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GettingOut Visits

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GettingOut Visits 4+

Video visits on the go‪‬, telmate, llc, designed for iphone.

• #39 in Social Networking
• 1.9 • 314 Ratings

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Description.

*Currently available at select facilities.* What if you could visit your loved one from your mobile device anytime, anywhere? Now you can! With our FREE GettingOut Visits app, keeping in touch with loved ones is easier and more flexible than ever. Plus with our new Visit Now feature, there's no scheduling needed. You can video visit on the spot – and you will only be charged for the actual visit time you use. With the GettingOut Visits app, it’s easy to visit anytime, anywhere from your mobile device! WHY USE GETTING OUT VISIT APP? • IT’S A VIDEO CALL: Remote video visits are an easy, instant way to connect with your incarcerated friend or loved one. This service will allow you to make a video call to an inmate, just like Skype or FaceTime. You’ll use your home computer or an iOS device, the inmate will use a wireless tablet. • NO SCHEDULING NEEDED: See your loved one, quicker than ever and video visit when it’s convenient for you without scheduling. The Visit Now feature lets your visit begin in minutes. If the inmate’s not available, you’ll be notified and can schedule a visit later. • NO UPFRONT COSTS: There are no upfront costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO CONNECTION FEES: There are no connection fees, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO PENALTIES: There are no penalties, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO MINIMUM/MAXIMUM COSTS: There are no minimum/maximum costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • MORE FLEXIBILITY: You can visit remotely, when it’s convenient for you and your busy life. • LESS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE: With the Visit Now feature you don't need to schedule visits, so no penalties for missed visits. You'll spend less time with customer service and more time visiting.

Version 3.0

Better indicators for when to log in and out. Updated code and bug fixes.

Ratings and Reviews

314 Ratings

Too many issues

The app is not great I can’t even do a video visit with my love one my understanding is the inmate has to initiate the video visit and when he sends a request he is sending it to a email that I am not using to use the app. He talked with the gtl rep there in the prison and he’s being told that I have 3 accounts with connect network and I need to call in and ask them to merge my accounts this sounds crazy! What’s the problem with just using the email that I set up the app that’s the only that matters! I’m frustrated he’s frustrated that we can’t even do a video visit!

READ THIS FOR HELP

Have you tried to make a payment? Does it keep glitching whenever you try to make a payment? OK well I have some information here. The way you’re able to successfully make a payment/deposit to get FaceTime calls from an inmate is doing it on a computer an actual like laptop. When you go to the getting out website, do not login. hit the option to “continue as guest”… Now answer all of the questions and it’ll actually go to the payment option and it will successfully let you put in your billing information etc. and submit a deposit. I’ve read all of the reviews and I had not been able to be successful in making a payment using their app, but if you go to the “getting out” website on an actual laptop, computer and continue as guest, it’s like if you’re setting up a whole other account but you’re not. You’re continuing as guest and you’ve already registered and verified your phone number- do the family and friends option to make a deposit and you’ll be able to successfully make a deposit payment… Hope it works! another thing too is you actually never get the app to open up the FaceTime calls. It uses the Safari or Internet browser on your phone.

Very unreliable and complicated

This is one of the worst apps I’ve ever used. I almost never leave app reviews but I have to speak up on this one. You have to make deposits to be able to communicate, and when you go to the deposit screen, it won’t allow you to make a deposit. It flashes out of the screen both on the app and on the website. It’s like they’re actively trying to disconnect inmates from their loved ones. I’m not sure how this works from the inside or who teaches people how to use it. It is NOT intuitive. Complicated to figure out how to get from place to place within the app. Separate apps for messaging versus phone and video. For somebody who is in jail for the first time, I have no idea how they know where to start with this. As a family member on the outside with somebody on the inside for the first time, it’s very discouraging. It’s almost criminal that jail systems allow this to be the only communication method with people incarcerated.

App Privacy

The developer, Telmate, LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

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• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Travis County Correctional Complex Remote Inmate Video Visits

Travis county correctional complex.

