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Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. |

Project Pathway: Incarcerated Persons Communication and Connectivity
NJDOC is implementing secure devices to provide approved communication and service access for incarcerated individuals. Secure devices are issued by NJDOC and remain NJDOC property. This page contains official information for families and will be updated as additional details become available.
How to Get Started
To begin using messaging services, families must create a new account with the NJDOC-approved service provider.
Once your account is created, you can search for your incarcerated loved one and add them as a contact. The account includes a Friends & Family feature that allows messages and photos to be sent. After the transition is complete, families can continue to fund an incarcerated individual’s PIN debit account for phone calls and services through the NJDOC-approved funding provider. PIN debit funds will work for both phones and messaging services.
Funds added to a Friends & Family messaging account can only be used to send messages and photos to your incarcerated loved one. Accounts may be created in advance; however, you will only be able to add your incarcerated loved one as a contact once they receive their assigned device.
Please use these instructions to create your account.

Family Account Access
There are no changes to how families fund an incarcerated individual’s PIN debit account for phone calls, trust funds, messaging, or device use. Funds should continue to be added through the NJDOC-approved funding provider as currently done.
Families and friends will use the approved ViaPath services to communicate and manage funds. Only one account is required. The same login credentials work across both approved sites.
The approved services support different functions:
What is changing?
NJDOC is issuing ViaPath secure devices to eligible incarcerated individuals. Secure devices provide access to approved communication, education, and other services.
Are secure devices required?
No. Secure devices are optional. Individuals may refuse a secure device.
Who owns the secure device?
All secure devices are NJDOC property. Use of a secure device is a privilege, not a right.
Will everyone receive a secure device?
Secure devices are issued unless there is a security, safety, or disciplinary reason an individual is not eligible.
What happens with an individual’s old secure device?
Old secure devices must be sent home or turned in to NJDOC for proper disposal. Individuals who refuse a secure device must return their prior JPAY secure device. Only secure devices associated with the current NJDOC-approved vendor may be in an individual’s possession.
What happens if someone refuses a secure device and later changes their mind?
An individual may refuse a secure device. If they later decide to receive one, they may request a secure device through the facility property officer in accordance with established procedures.
Can secure device access be temporarily suspended, and for what reasons?
Yes. Secure device access may be suspended for violations of institutional rules or other policy-based restrictions.
How is a secure device assigned?
Secure devices are assigned directly to an individual using their PIN and a short setup process on the device.
Can secure devices be shared?
No. Secure devices are assigned to one individual and may not be shared.
What happens if someone transfers to another facility?
The individual will leave their secure device behind and be issued a new secure device at the receiving facility. Approved messages and photos remain accessible.
What if a secure device is damaged or lost?
Intentional damage or misuse may result in loss of secure device privileges and possible restitution.
Free vs. Paid Features
How are secure device services funded?
Optional paid services may be funded through the individual’s trust account or by family and friends through the approved provider.
Is any secure device content free?
Yes. Free content includes facility notices, educational resources, religious materials, the law library, and other approved services.
Are there paid features?
Yes. Some optional services require payment. Paid options are clearly identified on the secure device.
Do individuals need to purchase anything to use the secure device?
No. Purchasing paid features is optional.
How does messaging work?
Family and friends must create an approved account and send a contact request. The incarcerated individual chooses whether to accept.
Can incarcerated individuals start contact?
No. Family and friends must initiate contact.
Are messages reviewed?
Yes. All messages, photos, and videos are reviewed and must comply with NJDOC rules.
Are refunds provided for missed or canceled video visits?
If a scheduled video visit is canceled and does not occur, a credit will be issued in accordance with the video visitation policy. Refunds or credits are not provided when a visit is terminated due to rule violations or policy restrictions.
Can phone calls be made from the secure device?
When permitted at the facility, phone calls may be placed using the secure device.
Do secure device phone calls follow the same rules as wall phones?
Yes. The same rules and rates apply.
What if phone privileges are suspended?
If an individual is suspended from phone use, they cannot place calls from the secure device.
Can incarcerated individuals listen to music on the secure device?
Yes. Approved music content is available through the secure device. Some music options may be included with optional paid access plans.
What happens to previously purchased music or media?
Access to music and other media is subject to NJDOC rules and the terms of the approved secure device system. Music content is streamed and not permanently downloaded. Items previously purchased through JPAY are expected to transfer to the individual’s ViaPath account once the transfer process is completed. This may take several months to complete. Availability may vary based on facility operations, account status, or system updates. Games previously purchased are not transferred.
Will music still be available if someone transfers to another facility?
Approved content associated with an individual’s account is generally accessible after a transfer. However, availability may vary depending on facility operations or system changes.
Can music files be downloaded, transferred, or shared?
No. Music and other media cannot be downloaded, transferred, or shared. Content is accessible only through the approved secure device system.
