FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) – A northwestern New Mexico jail is no longer allowing family and friends to speak to detainees on site and will now offer only off-site phone or online video chats.
The San Juan County Adult Detention Center announced this month all visits must be done over the phone or through the approved online video chat app called Getting Out, the Farmington Daily Times reports.
San Juan County said the change is a positive step that will reduce the travel burden families face while visiting inmates. “It comes down to technology and convenience for family members,” said county spokesman Devin Neeley.
Neeley told The Associated Press before visitors were allowed to come to the jail and speak to an inmate through video at the facility. This change allows visitors to speak to inmates through an app without leaving home, Neeley said.
He said the jail hasn’t allowed in-person sites since 2005.