OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Corrections video calls system is down and won’t work until Friday, meaning anyone hoping to video conference with someone in the Washington prison system will have to wait until Monday.
According to the department, the Securus Video Connect software used by Washington Corrections for video call visits is performing a system update that has put video calls to a halt.
Families who rely on the system to connect with loved-ones currently serving time in prison have already scheduled calls, but now have to reschedule.
“Any existing scheduled remote or onsite video calls will be canceled and will be automatically refunded. If your call date arrives and hasn’t been canceled, you will receive an error message if you attempt to start or join the session,” the department said via social media.
Those hoping to speak with a Washington inmate have to pay Securus $4.95 for every 30 minute video call, posing a hurdle for low-income families hoping to remain connected with people living in state custody.
The state legislature considered the Connecting Families Act to make prison phone calls free in 2024, but it died in committee.
