New center offers video visitation

BROOKSVILLE –
Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced Friday the Hernando County Detention Center’s new Visitation Center is up and running.

Inmates can now communicate with family and friends via a non-contact video link straight from their cells, which eliminates the need for transport. The center, which looks like a call center, is located in the north end of the jail’s parking lot at 16425 Spring Hill Dr.

A sheriff’s office media release indicated visitors have been enjoying the new center, as well as the new regulations. Previously, visitors were allowed one two-hour session a week with an inmate, but the new center allows two one-hour visits a week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Visitation is encouraged to “maintain a positive relationship with the community and reduced tension among inmates,” according to the press release.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said the new center was paid for with the Inmate Welfare Fund, and did not use any taxpayer money.

Visitation appointments can be scheduled by calling (352) 797-3411 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can also schedule an appointment on a computer in the center’s lobby.