Are refunds provided for music or media that becomes unavailable?
No. Refunds are not provided for content that becomes unavailable due to policy changes, account status, or system updates.
Who helps with technical issues?
Technical and account issues are handled through the approved provider once accounts are active.
Are staff responsible for fixing secure devices or managing accounts?
NJDOC staff do not provide routine technical support or manage personal secure device accounts. Limited assistance may be provided in specific circumstances, such as restoring privileges consistent with policy or inspecting and replacing secure devices when a confirmed manufacturer defect exists. Account-related and technical issues are otherwise handled through the approved provider in accordance with NJDOC procedures.
How are concerns reported?
Individuals may use the secure device feedback tools once issued.
Is video visitation available on the secure device?
Video visitation may be available through the secure device as an optional service, subject to NJDOC rules and facility operations.
How does video visitation work?
When available, video visitation is scheduled and conducted through the approved system. Additional instructions will be provided once services are active.
Who requests the video visit?
Video visits are requested from the visitor, which requires an account through ViaPath. Visitors must ensure they are on the IP’s approved visitor list.
How far in advance must video visits be scheduled?
All video visits require 48 hours’ notice to be scheduled. Any visits scheduled outside of this time frame are subject to cancelation. Video visits will not be scheduled on weekends and holidays.
Are video visits reviewed or monitored?
Yes. Video visitation is subject to NJDOC rules and monitoring, consistent with existing visitation policies. Violations of video visit rules may result in loss of video visit privileges. Rules remain consistent with in-person visitation guidelines.
Are refunds provided for missed or canceled video visits?
If a scheduled video visit is canceled and does not occur, a credit will be issued in accordance with the video visitation policy. Refunds or credits are not provided when a visit is terminated due to rule violations or policy restrictions.
December 15, 2025
The Department continues to work with ViaPath on the next phase of communication and technology services. Preparations are underway for the introduction of secure tablets across NJDOC facilities. These tablets will expand access to educational programming, reentry resources, and approved communication tools. Installation and testing schedules are progressing, and additional details will be shared as implementation moves forward.
August 8, 2025
We are committed to strengthening family ties by reducing phone call and money transfer fees for incarcerated individuals and their families. Watch how the NJDOC is making communication more affordable and accessible for families across the State:
May 8, 2025 – JPay Deposit Services Ending Soon
In addition to JPay, friends and family members can now use ViaPath via this link to make deposits.
Thank you for your cooperation as we improve our services and more information about this change is provided below.
JPay will no longer be used as of July 31, 2025.
April 22, 2025 - Phone Call Rates Reduced by 22%
We’re excited to announce a 22% reduction in domestic phone call rates per minute. As of May 1, 2025, the rate for an incarcerated persons’ call is $0.034 per minute. This rate reduction reflects our commitment to making communications with your loved ones more affordable, so staying connected is easier.
March 27, 2025 - Money Transfer Fees Reduced 37%
Starting April 30, 2025, JPay will no longer be the provider of money transfers to an incarcerated person’s trust account. The process for sending money to an incarcerated person’s trust account will be provided by ViaPath Technologies beginning March 24, 2025. ViaPath Technologies offers a user-friendly online platform that allows families and friends to deposit funds directly into individuals’ trust accounts. To send funds online, visit: .
Through this new service offered by the NJDOC, the cost to send money to an incarcerated person has been reduced by an average of 37 percent. This reduction in fees is part of the Department of Corrections’ commitment to reducing the financial burden on families and friends to stay connected.
The new lower fee schedule for making trust fund deposits using the ViaPath mobile app, web, or over the phone:
| Deposit Services Amount | Fees |
|---|---|
| $0.01 - $9.99 | $0.90 |
| $10.00 - $19.99 | $1.75 |
| $20.00 - $99.99 | $5.95 |
| $100 - $199.99 | $6.95 |
| $200.00 - $300.00 | $7.95 |
| Deposit Services Amount | Fees |
|---|---|
| $0.01 - $9.99 | $0.90 |
| $10.00 - $19.99 | $1.75 |
| $20.00 - $99.99 | $5.95 |
| $100 - $199.99 | $6.95 |
| $200.00 - $300.00 | $7.95 |
To send money order payments to an incarcerated person’s trust account, please utilize the ViaPath Technologies Trust Account Money Order Payments deposit slip.
Incarcerated person’s trust account can be used for:For more information on connecting with loved ones, please visit our Staying Connected page. As this transition unfolds, please continue to revisit this page to stay updated on all changes and new procedures.
March 24, 2025 - New Money Transfer System
About ViaPath Technologies
ViaPath Technologies specializes in providing innovative solutions for correctional facilities across the country. Their services are designed to enhance communication and support the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Through this partnership, we aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone involved.
Stay Informed
As this transition unfolds, please continue to revisit this page to stay updated on all changes and new procedures.