Address: 3614 Bill Price Road Del Valle, TX 78617 Phone: 512-854-9889

Travis County Correctional Complex - Remote Video Visitation with your Inmate

Travis county correctional complex uses gettingout  for their remote video visitation and/or visit scheduling.  there are three ways to remotely visit your inmate: 1.  using the gettingout/gtl kiosk at the jail. 2. using your computer from home. 3. using your phone on the gettingout or gtl apps..

How it Works with GettingOut 1.   Register an account . 2.  Select Travis County Correctional Complex 3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.    

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Travis County Correctional Complex.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number . 5.  Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115 . GettingOut online contact form Frequently Asked Questions The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store .

Travis County Correctional Complex on-site Video (and face-to-face) Inmate Visitation Schedule, Instructions & Guidelines

Visitation Center is Located at: Travis County Correctional Complex (map) 3614 Bill Price Rd. Del Valle, TX 78617

Visitation Questions? ...  512-854-4666   Customer Support - 855-208-7349

• You can also register and schedule a visit at the Correctional Center. 3614 Bill Price Rd. Del Valle, TX 78617
• Note: Visitors will be allowed TWO visits per week - Face-to-Face or Onsite Video Visit.
• Visits MUST be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
• You MUST arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the visit to check-in. Visitation check-in will end 10 minutes prior to visit; late check-ins will NOT be accepted.
• Only two visitors will be allowed in the face to face visitation area. *Exception: When there are children under the age of 12, the limit will be three visitors.
• All minors under age 17 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• All persons 17 year of age and older need a government issued photo ID.
• Visitors that show up late may have their visit cancelled and will need to re-register for the next available time slot.

Travis County Correctional Complex Remote (from home) Inmate Visitation Schedule, Instructions & Guidelines

Customer Support -  866-516-0115    

• You MUST check in 10 minutes prior to visit.

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 Travis County Correctional Complex 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 .

How to Communicate with an Travis County Correctional Complex Inmate by Mail and by Email

To mail or email an inmate in Travis County follow these steps:

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:

• All mail sent to an inmate at the Travis County Correctional Complex must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
• All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
• Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
• The Travis County Correctional Complex has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations. 
• All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our  Inmate Mail  Page and our  Text/Email an Inmate  Page.

Emailing Messages & Photos

Then use the Facility Finder to: 1.   Select Travis County Correctional Complex, 2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts, 3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

• Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
• After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
• You can also send your Travis County inmate photos and videos.

Customer Service Questions 'Online' Contact Form , or Call    866-516-0115

Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.

All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Travis County can be found on our  Inmate Mail Page and our  Text/Email an Inmate  Page.

Depositing Money for Communicating with an Inmate

How to Make a Deposit for Phone, Email or Visitation using GettingOut.com

• Online  - They accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
• At the Travis County Correctional Complex using the kiosk in the jail lobby - (cash, debit or credit card) NOTE - Travis County Correctional Complex may require identity verification so bring your driver’s license or some other form of ID.
• By phone by calling  866-516-0115  - They have bi-lingual operators are standing by 24 hours 7 days a week to assist you with your deposit. Major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
• By using their app, either Android or iphone . - All credit cards mentioned above are accepted.

For all the information you need to know, including tips, guidelines and warnings about depositing money in a Travis County Correctional Complex inmate's account for communication services, check out our  Send Money   page.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Travis County Correctional Complex?

To visit an inmate in Travis County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

To remotely visit an inmate in Travis County follow these steps: 1.  Start by confirming that Travis County Correctional Complex's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Travis County here . 2.  The next step is to  create an account here for GettingOut . 3. Then add funds to your account. 4. Last, select Travis County Correctional Complex, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Travis County Services provided by GettingOut:  - Phone Calls & Voicemail   - Email, Photo & Video Sharing -  Inmate Tablet Rental -  Deposits

Customer Service If you have any questions about the Travis County Correctional Complex Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115 . Frequently Asked Questions

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Travis County, can be found on our  Visit Inmate  Page. Travis County Correctional Complex Phone: 512-854-9889

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Travis County Correctional Complex

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our  Tablet Rental  Page.

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Travis County Correctional Complex by Phone

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit   -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail   -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Travis County Correctional Complex, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Travis County Correctional Complex Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our  Inmate Phones  Page .

