More on inmate visitation at the Travis County link below.
All jails have documented policies for visitors. During COVID when in-person visits were prohibited, some learned the benefit of virtual visitation and have adopted this service permanently. Travis County resumed in-person visitation starting March 16, 2021:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2021
In-Person Inmate Visitation to Resume
On March 3, 2021, in accordance with GA-34, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards provided guidelines for county jails regarding the reinstatement of in-person inmate visitation. The guidelines require each jail facility to develop a safety plan, share the plan with the local health authority for comments/recommendations, then submit both to the commission for final approval.
TCSO submitted its plan to Austin Public Health (APH) March 9, 2021. That same day, APH reviewed the plan, commented that it appears safe and appropriate and offered no recommended changes. TCSO made the Texas Commission on Jail Standards aware of its intentions to reinstate in-person visitation.
TCSO received approval from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to resume in-person visitation starting March 16, 2021. Guidelines and schedules are posted on the TCSO web site and are as follows:
Pursuant to Executive Order (GA-34), in person visitation will resume March 16, 2021.
We encourage visitors to utilize the
Securus Video Visitation System as an alternative method to connect with inmates. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our inmates, their loved ones, and our staff.
In an effort to protect staff, inmates, volunteers and visitors from potential exposure to the coronavirus, the following will occur upon entry to the Visitation Center:
• ALL VISITORS MUST AGREE TO PROPERLY WEAR A MASK COVERING THEIR FACE AND NOSE.
• ALL VISITORS WILL HAVE THEIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN BEFORE BEING ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE VISITATION CENTER.
• ALL VISITORS WILL REVIEW THE LIST OF SYMPTOMS PROVIDED BY THE CDC AND ADVISE IF ANY ARE APPLICABLE.
In General, children two years of age and older should wear a mask. All efforts to comply will need to be made, however, TCSO recognizes that wearing masks may not be possible in all situations when it comes to small children. Appropriate and consistent use of masks may be challenging for some children and adults such as those with certain disabilities, including cognitive, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and behavioral disorders.
Travis County Sheriff's Office
www.tcsheriff.org