Edmonton jail first to eliminate in-person visits with inmates

Family and friends will not be allowed to visit inmates at the new $620-million Edmonton Remand Centre when it opens in early 2012.

Instead, all contact with loved ones will be conducted via video from an off-site location — a first for any Canadian correctional institution.

The province said the switch will be more efficient, eliminating screening for visitors and allowing as many as 1,400 more contacts with prisoners each day.

But those close to inmates are decrying the change, fearful the setup will rob visits of real emotional connection.

"It wouldn't be the same. At least (live) they'd get to see your face, but over a screen it's not real. I wouldn't find it to be real," said Carrie, whose husband recently finished a two-month stint in the current downtown remand centre.

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