Inmates at the Alexandria Jail have also had to adapt to the coronavirus, and with visitation limited are now having weekly 10 minute-long Zoom meetings with family members.
There are 210 inmates in the jail (well below capacity at 338 inmates) and currently none are infected with COVID-19, according the Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Amy Bertsch. Inmates are required to move around common areas with face masks and observe social distancing.
The new visitation rules were enacted last week, and visitation hours are between 7:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. and  8 to 10 p.m.
“We want them to be connected to their family and friends,” Bertsch told ALXnow. “We want them to be engaged, and so the video visitation is one effort to do that.”
Deputy Jacquelyn Olson was tasked by the sheriff to organize the effort, and said that visitations are hooked up to smart TVs in six separate locations around the jail. Inmates sign up on a schedule and Olson reaches out to family members and books the meetings, which are held in the presence of a single deputy.
“Hopefully as things start to get a little bit smoother we can increase it a little bit, but everybody gets 10 minutes for now,” Olson said, adding that the visitations are a morale booster. “We’ve had a super positive impact so far. I’ve seen people crying, people who get to see their kids. They get to see their pets. They’ve got family overseas and in other countries or on the other side of the country and they finally get to see them for the first time in who knows how long.”
The sheriff’s office reportedly starting preparing for the virus in February, and most staff are essential personnel, and are still coming into work. Staff and inmates have also “tripled” cleaning efforts, Sheriff Dana Lawhorne told ALXnow in March, who added that his office is also conducting a thorough intake screening process.
“If somebody is diagnosed with the coronavirus and they happen to be get arrested for some reason, our screening processes for them are much different. If that person gets committed to the jail then we have measures in place to contain that,” he said.
Photo via City of Alexandria
Recent Stories
The redevelopment of the Montgomery Center has pushed some businesses out of Alexandria or out of business, but a clever re-use of an old funding authority may help The Art…
Hundreds solemnly gathered outside Police Headquarters this morning to dedicate the Alexandria Police Department Suicide Memorial. The names of officers Jason Kline, who died in 2004, and his best friend,…
Work is finally getting underway next week on a complete overhaul of the busy King/Callahan/Russell intersection. Work is expected to start the first week of October. Drivers going through the…
Step inside a cult-classic inspired world at DC Fray’s can’t-miss Halloween party packed with endless references to iconic films and music from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Vibe to retro sounds…
If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Our local therapy practice is delighted to welcome Stacey Cali, Resident in Counseling, who has openings now for new clients. Stacey specializes in therapy for women, couples, teens and families. A graduate of George Mason University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Program, Stacey is also passionate about working with people with addiction.
Stacey’s approach: “Therapy’s a powerful combination of reflection, support and action. You’ll find sessions are filled with empowerment, compassion, goal setting and a metaphorical shovel to dig deep to find the root of your difficulties and how to move past them.”
Adds Stacey, “As a therapist who works with women, teens, couples and families, I use a personalized style of counseling, tailored to you as an individual. You’re the expert in your life, I’m just here to guide you towards transformation and healing.”
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
