Instant messaging 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