Arkansas jail to end free in-person visits

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ A jail in northwestern Arkansas is planning to end
free, in-person visits between inmates and their family members and friends
starting this fall.

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the Benton County Jail
will launch a remote video visitation system Sept. 1.

The system allows someone to visit an inmate using a home computer or laptop
through the website smartjailmail.com. The visits will cost 50 cents per minute
in 15-minute increments and must be scheduled a day in advance.

Spokeswoman Sgt. Shannon Jenkins said Friday that the system will lead to
decreased contraband and allow those who have health problems or live
out-of-state to visit detainees without traveling.

The American Bar Association and the American Correctional Association say
video visitation should be a supplement for in-person visitation, not a
substitute.

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