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

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

• Select Texas, then select Travis County Correctional Complex, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
• Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Travis County.

• Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
• NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Travis County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping  Commissary  packages to an inmate in Travis County Correctional Complex check out our Commissary Instructions Page  for Travis County.

Photos of this facility

Inmate Search Travis County & City of Del Valle

Inmate search state of texas and federal lockups, travis county correctional complex contact information.

*Currently available at select facilities

GettingOut Visits

What is it about?

*Currently available at select facilities.*

App Details

App screenshots.

App Store Description

*Currently available at select facilities.* What if you could visit your loved one from your mobile device anytime, anywhere? Now you can! With our FREE GettingOut Visits app, keeping in touch with loved ones is easier and more flexible than ever. Plus with our new Visit Now feature, there's no scheduling needed. You can video visit on the spot – and you will only be charged for the actual visit time you use. With the GettingOut Visits app, it’s easy to visit anytime, anywhere from your mobile device! WHY USE GETTING OUT VISIT APP? • IT’S A VIDEO CALL: Remote video visits are an easy, instant way to connect with your incarcerated friend or loved one. This service will allow you to make a video call to an inmate, just like Skype or FaceTime. You’ll use your home computer or an iOS device, the inmate will use a wireless tablet. • NO SCHEDULING NEEDED: See your loved one, quicker than ever and video visit when it’s convenient for you without scheduling. The Visit Now feature lets your visit begin in minutes. If the inmate’s not available, you’ll be notified and can schedule a visit later. • NO UPFRONT COSTS: There are no upfront costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO CONNECTION FEES: There are no connection fees, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO PENALTIES: There are no penalties, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO MINIMUM/MAXIMUM COSTS: There are no minimum/maximum costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • MORE FLEXIBILITY: You can visit remotely, when it’s convenient for you and your busy life. • LESS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE: With the Visit Now feature you don't need to schedule visits, so no penalties for missed visits. You'll spend less time with customer service and more time visiting.

Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

GettingOut: Connecting Inmates with Loved Ones through Video, Messages & More

GettingOut is a user-friendly web-based service that offers simple and reliable communication to inmates at select institutions around the United States. These include county jails and detention centers. Services include video visits, phone calls and voicemail, and messages and photos. Users create an account, make a deposit, and then access those funds as needed. The core tenets of GettingOut are hope, connection, simplicity, and technology. The parent company is Telmate. Here we have provided answers to common questions people have about using GettingOut to stay in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About GettingOut:

1) How do I sign up for GettingOut? To begin using GettingOut, you will first need to  register .

2) What if I forgot my password on GettingOut? GettingOut does not personally assist you with this, but their system will allow you to  reset your password  at the login screen.

3) Is there a fee to use GettingOut? Yes, there are varying fees for functions on GettingOut. For example, the cost to leave a 3-minute voicemail costs approximately $1.25. There are 3 types of phone calls on GettingOut: prepaid, quick connect, and collect. The most affordable is prepaid, since the other two are impacted by additional fees and possible restrictions.

4) Does GettingOut have an app? Yes, you can download a free app from Apple or  Google Play .

5) Can all inmates use GettingOut? No. GettingOut must be an option at the prison or jail where the inmate is housed. GettingOut provides a search feature to let you find out if a certain institution allows their services.

6) How do I add an inmate to my GettingOut contact list? This is fairly straightforward. First, log in. Next, click on the Contacts tab and locate your friend. Lastly, click Schedule Visit. Once your friend accepts, they will be added as a contact.

7) How do I block an inmate on GettingOut? Blocking or unblocking an inmate is relatively easy on the GettingOut app. Log in, click on the Contacts tab, tap the contact you want to block/unblock, tap the View Profile tab, and tap Block or Unblock.

8) How long can my message be to an inmate? Your message can be a maximum of 500 characters. (Note: That is characters, not words.)

9) Can I contact GettingOut directly? Yes. You can reach GettingOut by phone at 866-516-0115 . ST also offers online support .

