ViaPath Tablets
Jail Programs & Services provides ViaPath Tablets to incarcerated persons, allowing them to turn time into opportunity. ViaPath Tablets provide programs and training tools that equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and resources they need to be better prepared for meaningful employment upon release.
Available Features and Services on ViaPath Tablets:
Communication and Social Connection
Video and voice calls: Connect with family and friends through secure video and voice calls.
Messaging: Send and receive messages, often including multimedia content.
"Visit Now" feature: Allows an incarcerated loved one to initiate a video visit with you on demand.
Education and Professional Development
Educational resources: Access educational materials, vocational training, and courses for skill-building.
Job readiness: Find resources like interview tips and other job-related content to prepare for re-entry.
Certifications: Participate in career and technical education courses that can lead to nationally recognized certifications.
Personal Well-Being and Facility Management
Mental health and wellness: Access mental health services, as well as recovery and relapse prevention materials.
Religious services: Read religious texts and access services for spiritual growth.
Facility tasks: Submit request forms electronically.
Law library: Access legal resources through the digital law library.
Entertainment
Games: Play games, with progress saved in the cloud.
Music and books: Listen to music or read books.
Movies and TV: Watch movies and TV shows.
Information on Messaging and Video Visiting (Purchase Required)
Messaging and Video Visiting will be available for purchase on the tablets. Incarcerated Persons will have the option to send and receive messages to people in their contacts for a fee. The outside party will have the ability to attach photo and video messages. All messages are subject to review. Messages will be subject to the same rules and regulations that physical mail is held to (i.e. no inappropriate pictures, videos, sexually oriented material, obscene publications or writings, newspaper or magazine clippings, gang/code writing, drawings or monikers, photos or other materials containing nudity or partial nudity, threats of criminal activity, physical harm, and any written material which fosters animosity among individuals to include hate mail and racial slurs). All photo and videos sent to Incarcerated Persons will be reviewed prior to being accessible by the recipient.
The Outside Party’s Role
The outside party is responsible for knowing and adhering to the facility, tablet, and messaging content rules. If they are unable to adhere to the rules, their account can be suspended indefinitely.
Prohibited messages include but are not limited to the following:
1) Contain threats of physical harm, blackmail, extortion or other criminal activity.
2) Concern plans for escape, criminal activity, or activity that violates jail rules.
3) Concern sending or receiving contraband into the facility or the planning of such.
4) Encourage or instruct how to commit a crime.
5) Contain material that is related to gangs or security threat groups.
6) Contain information that, if communicated, would create a danger of violence or physical harm to any person.
7) Is written in code or suspected code.
8) Contains sexually explicit content.
9) Communication with any other Incarcerated Person in any correctional facility, home detention, active probation or parole client, active member of any criminal organization, or in any treatment facility.
10) Is to or from a victim of a crime that you are in custody for, either in pretrial or sentenced status, either directly OR via third party. Note: the term “victim” includes the guardian or custodial parent of any minor child victim.
11) Third party communication by any means.
12) Or any other act which is deemed nefarious by Sonoma County Jail Staff.
How to Get Started
1. Download the GettingOut mobile app. It is a free download available through Google Play and the Apple App stores. You may also access the website www.gettingout.com to create an account.
2. Create an account. Once you’ve downloaded and opened the app, tap ‘create one here’ to create a new account, or if you already have a GettingOut account login with your current info.
3. Connect with an Incarcerated Person. Follow the steps to add Incarcerated Persons to your contact list.
4. Deposit Funds. Use the GettingOut mobile app to add funds to your account and send messages at your convenience.
Troubleshooting
If issues arise with the ViaPath Messaging and/or GettingOut app, there is a 24/7 customer support team as well as other troubleshooting resources available through the ViaPath website (Contact us - ViaPath). ConnectNetwork is available toll-free, 24/7 to assist with payments and customer support: 1-877-650-4249. Please do not contact the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for issues related to your account, the ViaPath Messaging, and the GettingOut app. We will be unable to assist you.
Pricing
Below are the service rates agreed upon by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and ViaPath. These prices are effective April 1st, 2025.
Service Cost
Remote Video Visitation $0.12 per minute (effective April 1st)
Video Messaging
Per Video Message (30 seconds duration) $1.00
Per Video Message (60 seconds duration) $2.50 (effective April 1st)
Secure Instant Messaging (E-Mail)
Per Written Message .25 each
Per Photo Attachment .25 each
