McDowell County Detention Facility Video Visits. How to Schedule Through NCIC

What Kind of Visits Does McDowell County Detention Offer?

McDowell County Detention Facility only offers video visitation. There are no in-person contact visits and no in-person non-contact visits. If you were hoping to visit someone in a physical visiting room, that is not available at this facility.

Video visits let you see and talk to the person through a camera on both ends. You can connect from home, work, or anywhere with internet access and a camera. You don’t need to drive to Marion or take time off work to travel.

How to Set Up an NCIC Account

Before you can schedule a video visit, you need an NCIC account. Here is how to create one:

1. Go to videovisit.ncic.com on your phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Click “Create Account” or “Sign Up.”
3. Enter your name, email address, and a password.
4. Verify your email address with the confirmation link NCIC sends you.
5. Log in and add McDowell County Detention Facility to your account.

If you run into any problems, call NCIC customer support at 800-943-2189. They can walk you through account setup over the phone.

How to Schedule a Video Visit

Once your NCIC account is set up:

1. Log in at videovisit.ncic.com.
2. Select McDowell County Detention Facility.
3. Search for the person by name or ID number.
4. Choose an available time slot from the schedule.
5. Confirm the visit and save your appointment details.

The person inside may need to be approved as a contact before your first visit. This approval is typically processed by the facility. Allow extra time for first-time visits.

Visiting from Your Device

You can join a video visit from:

• A smartphone (iPhone or Android)
• A tablet
• A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam

You’ll need a working camera and microphone, a stable internet or cellular connection, and the NCIC app or website open at the time of your visit. Log in a few minutes early to make sure everything is working.

If you’re using a phone, download the NCIC app from the App Store or Google Play for the best experience.

What Happens During a Video Visit

Video visits are monitored. Conduct yourself as you would during any official visit. Keep the camera pointed at your face and stay in a well-lit area so the person can see you clearly.

Do not:

• Record the video call without permission
• Have other people join the camera without prior approval
• Discuss anything that could be flagged as inappropriate by facility staff

If a visit is disconnected due to a technical problem on NCIC’s side, contact NCIC support at 800-943-2189 to request credit or reschedule.

Scheduling Rules and Restrictions

• Visits must be scheduled in advance through NCIC
• Walk-in or same-day visits are not guaranteed
• The person inside must have you on their approved contact list
• Minors may be able to participate in video visits depending on facility rules. Check with the detention facility at (828) 652-2236 before scheduling a visit for a child.

Fees for Video Visits

NCIC charges a fee for video visits. The cost depends on the visit length. Fees are shown before you confirm your booking. You’ll need to pay through your NCIC account. Call 800-943-2189 if you have questions about visit pricing.

If You Can’t Get a Visit Scheduled

If you’re having trouble scheduling or finding the person in the NCIC system, try these steps:

1. Call the McDowell County Detention Facility detention line at (828) 652-2236 to confirm the person is in custody and has not been transferred.
2. Call NCIC support at 800-943-2189 for help navigating the scheduling system.
3. Use the inmate search guide to confirm the person is still at this facility.

While You Wait Between Visits

Video visits are not the only way to stay in touch. You can also:

• Send a letter or photo through the mail. See the mail and photos guide for what’s allowed.
• Send a digital message through NCIC’s messaging service at ncic.com.
• Add money to their phone account so they can call you. See the phone calls guide.