10) Does GettingOut provide video visit options? Yes, there are 3 types of video visits: 1) at participating facilities; 2) from a computer that has a camera and microphone; and 3) with the app on a mobile phone.

11) Can I send images to inmates using GettingOut? Yes. However, photos can be sent only through the app and are subject to approval by each institution.

12) How do I deposit funds on GettingOut? After logging in, follow prompts to deposit funds . First, you'll choose the institution. Next, you'll choose the Inmate Account or the Friends & Family Account. If adding funds to an inmate's account, be sure to have information on hand, such as their inmate number and the correct spelling of their name.

Official Links:

GettingOut Official Site GettingOut Official FAQs

Inmates Seeking Pen-pals With Access To GettingOut:

inmates_seeking_pen_pals_with_access_gettingout

WriteAPrisoner.com Forum Posts About GettingOut:

GettingOut Visits Status

*Currently available at select facilities.* What if you could visit your loved one from your mobile device anytime, anywhere? Now you can! With our FREE GettingOut Visits app, keeping in touch with loved ones is easier and more flexible than ever.

Are you having issues? Select the issue you are having below and provide feedback to GettingOut Visits.

problems reported in the last 24 hours

Reported issues: 21 comments.

By amber allen   5 months ago

Same as all the others it wont unable to video chat with me and every time I call about I get told everything is working and no issues. But everytime he tries to video chat I get a email to download the app and I already have it. I don't understand what is wrong and no one can figure it out.I pay alot of $ for all this S*** you wold think they would get a handle on it for as much money as we put into it!Get it together!

By Skyla McIvor-North   5 months ago

It says nothing is available when I try and schedule a video visit

By Jessica   6 months ago

Nothing is wrong on either end, video calls from my husband don't come through.

By lucy jones   7 months ago

deleted and redownloaded go visits app isn’t letting me click on the call flashes for second then dissapears

By Ilya Perry   10 months ago

Inmate tries to call me but I never get a video request I'll be sitting on getting out visits and nothing happens I've signed in and signed out still nothing and when you click on it you can't schedule an appointment to like visit it never gives me that option. It's been going on for months if not 6 months.

By Skyler   11 months ago

Trying to call a friend and usually works but for about an hour now it just says to try again in a few minutes… so frustrating!!

By TARA CRIST   1 year ago

GETTING OUT VISITS NOT COMING THROUGH ON IPHONE OR ANDROID TABLET. WORKED TWICE LAST WEEK BUT HAS NOT WORKED FOR DAYS NOW. VERY FRUSTRATING NOT BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH HIM. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED

By Sara Castro   1 year ago

My husband is no longer able to video call me. It use to work and suddenly, it stopped working. I have an Iphone 14 IOS 16.5 Beta, wondering if the beta is the issue. Someone else having this issue?

By Tina   1 year ago

My husband is unable to video chat with me and every time I call about I get told everything is working and no issues. But everytime he tries to video chat I get a email to download the app and I already have it. I don't understand what is wrong and no one can figure it out

By Lori Lyn Tavares   1 year ago

Video calls don't register on receiving end. Tech support said his tablet is fine and there are no restrictions. Help please, extremely frustrating!

By Tiffany West   1 year ago

im not able to talk to my husband it says there is a problem with my account

By Amy Arias   1 year ago

Video visits are not going through. Customer service confirmed that my account is in good standing & this makes no sense. I have money on my account but cannot video visit. I guess this company doesn't mind losing revenue.

By Trina Howard   1 year ago

I got another new phone because I thought my other phone was having a problem, but it's the same issue..I was able to get use the app a couple times and now it does nothing when he calls. It's not registering on my phone to even get the video call.

By COLLEEN M PHIPPS   1 year ago

Opened visit.telmate.com on my android phone but "visit now" is not showing up?

By Jonna D Doehler   1 year ago

I see my husband's call coming thru but it won't let me accept it. It flashes right away before I can but accept.

