Macon County Jail, IL Video Visitation

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Macon County Jail

Address:
333 South Franklin Street
Decatur, IL 62523
Phone:
217-424-1341

Macon County Jail - Remote Video Visitation with your Inmate

The information below provides complete instructions regarding Homewav Video Visitation for Macon County Jail:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Macon County Jail

Macon County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation.

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you.
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Macon County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1. Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update”
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer.

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call.

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website.

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Macon County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby.

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1. Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.   The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on.
3.   Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.   When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email [email protected] and include the following information:
1.   Homewav account holder’s name.
2.   The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.   Facility Name.
4.   From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at [email protected] with your refund request.
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee. *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

Macon County Jail Inmate on-site Video Visitation

333 South Franklin Street
Decatur, IL 62523
217-424-1341

First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
Once you do this, you can choose Macon County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.
Two adults or one adult and two children will be allowed to visit at one time. No more than two children are permitted.
No revealing attire such as low cut shirts, bikini tops, see through or otherwise offensive clothing will be permitted.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY	TIMES
MONDAY	7:20am - 11:40am 1:00pm - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 8:40pm
TUESDAY	7:20am - 11:40am 1:00pm - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 8:40pm
WEDNESDAY	7:20am - 11:40am 1:00pm - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 8:40pm
THURSDAY	7:20am - 11:40am 1:00pm - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 8:40pm
FRIDAY	7:20am - 11:40am 1:00pm - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 8:40pm
SATURDAY	8:20am - 11:40am 12:30pm - 3:40pm
SUNDAY	8:20am - 11:40am 12:30pm - 3:40pm

Macon County Jail Inmate Remote Video Visitation

333 South Franklin Street
Decatur, IL 62523
217-424-1341

First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
Once you do this, you can choose Macon County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY	TIMES
MONDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
TUESDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
WEDNESDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
THURSDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
FRIDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
SATURDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm
SUNDAY	7:00am - 5:45pm 7:15pm - 10:45pm

What is a video visit?

Video visitation, also known as remote visitation, is quickly becoming the preferred method for visiting an inmate in jail or prison for the following reasons:

•   It requires little to no staff, versus the staff required to move inmates to and from the visit and watch over the visit. It saves the Macon County Jail money.
•   It removes any opportunity for contraband (drugs) to enter the facility.
•   It can become a profit center for the facility, given that the revenue generated by visits is shared with the jail.
•   While inmates prefer to see family and friends in person, video visitation allows them to visit with them more often, and on a whim.
•   Video visitation gives the inmates and their visitors the feeling of more privacy.

Video visitation from the perspective of the visitor allows them to visit from their home, their car, at work, and even allows them to take their device to a family or religious gathering. It allows them to give their inmate the feeling of belonging and not being forgotten.

Video visitation can take place on a computer, a tablet or a phone.

Video visitation saves time. Instead of spending hours driving to the jail, checking in, filling out paperwork, potentially being searched, waiting, and then having a 15–30-minute visit, if it isn’t cancelled at the last minute, the visit can be done from anywhere during a short break in the visitor’s day.

If the visitor does not have access to a phone or computer, they can make an appointment ahead of time and use terminals in the lobby of the jail.

You must also be on the inmate's approved list, even for a video visit.

What are the companies that work with the jails and prisons that allow video visits?

There are several different companies that contract with all the jails and prisons that allow video visitation:

These are the companies in alphabetical order:

CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Solutions Group
Correct Pay
Ctel
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
iwebvisits
JailATM
Jpay
Gettingintouch (netvisit)
NCIC
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
Tiger Services
Visitel
In addition, some jails use Microsoft Meeting and Zoom.

TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.

Here’s how it works for Macon County Jail:
1.   All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Macon County Jail Illinois (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2.   If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3.   An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4.   All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5.   Macon County Jail mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once they process your mail and ship them out on your behalf, they are out of the loop entirely. However, at times they may offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy.
Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them.

Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:

Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
Next, you will receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon.

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...

Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps.
All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
The delivery of your letters depends on couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.

IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts

** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Macon County Jail Illinois (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.

Macon County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Macon County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Macon County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Macon County Jail - IL
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

Macon County Jail now offers Homewav ComPAS™ (Portable Access System) tablets to their inmates.

Homewav is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for phone, visits, messages, education, self-help and entertainment.

Questions:

By phone - 314-764-2872
By email - [email protected]

To learn more about Homewav tablets, the dozens of features, cost and how to get one delivered to your inmate, check out our Inmate Tablet page.

How to Visit or Email an Inmate in Macon County Illinois or visiting an inmate at the jail

To visit or email an inmate in Macon County follow these steps:

In addition to visiting inmates at the jail, Macon County Jail uses a video visitation service called HomeWav.
Register and Sign Up Here.
Complete all steps of the registration process to get full access to Macon County Jail inmate communication services.
Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
Then you just wait for your Macon County inmate to communicate.
How do you add Funds to your account?
Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds".
Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
Click “Update”.
Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card).

Who do you contact if you are having any problems arranging the remote video visit, phoning or emailing of an inmate in Macon County?
Call HomeWav support at 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

NOTE: All communications between you and your inmate at Macon County Jail will be recorded and stored. Do not discuss your inmate's case or other sensitive information as it can be used against them (or you) in court.

For full instructions on all the benefits of using Homewav to visit a Macon County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, email and texting an inmate, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page.

How Do Inmates in Macon County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Macon County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

Macon County Jail uses the services of HOMEWAV.
Register with them online or call them at 844-394-6639.
Agents are available from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and speak both English & Spanish.
Services for Macon County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Macon County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, video, messaging, time limits and more, visit our Inmate Phone Page.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Macon County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Macon County Jail follow these steps:

Go to JailATM, choose Illinois, then choose Macon County Jail
Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
Select the products you want shipped to them at Macon County Jail, and then input your payment method.
NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Macon County at any one time.
If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Macon County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Macon County.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Macon County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Macon County Jail follow these steps:

Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Macon County.
After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
Choose Illinois, then choose Macon County Jail
Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
Select your inmate.
Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Macon County Jail, and then input your payment method.
NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Macon County at any one time.
If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Macon County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Macon County.