King County Jail Video Visit connects authorized friends, family, attorneys, and clergy with adults housed at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle or the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent through the Securus Video Connect portal. Call 1‑877‑573‑3658 or log in to create a time slot, verify the inmate’s housing location, and confirm the visitor’s approval status before finalizing the appointment. All public sessions are automatically recorded on secure servers and reviewed by the King County Sheriff’s Office for privacy compliance, while attorney‑client meetings remain unrecorded to protect privilege.
How to Schedule a King County Jail Video Visit
Scheduling a video visit starts with verifying the inmate’s current housing location. The King County Correctional Facility is in downtown Seattle at 500 Fifth Ave., while the Maleng Regional Justice Center is in Kent at 620 W. James St. Each facility uses the same Securus Video Connect system but operates on separate visitation blocks. Call 1‑877‑573‑3658 or visit the official Securus portal to begin. You must have the inmate’s full name and booking number ready. The system will check if the inmate is eligible for video visits and whether your name appears on their approved visitor list. If not, the inmate must add you through the jail’s internal request process before you can book.
After confirming eligibility, select your preferred time slot from the available weekly schedule. Video visits are organized into seven blocks, each tied to a specific housing unit and security level. Slots fill quickly, so book as early as possible. Once chosen, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a secure meeting link. This link is unique to your session and should not be shared. The system also sends reminders 24 hours before your scheduled visit. If you miss your slot, you must reschedule for the next available opening.
Registration Requirements and Visitor Approval
All visitors must register with Securus Video Connect using a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. During registration, you’ll upload a clear photo of your face and accept the facility’s code of conduct. This includes rules about appropriate clothing, language, and behavior during the call. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in immediate termination of the visit and possible suspension of future privileges.
The approval process typically takes 1–3 business days. Once approved, your name is added to the inmate’s visitor list. Only people on this list can schedule video visits. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also on the approved list. Guardians must provide proof of custody or guardianship documents during registration. All visitors are subject to background checks, and certain criminal histories may disqualify applicants.
Technology and Equipment Needed
You can join a King County Jail Video Visit from a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet using the free Securus mobile app. The app works on both iOS and Android devices. For the best experience, use a device with a front-facing camera, microphone, and stable internet connection. A wired headset with a microphone is recommended to reduce background noise and improve audio clarity.
Onsite kiosks are available in the visitation lobbies of both facilities for those without personal devices. These kiosks are touch-screen terminals with built-in cameras and headsets. They operate on the same Securus system and require the same login credentials. Kiosk visits follow the same scheduling rules as remote sessions and count toward the weekly visitation limit.
Privacy, Recording, and Legal Protections
All public video visits are recorded and stored on encrypted servers managed by Securus Technologies. These recordings are reviewed by the King County Sheriff’s Office to ensure compliance with jail policies and privacy laws. Recordings may be used as evidence in investigations or disciplinary hearings. Visitors are notified of this policy during registration and again before each session begins.
Attorney-client video visits are exempt from recording to protect legal privilege. To qualify, the visitor must be a licensed attorney representing the inmate in an active case. The system verifies attorney status through bar association records. Legal sessions use a separate, secure channel within the Securus portal. Clergy visits may also qualify for unrecorded sessions if pre-approved by facility administration.
Document Uploads and Secure Messaging
The Securus portal includes a secure document center where visitors can upload official paperwork. Accepted files include court-ordered release forms, medical consent letters, travel authorizations, and power of attorney documents. All uploads are encrypted with AES-256 encryption and reviewed by jail staff before the scheduled visit. Files must be in PDF or JPEG format and under 10MB in size.
A real-time chat feature is available during video calls for technical support. If you experience audio delays, frozen video, or connection drops, click the chat icon to connect with a Securus technician. Support agents can troubleshoot issues without ending the visit. They may ask you to restart your device, check your internet speed, or switch to a different network. Chat logs are saved for quality assurance.
Visitation Schedules and Time Limits
Video visitation operates on a weekly schedule divided into seven blocks. Each block corresponds to a specific housing unit within the jail. Schedules vary by facility and security level. For example, minimum-security units may have more frequent slots than maximum-security units. The full weekly schedule is posted online and updated every Monday.
Each video visit lasts up to 30 minutes. Sessions begin and end automatically based on the scheduled time. If technical issues delay the start, the system extends the session by the same amount of time. No extensions are granted for personal reasons. Visitors are limited to one session per week per inmate. In-person visits follow a separate schedule and are not interchangeable with video visits.
Fees and Payment Options
King County does not charge inmates or visitors for video visits. The service is funded through the county’s detention budget. However, Securus may impose fees for premium features such as extended recording storage or priority scheduling. These options are not required for standard visits and are clearly labeled during checkout.
