Jail Telephone Rules and Regulations You Need to Know

When someone you care about is in jail or prison, staying in touch can be tough. However, one of the most common ways to maintain communication is through telephone calls. Inmates can usually make calls to friends and family, but there are strict rules that govern how those calls work. These rules can vary depending on the facility, but understanding the basics can help make the process easier for everyone involved.

In this blog, we’ll explain the key rules and regulations surrounding inmate telephone calls. This will help you understand how the system works and how to stay compliant with the rules and avoid any surprises. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to set up an account for receiving calls, how long calls can last, or how inmates make calls, we’ve got you covered.

How Inmate Telephone Calls Work

Inmate phone calls are different from the regular phone calls most people are used to. Because of security concerns, jails and prisons have strict rules in place about how inmates can use the telephone. Most facilities partner with third-party companies to handle phone calls, which means that in order to receive a call from an inmate, you might have to set up an account with a specific service provider.

In some cases, inmates can make collect calls, meaning the person receiving the call has to pay for it. Other times, inmates may have prepaid accounts that allow them to cover the cost of their calls. Either way, it’s important to know how these systems work and what to expect.

Types of Inmate Calls

When it comes to inmate phone calls, there are two main types: collect calls and prepaid calls.

• Collect calls are the most common. With a collect call, the person on the outside (you) is responsible for paying the charges. The costs can vary depending on how long the call lasts and where the call is placed.

• Prepaid calls are another option. With prepaid calls, the person on the outside sets up an account and adds money to it, allowing the inmate to make calls. Prepaid calls help avoid the burden of paying for collect calls, but it’s still important to keep track of how much money is in the account.

Key Jail Telephone Rules You Should Know

While the specific rules for phone calls may vary from one facility to another, there are several general regulations that most jails and prisons follow. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Pre-Approved Numbers Only

One important rule to know is that inmates can only call numbers that have been pre-approved by the jail. This is a security measure to prevent inmates from contacting unauthorised people, like victims or people involved in criminal activities. If you want to receive a call from an inmate, you’ll likely need to be added to their approved phone list.

Inmates can usually request that certain phone numbers be added to their list, but the facility will review and approve the request. This process ensures that the inmate only contacts people who are allowed to be reached.

2. Calls Are Often Monitored and Recorded

Most jail and prison phone calls are monitored and recorded. Inmates are typically warned that their calls may be listened to or recorded by facility staff. This is done to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

As a result, it’s important to avoid discussing sensitive or illegal topics during a phone call. If an inmate or anyone else uses the phone to plan a crime or do anything illegal, it could result in serious consequences for both the inmate and the people involved in the call.

3. Limits on Call Duration

Another important thing to know is that phone calls from inmates are usually limited in duration. Calls are often restricted to around 10 to 20 minutes per call, although the exact length can vary by facility. Once the time is up, the call is disconnected.

In some cases, there may be a limit on how many calls an inmate can make in a day or week. Inmates in higher-security facilities may have fewer opportunities to use the phone than those in lower-security ones, so it’s important to be aware of these limits.

4. Costs of Inmate Calls

Inmate calls can be expensive, especially when compared to regular phone calls. Since many jails use third-party companies to handle phone services, the charges for inmate calls are often higher than regular rates. Whether the calls are collect or prepaid, they may have additional fees added on top of the basic cost.

It’s important to be aware of these costs when setting up an account to receive or pay for calls. If the calls are collect, the person receiving the call is responsible for paying the charges. If the calls are prepaid, you’ll need to add money to the inmate’s account, which is usually done through an online portal or over the phone.

5. Restrictions on Certain Numbers

There are some phone numbers that inmates are not allowed to call. For example, they generally can’t contact other inmates, victims of crimes, or people under investigation. There are also rules about calling international numbers or using certain types of calling services.

This is all part of keeping the facility safe and preventing inmates from using the phone for illegal purposes. If an inmate tries to contact someone they’re not allowed to reach, the call could be blocked, or the inmate could face disciplinary action.

6. Managing Your Account

To receive or make calls from an inmate, you’ll often need to set up an account with the third-party service provider used by the facility. This account is where you’ll deposit money if the calls are prepaid, or where the charges will be billed if they are collect calls.

It’s important to check your account balance regularly to ensure that there’s enough money to cover future calls. Some services may notify you when your balance is low, but it’s still a good idea to monitor the account yourself to avoid interruptions in phone communication.

Conclusion

Inmate phone calls come with a lot of rules, but understanding these regulations can make the whole process easier. By knowing how the system works, you can make sure you’re ready for the costs, time limits, and restrictions involved in receiving or making calls. Staying informed about these rules also helps prevent any issues with communication and ensures you stay compliant with the facility’s guidelines.

If you need help setting up an account, understanding the cost structure, or navigating the system for inmate telephone calls, check out Prison Engine. We offer helpful resources and services to make connecting with an inmate more straightforward.

By following these simple steps and understanding the rules, you can ensure that your phone conversations with your loved one are as smooth as possible, helping you maintain that important connection while they’re incarcerated.