For many prison inmates, maintaining contact with the outside world is a challenge.

The covid-19 crisis has made in-person visits impossible.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has facilitated video visits through the ZOOM internet platform since March, coinciding with the start of the pandemic in the U.S. But these visits require the involvement of corrections department employees.

The agency announced Friday that, beginning Sept. 1, it’s implementing a new “user-friendly” system that gives inmate visitors the ability to schedule visits without help from facility employees.

“We are pleased to offer inmate visitors a streamlined and easier-to-use system,” Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said. “We understand the importance of helping inmates maintain their connections with the outside world, especially during covid-19. This system will require less staff involvement.”

The new video visitation system has a scheduling component integrated into it for visitors to use.

Wetzel confirmed that video visits are not going away. It’s service upgrade that will continue to be free to inmates and visitors.

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19, individuals already on inmate visitor lists can schedule future video visits using the new system. Video visits on this system must be scheduled between three days and two months in advance. Up to six approved visitors will be allowed to participate in the video conversations.

During the transition, scheduled ZOOM visits will continue through Aug. 30.

Vic Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, said while he approves of enhanced video visits, they should not replace in-person visitation.

“I think anything they do to enhance and increase the ability of detainees to communicate with family and friends on the outside is good,” Walczak said. “To the extent that this is an expansion of what they’re already doing is commendable. But while in-person visitation may be impossible or difficult right now, our hope would be that at some point, when covid is gone, that in-person visitation will resume.”

For his part, Wetzel said in-person visits will not be reinstated until the covid-19 risk goes down and that when determined appropriate, they will be reinstated with modified procedures. “Video visits will remain a visiting option forever,” said Wetzel, “even when in-person visits are restored.”

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