Visiting someone held at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center in Fairfax, Virginia starts with confirming the current visiting schedule, the visitor approval process, and your status on the approved visitor list. Visitation policies vary widely from one facility to another based on operating authority, security level, and the inmate's current status. Call Fairfax County Pre-Release Center directly at 703-246-4478 to confirm what applies right now.
Most detention facilities require visitors to be approved in advance. The inmate at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center typically submits a list of proposed visitors, and each adult on that list completes a visitor application form for a background check. Approval timelines range from a few days to several weeks depending on the facility. Do not travel for a visit until you have received confirmation. Call 703-246-4478 for the visitor application process and expected approval timeline.
Visiting schedules at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center depend on the facility's operating model. Some facilities offer walk-in visits during posted hours; others require advance scheduling through an online portal or phone reservation. Visiting days may differ by housing unit or classification. Holiday schedules often change without much notice. Call 703-246-4478 a day or two before your planned visit to confirm the slot is still open and the inmate is eligible for visits.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. Most facilities require it to be unexpired and match the name on your approved application. Dress codes at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center are enforced at entry: no revealing attire, no clothing that resembles inmate or staff uniforms, no hats, and in many facilities no underwire bras. Leave phones, bags, electronics, keys, and wallets in your vehicle or in lobby lockers.
A visit can be denied for reasons unrelated to your paperwork: the inmate may be in disciplinary status, restricted housing, medical isolation, or holdover during a transfer. Facility-wide lockdowns also suspend visits without notice. If the inmate has recently arrived, been moved, or had any change in status, call 703-246-4478 before traveling. A phone call the morning of the visit can save a wasted trip.
Many detention facilities now offer video visitation through providers such as Securus, GTL/ViaPath, HomeWAV, or Smart Communications, either alongside or in place of in-person visits. Video visits typically require setting up a paid account, scheduling in advance, and connecting from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. For information on inmate phone discount plans and money transfer services, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 703-246-4478 to confirm what's available at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center.
To confirm visiting hours, the visitor application process, or current eligibility at Fairfax County Pre-Release Center, call 703-246-4478.
VIDEO VISITING for inmates who are authorized for visitation are allowed one video visit per day in 15 or 30-minute increments. The cost is 10 cents per minute for remote video visiting. There is no charge for on-site video visiting using a kiosk in the Adult Detention Center lobby.
Visits must be scheduled and paid for through Smart Communications and take place during the following hours. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, the inmate may not receive notification of the pending visit.
When the allotted time is used up, the visit will end automatically. To end a visit early, click the End Visit button. You cannot re-join a visit after clicking the End Visit button.
Make sure you are in a well-lit area and there is good lighting on your face, especially if you are wearing a mask. Avoid bright areas behind you. Keep your head upright and look directly into the camera. The video feed will go blank if a face is not detected.
Inmates will log into a kiosk or tablet for their visit. Once they select the visitation application, they should see their scheduled visits, if any, on the page.
Reminder: Paying for and scheduling video visits is done through Smart Communications. Please direct all questions to this vendor. Do not send a scheduling request to the Sheriff's Office. How Video Visitation Works (smartjailmail.com).