Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department Brings Video Connect Sessions to Correctional Facility | 11:25AM / Thursday, June 11, 2020 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Sheriff's Department has implemented video connect technology through its partnership with Securus Technologies.
The implementation of video connect sessions went live on May 19 to provide incarcerated individuals with the tools necessary to see and connect with their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It is part of our job to help prepare the incarcerated for reentry and maintaining ongoing communications with loved ones plays a vital role in success when they are released," Sheriff Thomas Bowler said. "It was a priority for us to fast track this program for our population given the circumstances, as we've been forced to halt in-person visitation to keep people safe. We needed a solution quickly, and Securus made it happen."
Due to suspended in-person visits, Securus Technologies stepped in to deploy its technology, completing the task within six weeks. Working with the engineering team for the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to help run cable and equipment for the technology, Securus was able to streamline and expedite this process.
"Across the country, we are seeing a renewed focus on correctional communications. With new safety and security protocols implemented by facilities, it was critical that this infrastructure was installed and made available quickly," said Russell Roberts, chief growth officer at Securus Technologies. "We have a great partnership with Sheriff Bowler and his staff — and we share in their commitment to address the unique needs of incarcerated individuals through these difficult times to ensure access to vital communication technologies."
Video connect sessions are offered throughout the day and available for incarcerated individuals to use on seven terminals that are appropriately spaced for social distancing in the facility contact visitor room, which is no longer being used for in-person visitations. Family and friends can log into their Securus account to schedule a video connect session with their incarcerated loved ones and host the session through the Securus mobile app using an Android or iOS mobile device, or use a computer or laptop. The facility will also be implementing SecureView tablets this summer, which will be available to rent by incarcerated individuals for $5 a month through the Securus MakeMine Program.
The Berkshire County Jail and House of Corrections currently houses 168 individuals. The communication technology is monitored for safety purposes, a standard practice shared by all correctional facilities.
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