King County Jail Video Visit lets families, friends, and legal reps connect with inmates remotely using live video calls. The service runs through Securus Video Connect, a secure platform approved by King County for adult detention facilities in Seattle and Kent. Calls start with a toll-free number, require identity checks, and follow strict rules about recording and privacy. Public visits are saved for 30 days; lawyer-only calls stay private under Washington state law. Users can join from home on phones, tablets, or computers, or use on-site kiosks at the jail if they lack personal devices.
How to Start a King County Jail Video Visit
To begin a video visit, call Securus Video Connect at 1-877-573-3658 from any phone. An operator will ask for your name, relationship to the inmate, and confirm you’re on the approved visitor list. Once verified, they’ll give you a temporary access code valid for that day. This code works on any device with internet—no special software needed unless you use the mobile app. The entire process takes under five minutes, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with a direct link to join the call at your scheduled time.
Securus Video Connect: Platform Rules and Features
Securus manages all remote visits for King County jails. After creating a free account on their website, users select “King County Correctional Facility” from the dropdown menu, pick an available time slot, and pay any required fees upfront. Each call supports up to eight participants, including the inmate, and lasts no more than 45 minutes to ensure fair access for all families. All public sessions are recorded and stored for 30 days as part of facility security policy. Attorney-client visits are exempt from recording under Washington’s legal confidentiality laws. The system also includes real-time chat support and troubleshooting guides for connection issues.
Scheduling Your Video Visit: Steps and Deadlines
Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through the Securus portal. Available slots appear based on the inmate’s housing unit and daily schedule, which varies between the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Users receive an email confirmation with a unique link to join the call. Late arrivals may lose their slot, so it’s best to log in five minutes early. Cancellations are allowed up to two hours before the visit starts. Rescheduling is possible but subject to availability.
On-Site Kiosks for Visitors Without Devices
Not everyone has a smartphone or computer. King County provides lobby kiosks at both adult jails for visitors who can’t join remotely. These touchscreen stations are free to use during regular visiting hours and connect directly to the Securus system. Staff assist with login and technical help if needed. Kiosk visits follow the same 45-minute limit and recording rules as remote calls. No appointment is required—just arrive during open hours and sign in at the front desk.
In-Person Visits vs. Video Visits: Key Differences
In-person visits happen inside the jail and require travel, ID checks, background screening, and dress code compliance. They’re limited to one hour per week per inmate and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Video visits skip the commute and physical screening but still require pre-approval and online registration. Both options let you see and speak with the inmate, but video calls offer more flexibility for working families or those living far away. Phone visits are not offered—only video or in-person.
Finding an Inmate Before Scheduling a Visit
You can’t schedule a visit without confirming the inmate is in custody. Use the King County Inmate Search portal to look up adults by full name and date of birth. The system shows current location, booking date, charges, bond amount, and next court date. For juveniles under 18, call the 24-hour hotline at 206-263-9595. Juvenile records are not public, so only parents, guardians, or attorneys get details. Always verify the inmate’s status before booking a video visit to avoid wasted time or fees.
Visitation Schedules for Seattle and Kent Facilities
Each jail has its own schedule posted online and on-site. The King County Correctional Facility (500 5th Ave, Seattle) offers morning, afternoon, and evening blocks across seven housing units. The Maleng Regional Justice Center (620 W. James St., Kent) follows a similar pattern but with different start times. Schedules change weekly due to staffing and security needs, so always check the official site before planning your visit. Weekend slots are limited and often fill quickly during holidays.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Refund Policies
Most video visits are free for the first 30 minutes. Extended calls or premium features may incur small fees paid via credit card during scheduling. Securus does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for remote visits. If a call drops due to technical failure, users can request a refund or reschedule without penalty. Cancellations made less than two hours before the visit may not be refunded. Always save your confirmation email as proof of payment.
Dress Code and Behavior Rules for Video Calls
Even though you’re at home, video visits follow jail conduct rules. Wear modest clothing—no revealing tops, hats, or sunglasses. Avoid backgrounds with alcohol, weapons, or offensive images. Speak clearly and stay on topic. Staff monitor calls for inappropriate language or behavior and can end the session immediately. Minors must be supervised by an adult during the visit. Recording the call yourself is prohibited and may result in future visit bans.
Juvenile Detention: Separate Process for Minors
King County handles juveniles differently. If someone under 18 is detained, contact the Juvenile Detention Center directly at 206-263-9595. Video visits for minors require special approval from a caseworker or judge. Parents or legal guardians must submit documentation proving relationship before scheduling. Calls are shorter (usually 30 minutes) and may include counseling staff. Juvenile facilities do not use Securus—they have their own internal system managed by county youth services.