Payment for optional services is processed through the Securus portal using a credit or debit card. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption. Receipts are emailed automatically. Refunds are not available for completed visits, even if the session ends early due to technical problems. For billing questions, call Securus customer service at 1‑877‑573‑3658.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you cannot log in, ensure your username and password are correct. Passwords are case-sensitive and must include at least one number and one special character. If you forget your password, use the “Reset Password” link on the login page. A reset code will be sent to your registered email address.
For video quality problems, check your internet speed. A minimum of 2 Mbps upload and download is required for smooth streaming. Close other apps using bandwidth, such as video streaming or file downloads. If using a public Wi-Fi network, switch to a private connection. The Securus app displays a connection strength indicator before the visit starts.
Rules and Conduct During Visits
Visitors must dress appropriately—no revealing clothing, hats, or sunglasses. Backgrounds should be plain and free of distractions. Do not use filters, virtual backgrounds, or screen-sharing features. Talking over the inmate or interrupting staff instructions will result in immediate termination. Profanity, threats, or discussion of illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
Recording, screenshotting, or streaming the video visit is illegal and may lead to criminal charges. The system detects unauthorized recording attempts and alerts jail staff. Visitors found violating this rule face permanent bans and possible prosecution. Inmates may also face disciplinary action for encouraging such behavior.
Special Accommodations and Accessibility
The Securus portal supports screen readers and keyboard navigation for users with visual impairments. Closed captioning is available upon request—enable it in the settings menu before the visit starts. For hearing-impaired visitors, the system offers real-time transcription during the call. Requests for these features must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Wheelchair-accessible kiosks are available at both facility lobbies. Staff can assist with setup upon arrival. For inmates with medical or mental health needs, special visitation protocols may apply. Contact the facility’s medical coordinator through the main visitation line to arrange accommodations.
Contact Information and Support
For scheduling help, call the Securus Video Connect hotline at 1‑877‑573‑3658. Lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. For facility-specific questions, call the King County Jail visitation desk at 206‑296‑1234. This number also provides updates on holiday schedules, system outages, and policy changes.
Official website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dajd/courts-jails-legal-system/information-services-jail-detention/contact-visit-adult/video-visit Phone: 206‑296‑1234 Visiting hours: Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (varies by housing unit) Address: 500 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how King County Jail Video Visit works, what to expect, and how to resolve common problems. Below are detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions based on official policies and user experiences.
Can I visit multiple inmates in one session?
No. Each video visit is limited to one inmate at a time. You must schedule separate sessions for different inmates, even if they are housed in the same facility. The system does not allow group video calls or conference-style visits. This rule ensures privacy and prevents unauthorized communication between inmates. If you need to speak with more than one person, book individual time slots on different days. Each session counts toward your weekly visitation limit.
What happens if the inmate is moved to a different housing unit?
If an inmate is transferred between housing units or facilities, their visitation schedule may change. The Securus system updates automatically, but it can take up to 24 hours for changes to appear. Always verify the inmate’s current location before scheduling. Call 206‑296‑1234 or check the online inmate lookup tool. If your scheduled visit is affected, the system will notify you via email and allow you to reschedule without penalty.
Are video visits available on holidays?
Video visitation operates on a reduced schedule during major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Hours may be shortened or suspended depending on staffing levels. The full holiday schedule is posted on the King County website two weeks in advance. Emergency visits for legal or medical reasons may be arranged by contacting the facility administrator directly.
Can I bring a child to a video visit?
Yes, children may participate if they are supervised by an approved adult visitor. Minors under 18 cannot schedule visits alone. The adult must remain on camera and responsible for the child’s behavior. Inappropriate conduct by a child may result in the visit being ended. Diapers, bottles, and quiet toys are allowed, but loud noises or disruptions are not permitted.
What if the inmate refuses the visit?
Inmates have the right to decline any visit, including video calls. If they refuse, the system will show the visit as “inmate unavailable.” You will not be charged, and the slot will reopen for others. Reasons for refusal may include disciplinary status, medical issues, or personal choice. You can try rescheduling, but repeated refusals may indicate a need to contact the facility for clarification.
How do I report a technical problem during a visit?
Use the real-time chat feature in the Securus portal to report issues like frozen video, no audio, or dropped connections. Click the chat icon in the corner of the screen to connect with support. Provide your name, inmate’s name, and a brief description of the problem. Technicians can often fix issues remotely. If the problem persists, the visit may be rescheduled at no cost.
Is there a way to extend a video visit?
No. All video visits are strictly limited to 30 minutes. The system automatically ends the session at the scheduled time. Extensions are only granted for technical delays caused by the system, not personal requests. If the visit starts late due to a connection issue, the system adds the lost time to the end. Otherwise, you must wait until your next eligible slot.