By Antoinette Jordan   1 year ago

Video not working

By Nancy Young   1 year ago

My husband cannot video call me. It only gives him the option to ask me to download the app. His facility doesn't allow us to schedule visits. I have Uninstaller the app a few times. I have checked my app. Settings, I have money on the account. The facility has checked and they are confirming it is not on their end. I've called customer service and emailed. Can no one help. This isn't a full service of what the tablets promote. All I need is assistance or a replacement. Tablet. I need a live representative or an i.t. technical support .

By Kari hamilton   1 year ago

Both the visit app and the email app is always down only works. Can not visit with my family! I have to unload and reload and it now hasn’t been up for a week

By Sandra   1 year ago

Can’t even log into the message app . It’s always like that and the video visits always crash about 5 minutes into the visit . The message app has been down for days

By Jennifer Radan   1 year ago

Yes It won't let the video calls go through my finance is trying to call me on video visit and it's not working

By karen chiquito   1 year ago

my getting out video visit says i can,t connect having problems with account can you please help thank you

Common dislikes about GettingOut Visits app

- Browser out of date issue

- Camera flipped and can't be flipped

- Microphone is quiet on a cellphone

- Video calls dropping

- Poorly written and developed

- Poor navigation

- Server crashes all the time

- Terrible customer service

Have a Problem with GettingOut Visits? Report Issue

Leave a comment:

Common GettingOut Visits Problems & Solutions. Troubleshooting Guide

Complete guide to troubleshoot GettingOut Visits app on iOS and Android devices. Solve all GettingOut Visits app problems, errors, connection issues, installation problems and crashes.

Table of Contents:

• GettingOut Visits iPhone Issues and Solutions
• GettingOut Visits iOS app crashes, not working, errors
• GettingOut Visits iOS app network issues
• GettingOut Visits on iOS has black/white screen
• GettingOut Visits Android App Issues and Solutions
• GettingOut Visits has errors/crashing/not working
• GettingOut Visits server network connectivity issues
• GettingOut Visits has black screen

Some issues cannot be easily resolved through online tutorials or self help. So we made it easy to get in contact with the support team at Telmate, LLC, developers of GettingOut Visits.

100% Contact Match

Developer: Telmate

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: Visit GettingOut Visits Website

64.52% Contact Match

Website: Visit Telmate Website

If the inmate’s not available, you’ll be notified and can schedule a visit later. • NO UPFRONT COSTS: There are no upfront costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO CONNECTION FEES: There are no connection fees, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO PENALTIES: There are no penalties, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • NO MINIMUM/MAXIMUM COSTS: There are no minimum/maximum costs, you will only be charged for the actual duration of the visit. • MORE FLEXIBILITY: You can visit remotely, when it’s convenient for you and your busy life. • LESS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE: With the Visit Now feature you don't need to schedule visits, so no penalties for missed visits.  With the GettingOut Visits app, it’s easy to visit anytime, anywhere from your mobile device! • IT’S A VIDEO CALL: Remote video visits are an easy, instant way to connect with your incarcerated friend or loved one.  You’ll use your home computer or an iOS device, the inmate will use a wireless tablet. • NO SCHEDULING NEEDED: See your loved one, quicker than ever and video visit when it’s convenient for you without scheduling.  You can video visit on the spot – and you will only be charged for the actual visit time you use.  What if you could visit your loved one from your mobile device anytime, anywhere? Now you can!  Plus with our new Visit Now feature, there's no scheduling needed.  The Visit Now feature lets your visit begin in minutes.  With our FREE GettingOut Visits app, keeping in touch with loved ones is easier and more flexible than ever.  This service will allow you to make a video call to an inmate, just like Skype or FaceTime.  You'll spend less time with customer service and more time visiting. 

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Jeff Mason is a White House Correspondent for Reuters. He has covered the presidencies of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden and the presidential campaigns of Biden, Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain. He served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association in 2016-2017, leading the press corps in advocating for press freedom in the early days of the Trump administration. His and the WHCA's work was recognized with Deutsche Welle's "Freedom of Speech Award." Jeff has asked pointed questions of domestic and foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. He is a winner of the WHCA's “Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" award and co-winner of the Association for Business Journalists' "Breaking News" award. Jeff began his career in Frankfurt, Germany as a business reporter before being posted to Brussels, Belgium, where he covered the European Union. Jeff appears regularly on television and radio and teaches political journalism at Georgetown University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a former Fulbright scholar.

