CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – Just over a month ago, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office resumed jail visitations, and Sheriff Richard Coleman noted the transition has gone smoothly.

Coleman explained that a major reason for bringing back the visitation program was to help families divided by incarceration reconnect. He shared that allowing direct, face-to-face interactions with loved ones for the first time in ten years has garnered substantial positive feedback from the community.

“I’ve received numerous letters,” Coleman mentioned. “People have sent personal messages expressing their gratitude for the return of in-person visitation. Throughout the county, I often receive 30 to 40 thank-yous a day, solely for restoring these visits.”

was told nearly 40 families visit the jail each week. Coleman mentioned because of this, he is already noticing an improvement in inmate morale.

“It does nothing but help the overall conditions of your jail when people know that they had the opportunity to see their loved ones and they conform to the rules of your jail because they don’t want the possibilities of not being able to see their loved ones to be taken from them,” he said.

Coleman described the reboot as a smooth transition, with plans to begin phase two and open visitation to another unit in the coming months.

“What we try to do is not hinder inmates from allowing them to see their loved ones,” said Coleman. “What we’re trying to do essentially is to allow others who are in other housing units at the jail to come to these units so they may receive visitation as well.”

He added, “We’re very comfortable where we’re at and we’re very comfortable in the position that we’re in moving forward.”

Visitations are Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Coleman said adding more days throughout the week is on the table.