Pocahontas County Jail COVID-19 Coronavirus Visitation Policy

Pocahontas County Jail

Address:
99 Court Square
Pocahontas, IA 50574

Phone:

712-335-3308

New Visitation Policies in Pocahontas County Jail Due to COVID-19 Coronavirus

Because of concerns for the safety and wellness of both staff and inmates at the Pocahontas County Jail in Pocahontas, Iowa, contact visits of any type may be suspended. Even if they have visits, from time to time, face masks may be required.

Approved Non-contact visits with family, friends and the inmate’s lawyers may still be allowed when at-home or onsite video visitation is not available, however given that new guidelines are changing daily please check the visitation page or call 712-335-3308 for updates.

Video Visitation at Pocahontas County Jail

At-home and onsite video visitation guidelines for Pocahontas County Jail, when this service is available, can be found by going to the visitation information page.

We highly recommend that you call 712-335-3308 first for any changes due to staff shortages or other unforeseen circumstances, including whether your inmate has become ill and is unable to be in the general population where video kiosks are available.

How Long Will These Changes Last?

Experts in the study of the COVID-19 are anticipating that spread of the virus will be a ongoing concern for Pocahontas County, the state of Iowa and the entire United States until well into 2024 and maybe even beyond. We are witnessing the virus becoming more contagious, but less deadly over time. Many people think that the 'more contagious, but less deadly' variants will infect so many people that a higher level of natural immunity for the majority of Americans will be the end result.

Will the Inmates in Pocahontas County Jail Be Safe from Getting Sick With COVID-19 Coronavirus?

Whether the inmates are safe from contracting the coronavirus depends entirely on two things:

  1. The Virus being introduced into the facility by a staff member or inmate who is unaware that they have it.
  2. How easily it spreads.

At this stage most people who get the coronavirus show very few symptoms beyond what you might experience with a bad cold or a mild case of the common flu. Newer variants are turning out to be less deadly than the common flu we experience every year.

Studies that have been done are showing that the hardest hit are those 60 years of age and older, those with pre-existing medical issues like diabetes, leukemia or obese individuals. Young men and women rarely become very ill, and when they do, seem to recover quickly.

Given the close proximity of inmates and staff to each other in this lockup, it is going to be very difficult to prevent the spread of COVID-19 once it is introduced into the facility as the virus can spread via the microscopic vapor that we release every time we speak, cough or sneeze.

We will continuously update this page as the virus changes and new policies are instituted.

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Pocahontas County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Pocahontas County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Pocahontas County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


 

How to Have Remote Video Visits with an Inmate in Pocahontas County

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Pocahontas County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with your Pocahontas County inmate using Inmate Canteen.
  • Inmate Canteen has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area at Pocahontas County Jail.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Pocahontas County inmate.
  • This is a fee based service.

Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Pocahontas County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Pocahontas County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.


 

How Do Inmates in Pocahontas County Jail Make Phone Calls?

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

  • Pocahontas County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen.
  • Register online, or log in if you already have an account with them. (Note: Chrome works best with this website)
  • Services for Pocahontas County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

Instructions on Purchasing Calling Cards or setting up to receive calls from an inmate:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select Iowa, then Pocahontas County Jail, then the inmate you wish to purchase a phone card or calling time for.
  • Select the "Purchase Phone Card for an Inmate" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase the phone card for your inmate in Pocahontas County.

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


 

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

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

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Iowa, then Pocahontas County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Pocahontas County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Pocahontas County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Pocahontas County.


 

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Pocahontas County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Pocahontas County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select Iowa, then select Pocahontas County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Add money to your account.
  • Verify your email.
  • Send message.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your Pocahontas County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Pocahontas County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Pocahontas County.