County Jail Transitioning to Video Visits Only

By: Shelia Mader

Chief Jammie Jeter

Jackson County commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a policy change replacing in-person jail visitation with one free weekly video visit for inmates at the Jackson County Correctional Facility, a move officials said is centered on security, safety and stopping drugs from entering the jail.

County Administrator Jim Dean said the change comes after growing concerns over the way drugs are being smuggled into facilities and repeated disturbances tied to visitation. Chief Jammie Jeter told commissioners the issue is no longer limited to traditional contraband.

“Paper dope,” including fentanyl and meth sprayed onto paper, has become one of the biggest threats facing jails, Jeter explained. The drugs often cannot be detected until heated, and even a tiny amount can leave someone “high for hours.”

Jeter said visitors can hide drug-laced paper or altered capsules in ways that are difficult to detect during normal screening procedures. He also described a recent case where suspected legal mail, designed to look like it came from an attorney’s office, was intercepted after staff notified Marianna Police Department and they discovered it contained THC wax.

The chief also shared concerns about inmate safety and medical emergencies tied to drugs entering the facility. He told commissioners an inmate recently arrived at the jail under the influence of an unknown substance and later had to be physically restrained because he became violent and incoherent.

Jeter said jail staff are also dealing with other serious security concerns, including an inmate who repeatedly places metal objects inside his body, resulting in ongoing hospitalizations. The county has applied for a grant to purchase a body scanner, equipment Jeter said would cost nearly $200,000 and help detect contraband hidden internally.

Beyond drugs, officials said visitation areas have become a source of conflict and safety concerns for staff and visitors alike. Jeter told commissioners that arguments and altercations between inmates’ girlfriends and wives “almost weekly” occur in the lobby during visitation times.

Commission Chairman Jamey Westbrook asked how the proposal compared to surrounding counties. Jeter responded that many Florida counties already operate under video-only visitation systems, including Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Gadsden, Santa Rosa and Franklin counties. He said officials in those counties praised the system and reported no major issues after transitioning away from face-to-face visitation.

“The facilities love it,” Jeter said.

Under the new system, inmates will receive one free video visit and two free phone calls each week through the jail’s recently installed tablet system. Officials said video visits can be conducted from a phone, tablet, desktop computer or laptop, allowing families to connect without traveling to the jail.

Jeter noted the change could actually increase access for some families, especially elderly relatives who have difficulty driving at night and parents who want children to be able to see incarcerated family members more easily.

Commissioners were also told all video calls are recorded and monitored, with access available to law enforcement agencies including the Marianna Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.