Technical Requirements and Troubleshooting
For smooth video calls, use a device with a front-facing camera, microphone, and stable internet (Wi-Fi or cellular data). Chrome, Safari, and Firefox work best. Disable pop-up blockers and allow camera/mic permissions when prompted. If the screen freezes, refresh the page or restart the app. Slow connections may cause audio delays—move closer to your router or switch to mobile data. Securus offers live chat support during operating hours for urgent issues.
Legal Visits: Special Rules for Attorneys
Lawyers have dedicated video channels that are not recorded. To schedule a legal visit, attorneys must provide bar number verification and case details through the Securus portal. These calls bypass the public queue and can last longer than standard visits. Clients remain in a private room during the call to ensure confidentiality. Legal assistants or paralegals may join with prior approval from the court or facility administrator.
SCORE Jail: GTL/ViaPath Video Visits
SCORE Jail in Des Moines (20817 17th Ave S) uses a different provider—GTL (now ViaPath). Registration requires uploading a government ID and answering security questions. Approved visitors choose time slots based on housing units and pay per call. Sessions allow up to three participants and are recorded for 10 days. This system is separate from the main King County jails, so users must create a new account specifically for SCORE visits.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For questions about video or in-person visits, call 206-296-1234. The line operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. After-hours inquiries go to voicemail. For inmate lookup or court dates, use the online portal or visit the Public Information Desk at 516 Third Avenue, Room #245, Seattle. Both jails share the same phone number but have separate addresses: Seattle (500 5th Ave) and Kent (620 W. James St.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to prepare for a video visit, what happens if the call drops, or whether children can join. Others want to know if visits are monitored, how to add funds to an account, or what to do if an inmate is transferred. Below are detailed answers to the most common concerns based on current King County policies and user experiences.
Can I record my own video visit with an inmate?
No. Recording any part of a King County Jail video visit—whether public or legal—is strictly prohibited by facility policy and Washington state law. Only authorized staff may record public sessions for security purposes, and these recordings are deleted after 30 days. Attempting to capture video or audio using third-party apps, screen recorders, or external devices may result in permanent loss of visiting privileges. This rule protects inmate privacy and prevents misuse of sensitive conversations. If you need documentation of a conversation, request a formal statement from the inmate’s attorney or caseworker instead.
What should I do if my video call keeps disconnecting?
First, check your internet connection. Weak Wi-Fi or low cellular signal causes most disconnections. Move closer to your router, close other apps using bandwidth, or switch to mobile data. Ensure your device meets minimum requirements: updated browser, enabled camera/mic, and no active pop-up blockers. If the problem continues, contact Securus support via live chat during the call or call 1-877-573-3658 immediately. They can restart the session or issue a refund if the outage lasts more than five minutes. Always keep your confirmation email handy for reference.
Are video visits available every day of the week?
Yes, but availability depends on the inmate’s housing unit and daily jail operations. Most units offer video slots seven days a week, including holidays, though weekend times may be shorter or limited. Schedules rotate weekly, so check the Securus portal 24–48 hours before your desired visit. Some high-security units restrict video access to certain days. If no slots appear, the inmate may be in court, medical isolation, or disciplinary lockdown. Call 206-296-1234 to confirm status if unsure.
How do I add someone to my approved visitor list?
Only the inmate can add visitors through their housing unit counselor. You cannot self-register unless the inmate submits your name, relationship, and contact info to jail staff. Once approved, you’ll receive an email invitation to create a Securus account. Background checks are required for all visitors over 18, including family members. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Minors under 18 must be listed by a parent or guardian and accompanied by an adult during visits.
Can I visit more than one inmate in the same call?
No. Each video visit connects only one inmate with up to eight approved visitors. If you need to speak with multiple inmates (e.g., co-defendants or family members in different units), you must schedule separate calls. This ensures privacy, reduces confusion, and complies with jail communication policies. Group calls are not permitted unless all participants are part of the same approved visitor list for that specific inmate.
What happens if the inmate refuses the visit?
If the inmate declines the call when it starts, the visit ends immediately and no refund is issued. Inmates have the right to refuse any visitor at any time, even if previously approved. Reasons may include emotional distress, legal advice, or personal choice. You’ll see a message on screen saying “Inmate unavailable” and the session will close. You can try rescheduling later, but repeated refusals may indicate the inmate no longer wishes contact. Respect their decision and consider writing a letter instead.
Is there a way to test my device before the actual visit?
Yes. Securus offers a free test call feature in your account dashboard. Click “Test My Connection” to check camera, microphone, and internet speed. The system runs a 30-second trial and gives feedback on audio clarity, video quality, and lag. It’s recommended to run this test at least once before your first visit. If issues appear, follow the on-screen tips or contact support. Testing prevents surprises during the real call and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
Official Website: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dajd/courts-jails-legal-system/information-services-jail-detention/contact-visit-adult/video-visit
Phone: 206-296-1234
Visiting Hours: Vary by facility and housing unit—check online schedule
Address: King County Correctional Facility, 500 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032