Address:
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
Phone:
320-259-3760
The Stearns County Jail believes in the importance of their inmates having an opportunity to have visits from family and friends. When an inmate is released he or she needs to return home, and closeness to their family is one of the strongest reasons that keeps them from getting in trouble again.
One way that Stearns County Jail is able to accomplish this is with homewav remote video visitation. Remote visiting allows loved ones to use their phone or computer to connect directly with their inmate via a video kiosk in the jail or using tablets, all in a joint effort between the facility and homewav.
The benefits of video visitation are:
For more information on homewav video visits and video messages, call the facility at 320-259-3760 or scroll down for a complete section of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Stearns County Jail
Stearns County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation.
Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you.
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.
Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.
How Much does Homewav Cost?
Stearns County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.
There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.
In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.
How does HomeWAV video visitation work?
1. Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call
How Do I add Funds to my account?
1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update”
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)
Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer.
Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.
To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call.
You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website.
The app should be solely used for video visitation.
What are the minimum PC requirements?
1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone
Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?
Yes, Stearns County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby.
How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?
1. Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2. The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on.
3. Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4. When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.
Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?
If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email support@homewav.com and include the following information:
1. Homewav account holder’s name.
2. The number of minutes to be transferred.
3. Facility Name.
4. From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.
How do I get a refund on leftover funds?
Email HomeWAV at refunds@homewav.com with your refund request.
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee. *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.
How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?
HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST
HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
320-259-3760
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
What is a video visit, and how do they work?
Who are the companies that facilitate video visits?
Video visitation, also known as remote visitation, is quickly becoming the preferred method for visiting an inmate in jail or prison for the following reasons:
• It requires little to no staff, versus the staff required to move inmates to and from the visit and watch over the visit. It saves the Stearns County Jail money.
• It removes any opportunity for contraband (drugs) to enter the facility.
• It can become a profit center for the facility, given that the revenue generated by visits is shared with the jail.
• While inmates prefer to see family and friends in person, video visitation allows them to visit with them more often, and on a whim.
• Video visitation gives the inmates and their visitors the feeling of more privacy.
Video visitation from the perspective of the visitor allows them to visit from their home, their car, at work, and even allows them to take their device to a family or religious gathering. It allows them to give their inmate the feeling of belonging and not being forgotten.
Video visitation can take place on a computer, a tablet or a phone.
Video visitation saves time. Instead of spending hours driving to the jail, checking in, filling out paperwork, potentially being searched, waiting, and then having a 15–30-minute visit, if it isn’t cancelled at the last minute, the visit can be done from anywhere during a short break in the visitor’s day.
If the visitor does not have access to a phone or computer, they can make an appointment ahead of time and use terminals in the lobby of the jail.
You must also be on the inmate's approved list, even for a video visit.
There are several different companies that contract with all the jails and prisons that allow video visitation:
These are the companies in alphabetical order:
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Solutions Group
Correct Pay
Ctel
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
iwebvisits
JailATM
Jpay
Gettingintouch (netvisit)
NCIC
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
Tiger Services
Visitel
In addition, some jails use Microsoft Meeting and Zoom.
