of any type
• NO seductive clothing
• NO tube tops, halter tops, strapless tops, or backless tops
• NO muscle shirts
• NO spaghetti straps
• NO pajamas
• NO clothing displaying obscene or offensive language, drawings, or gang affiliation, drugs or alcohol
• NO dresses or skirts with high cut splits
• NO shorts shorter than fingertip length (measured by placing hands and arms straight along their sides)
• NO skirts shorter than knee length
Officers may deny visitation privileges to anyone at any time for failure to follow these guidelines.
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Submitted By: Kristen Dark, Sr. Public Information Officer (512) 854-4986