(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that visitation at the DC Jail is being expanded to include a new incentive-based, face-to-face component. This new program will be offered to inmates who meet specific behavioral criteria and are without disciplinary infractions. Uniformed correctional staff will supervise the process, provide guidance and direction, and conduct security screenings for the visiting public.
“Prison is about rehabilitation and reintegration,” said Mayor Bowser. “It’s important that we create the best possible situation for our men and women in the prison system to re-enter society as productive citizens. Face-to-face contact is the beginning of that journey. This is a great step towards rehabilitating citizens who are returning to society with the personal bonds that connect them to it.”
In 2013, then-Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser introduced the Video Visitation Modification Act of 2013, a bill requiring the DC Department of Corrections (DCDOC) to permit face-to-face visits for detainees. Over the past several years, only video conferencing has been allowed.
“As part of our mission and vision, we continuously seek ways to create and maintain a positive environment within the jail that benefits the inmate population, staff and our community,” said DCDOC Director Tom Faust. “The program not only serves to broaden options for the visiting public, but also contributes to improved inmate behavior and management.”
The face-to-face visitation option complements video visitation, which will continue at the main center and community-based satellite locations.
For information on the scheduling process, visit doc.dc.gov