Video visitations could play important role in prisons

Used to be if you wanted to communicate with a friend or family member serving time, you had three options: A letter, a collect phone call or a visit to the jail or prison at a designated time and date.

But a fourth option is gaining in popularity: video messaging or chat. It's similar to Skype or Facetime where people can use a smart phone, tablet, or computer to see and talk to another person. 

Kevin Wright, an assistant professor in the ASU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, writes about the growing trend in an article published at slate.com.

Video chat is available in more than 500 jail facilities in 43 states, including Arizona. Many involve a fee.

"Most occur in jails, which might be surprising, given that they are more numerous and more centrally located than state prisons, whose inmates can be several hours away from their communities," Wright said. 

The article cites why the use of this new technology is supported by some and dismissed by others. Wright also weighs in citing his own research on family visitation and the role it plays in rehabilitation. 

"Visitation may provide an opportunity to improve the lives of more than just the inmate, and video visitation in particular may allow for innovative approaches to relationship counseling, family reunification, and re-entry planning," Wright said.