How GettingOut Works: Complete Guide for County Jail Families

GettingOut is operated by Telmate, which is owned by GTL (Global Tel Link) as part of ViaPath Technologies. GettingOut is designed specifically for county jails rather than state prisons. If your loved one is in a county jail, GettingOut is one of the most likely platforms you will need.

GettingOut serves over 2,200 county jails across 45 states. The platform covers a broad range of facility sizes from large urban county detention centers to smaller local jails. Because GettingOut focuses on county facilities, it is the right platform to check first if your loved one is awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a local facility.

To confirm whether your loved one facility uses GettingOut, search our facility directory or visit gettingout.com and search for the facility by name. You can also call the facility directly and ask which communication provider they use.

Go to gettingout.com and click on the sign up or create account option. Enter your full name, email address, phone number, and create a password. Account creation is free. You will receive a verification email - click the link to activate your account.

After logging in, search for your loved one facility and find them by name or inmate ID number. Add them to your account. Once added, your dashboard will show the services available at their specific facility.

Download the free GettingOut app for iOS or Android. The app is generally well-reviewed and is the most convenient way to schedule video visits, send messages, and manage your account on the go. Log in with the same account details you created on the website.

Some facilities require the inmate to initiate the contact connection rather than allowing you to add them directly. If you cannot find your loved one after creating an account, ask them to add you as a contact from the facility kiosk or tablet.

Video visitation is the most popular feature on GettingOut. To schedule a visit, log in to your account or open the app and go to the video visits section. Select your loved one and choose an available date and time from the scheduling calendar.

Review the cost and enter your payment information to complete the booking. You will receive a confirmation. At the scheduled time, log in to your GettingOut account or open the app and join the video call. Make sure your camera and microphone are working before the visit begins.

GettingOut video visits typically cost between $7.50 and $15 per session depending on the facility. Sessions are usually 20 to 30 minutes long. All visits are recorded and monitored by facility staff.

If a scheduled visit is missed because the inmate was not available due to facility operations such as a lockdown or count, contact GettingOut customer service with your confirmation number to request a credit or reschedule.

Electronic messaging is available at GettingOut facilities that have contracted for this service. Log in to your account and check your dashboard - if messaging appears as an option, it is available at your facility.

To send a message, select your loved one and click compose. Type your message and submit it. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery. Most messages are delivered within a few hours to one business day.

Messaging costs vary by facility. Some facilities charge per message while others use a credit-based system. Check your dashboard for the current pricing at your specific facility.

GettingOut also supports photo sharing at many facilities. You can upload photos through the app and they are delivered to the inmate after staff review. Photo rules vary by facility - always check the content guidelines before sending.

Phone calls through GettingOut work through a prepaid account. You fund an account and the per-minute charge is deducted when the inmate calls your registered number. Inmates must initiate all calls - you cannot call them directly.

To set up phone calls, register your phone number in your GettingOut account and add funds. When the inmate calls your number, the call connects and charges begin. Keep your balance funded to avoid missed calls.

GettingOut phone rates for interstate calls are regulated by the FCC. In-state rates vary by facility. Check your account for the specific rate that applies.

GettingOut allows families to send money to an inmate trust or commissary account. Log in to your account, go to the send money section, select your loved one, enter the amount, and pay by credit or debit card.

Transaction fees apply and vary by facility and transfer amount. Keep your confirmation number until you confirm the funds have been credited. Processing times vary but most deposits are credited within one to three business days.

Note that the phone call account and the inmate trust account are separate. Funding your phone account does not add money to the commissary and vice versa. Make sure you are selecting the correct account type when sending funds.