Richmond CI Phone Calls. ViaPath Rates, AdvancePay Setup, and Video Visits

How Calls Work at Richmond CI

The person inside Richmond CI initiates all calls. You cannot call into the facility directly to reach them. They dial your number from a facility phone, and the call connects through ViaPath/GTL.

For the call to go through, you need an active AdvancePay account with funds. Without a funded AdvancePay account, calls from Richmond CI will not connect to your number.

Setting Up an AdvancePay Account

1. Go to connectnetwork.com and create a free account, or call 800-483-8314.
2. Select “AdvancePay” and find Richmond Correctional Institution.
3. Enter the phone number you want calls to reach. This number must match what the person inside has on their approved call list.
4. Add funds with a debit or credit card. The balance draws down at $0.10 per minute as calls come in.

AdvancePay funds are separate from trust fund deposits used for commissary. If you want to cover both, make separate deposits. Call 888-428-1845 for the trust fund.

Call Rate and Time Limit

The rate at Richmond CI is $0.10 per minute. Each call is limited to 15 minutes. If you want a longer conversation, the person inside can call back after the first call ends. Each callback starts fresh as a new 15-minute call.

At $0.10 per minute, a full 15-minute call costs $1.50 from your AdvancePay balance.

What Numbers Can Be Called

The person inside can only call numbers that have been approved by the facility. If they want to add a new number, they submit a request to staff. Approval typically takes a few days. Contact the facility at (910) 281-3161 if you need to check whether a number is on the approved list.

Call Monitoring and Recording

All calls from Richmond CI are monitored and recorded. Do not discuss pending legal matters on a regular facility phone call. Attorney calls handled through proper legal channels may have different rules. Ask the facility directly if you have questions about privileged calls.

Video Visits Through GettingOut Visits

Video visits are available through the GettingOut Visits app. This is a separate service from regular phone calls.

To set up:

1. Go to sso.gtlconnect.com or download the GettingOut Visits app.
2. Create a free account.
3. Find Richmond Correctional Institution.
4. Add funds and schedule a visit.

On-demand visits may also be available if the person has a tablet inside. Video visits allow face-to-face connection without the drive to Hoffman.

Messaging Through GTL

GTL’s ConnectNetwork platform may also support electronic messaging at Richmond CI. Check connectnetwork.com for current messaging options. Messaging fees vary and are separate from AdvancePay call funds.

Troubleshooting Failed Calls

If calls are not connecting:

• Confirm your AdvancePay account has a positive balance.
• Confirm the phone number on your account matches the number the person inside is dialing.
• Confirm the number is on their approved call list.
• Check that your account is linked to Richmond Correctional Institution.
• Call ViaPath support at 877-650-4249 for further help.

Adding Funds to an Existing Account

Log into connectnetwork.com or the ConnectNetwork app and add funds to your AdvancePay balance. You can also call 800-483-8314. Funds post quickly when added online or by phone.

What Happens to Funds If the Person Transfers

If the person transfers to another NC state facility, the AdvancePay balance typically carries over. The person inside will use the same ConnectNetwork system at the new facility. If the transfer is out of state or to a different phone provider, call ViaPath at 877-650-4249 to ask about the balance.

Staying Connected Between Calls

While waiting for the next call, you can send mail through TextBehind or deposit commissary money through ConnectNetwork. See the related guides at the bottom of this page.