Virtual visiting

At the Twin Falls County Jail, inmate visits are now virtual, rather than in-person, the Times-News reports today. Last month, the jail switched from traditional jail visitation to the new video system, which it got for free as a beta test of the new equipment. “We’re the guinea pigs,” Lt. Mike Wiggins told the newspaper.

For now, visitors go to a kiosk in the jail lobby, while inmates use video terminals in their cell blocks; within two months, the system will allow visits from home computer webcams. More here.

I can think of several situations in which I’d prefer virtual visiting. Do you think this catch on in other jails?