Smart Communications - Instructions on how to set up a Public User Account

    Public User accounts can be used for multiple purposes including communicating with an inmate via messaging, sending photos, and visitation.  Public users can add funds to their own prepaid phone accounts, add money to an inmate’s phone account, and transfer funds to inmate accounts for the purpose of messaging, visitation, or entertainment. 

1.  To set up an account the Public User will go to www.smartinmate.com and click sign up. 

2.  Complete the information page - and click create account
3.  The user will receive an email that confirms the account has been created
4.  Once the account is verified the user  is then able to connect with their loved one
5.  To connect with an inmate the Public User will go to Contacts

And choose Find an Inmate

Next they will select the Correctional Facility Name from the drop down box and enter the inmate’s information and click search

Once the inmate has accepted their connection invitation they can begin communications and adding funds. 

Adding Funds to the Public User Account:

From the top of the page, select Credits and Purchase Credits

Credits purchased here are for MESSAGES/PHOTOS/VISITS - there is a Notice which states if you are trying to make a deposit for phone time please use the Telephone Deposit screen -

All information is provided concerning the cost for messages (50 credits = 50 cents) and Photos (100 credits = $1) along with a $1.50 processing fee for the transaction.  Select how many credits you wish to purchase -  Credit Purchases are NON_REFUNDABLE.

Transferring Credits to an Inmate Account
 
First go to Credits and Select Transfer Credits

 Choose the inmate’s name from the drop down box and enter how many credits you wish to transfer - then click Transfer Credits - The funds are then transferred to the inmate’s account and are ready to use. Once the transfer is complete the credits become the property of the inmate and they may use them to visit or message anyone they choose to or they may use the credits for entertainment purposes which include tv/movies, games, and radio time.  (3 credits = 3 cents) per minute.

 
Phone Accounts -

To add money to the Public User’s PrePaid phone account Select Phones from the menu at the top of the webpage
 
Next, select Begin PrePaid Collect Deposit:

Select Location from the drop down menu -
 
Enter the phone number you wish to add money to and the Amount you want to deposit -

 It will then take you to the payment screen to complete the process

To add money to an inmate’s account -

Go to Phones - then Select the Inmate’s name under PIN Debit Account Deposits -

It will then take you to the payment screen to complete the process

Scheduling a Visit -

 Begin by clicking Visits on the menu at the top of the webpage -  Then click Schedule A Video Visit

Choose which inmate you would like to visit with from the drop down menu - the inmate’s you are connected to (and approved to visit) will appear in this box

Choose the type of visit you wish to make (Remote or Local Visit - At the facility location (if this is available)
 

Choose the visit duration -

The available times will display - choose the date and time - Visits must be scheduled at least ONE DAY PRIOR to the visit - NO SAME DAY SCHEDULING

Select the time you wish to visit -
 

Confirm the visit details and the visit will be scheduled

The Grafton County DOC is excited to announce we are transitioning to a new inmate communications system.  The new system provided by Smart Communications features remote video visitation capabilities, electronic messaging, a tablet based education system, and many other improvements.  Please watch this space for updates.