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The comeback of Notre Dame: American builders help to restore iconic Paris landmark

PARIS — Five years ago a fire brought Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral to its knees, destroying the vaulted wooden ceiling and spire .

In Hatfield, Massachusetts, carpenter Hank Silver watched in horror as flames shot into the air and rapidly spread over the fabled Gothic building’s roof, known as “The Forest” because of its long planks of 800-year-old wood. 

Soon, Silver joined an army of skilled craftsmen from around the world and went to the building’s aid. Now Paris’ soaring medieval landmark is ready to serve as a symbol of the French capital.

The work “changed my life,” Silver told NBC News on Sunday, and he said it had given him a new appreciation of the skills carpenters had in the Middle Ages. “It’s a once in a millennium experience,” he said in an interview. “Having that as my job site at my place of work every day does not get old.”Silver, who is part of Carpenters Without Borders, a team of volunteers who restore historical structures the world over, is one of a handful of craftsmen from around the world who are trained to carry out the work of rebuilding Notre Dame. 

Much of what they’ve done requires tools re-created on site to match those used by workers centuries ago before the towering symbol of French national pride was completed in 1345. 

The day ‘la fléche’ came down

On April 15, 2019, thousands of horrified Parisians and tourists looked on, many with tears in their eyes, as Notre Dame’s iconic spire — known in France as “la fléche,” or arrow — lurched and crashed into the inferno. In a matter of minutes, one of the most recognizable sights in the French capital was gone. 

The following day, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the edifice within five years, a pledge that left many experts skeptical at the time. 

Emily Guerry, a senior lecturer of medieval European history at Britain’s University of Kent, was among them. “I was one of those people,” she said. “I thought no way, you’re not going to be able to find the trees.”

However, 2,000 Oak trees were sourced from forests around Europe for the rebuild. Some of them up to 400 years old, they were left to dry for 12 to 19 months before the carpenters used them. Guerry said she thought finding the money for the expensive rebuild might have been an issue, “but, gosh, the people wanted Notre Dame back.” 

Rebuilding Notre Dame de Paris, the public body responsible for the conservation and restoration of the cathedral, estimated it would cost $760 million. To date 340,000 donors from more than 150 countries have donated around $895 million, it says on its website.    

Guerry said the French state and the Catholic Church had also contributed along with wealthy dynasties. It was very “medieval to have the elite families step forward and donate,” she added.   

“What’s perhaps slightly different today is there is no demand to put their name on the building,” she said. “But what a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

“We all felt something watching that spire fall,” she added. “It made us feel like we were losing a part of our history, our heritage and our connection to our spiritual selves, and no matter where you were in the world watching this ancient building catch fire, you felt for the people of Paris, you felt for the people of France and perhaps you felt for the people who built it.” 

“Significant progress” has been made on the restoration work, according to a report last year by the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, a nonprofit that raises money for the restoration work.

And ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics , work by the crack team of carpenters, scaffolding experts, professional climbers, organ mechanics and others continues apace at the cathedral, which oversees Paris from an island on the Seine river.While the most modern of building methods are being employed, Silver, the carpenter, said when NBC News first interviewed him at a workshop in Normandy last year that tools had been re-created on site to match those used centuries ago, by the original builders. 

“We’re using a mix of 13th-century tools such as the broad axes or dog walk — to finish all the surfaces, we’re using chisels and saws, mallets,” he said. “Everything is finished by hand so that the result is an almost identical replica of the Gothic frame that was there.”

Silver, who watched on as the oak roof frames he crafted were lifted into position by a large crane earlier this year, said the U.S. has “a built tradition that’s much newer, but that is derived from these European methods.”

“So for someone like me, being able to work on this building, which is the birth of this technique, is particularly meaningful,” he said.

“Did you ever think you’d be able to look at Notre Dame and say, ‘I built that?’”

Keir Simmons and Laura Saravia reported from Paris. Henry Austin reported from London.

Keir Simmons is chief international correspondent for NBC News, based in London.

Laura Saravia is a producer based in London.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

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