How to Get a Local Number for Inmate Calls with Engine Numbers
- prisonengine
- May 13
- 5 min read

Staying connected with loved ones is essential, but for those who are incarcerated, it can be challenging and expensive. In Australia, engine numbers provide a practical solution that makes it easier and more affordable for prisoners to contact their family and friends. This system offers inmates a local phone number they can use to make calls, helping to reduce the high costs that typically come with prison phone calls.
An engine number is a special phone number linked to an inmate, allowing them to call their loved ones without paying high fees for long-distance calls. In Australia, where correctional facilities are often far from urban areas, having access to local numbers makes staying connected easier and less costly. Understanding how engine numbers for prisoners work can help you stay in touch with someone who is incarcerated, ensuring you don’t have to deal with expensive phone bills just to maintain regular communication.
What Are Engine Numbers for Prisoners?
Engine numbers are a type of phone number used by inmates to make calls to family and friends. The term “engine number” might sound confusing at first, but in the context of prisons, it simply refers to a local phone number assigned to an inmate for making affordable calls. Without the engine numbers for the prisoners system, inmates often face high call charges that make it difficult for families to stay connected.
When prisoners want to make a call, they usually have to contact pre-approved numbers, and without a system like Engine Number Prison, these calls can become incredibly expensive. The Engine Number system solves this problem by giving inmates a local number that can be used to call family members at significantly lower rates. It’s a great solution that ensures communication stays regular and affordable.
How Do Engine Numbers Work?
The process of getting an engine number for an inmate is straightforward, but it requires a few steps. First, family members or friends need to register for the service. This involves providing basic information, such as your contact details and the inmate’s ID number. After you complete the registration, you’ll be assigned a local Engine Number, which can be shared with the inmate.
Once the number is assigned, the inmate can use it to make calls from inside the prison. Instead of paying high fees for long-distance calls, the inmate can now call you at local rates, which is much cheaper and more manageable. The Engine Number Prison system is designed to keep communication affordable for both the prisoner and their family, allowing them to stay in touch without worrying about high phone bills.
Why Are Engine Numbers Important for Inmate Calls?
Using engine numbers for inmate calls comes with several important benefits, especially for families who want to stay connected with loved ones in prison. Here are some of the key advantages:
Lower Call Costs: The most obvious benefit is that engine numbers reduce the cost of phone calls. In many cases, traditional prison phone calls are charged at a premium, often costing more than $1 per minute. With an engine number, these calls are much more affordable, sometimes even free.
More Frequent Communication: With reduced call costs, inmates and their families can talk more often. Regular communication is essential for emotional and mental well-being, especially for inmates who may feel isolated. Engine numbers help maintain that connection without financial strain.
Simple Setup: Setting up an engine number is simple and doesn’t require complicated steps. Once the registration is complete, the inmate can immediately start calling their family using the local number, making it easy to stay in touch.
Local Numbers: One of the major challenges in a large country like Australia is the distance between family members and correctional facilities. Engine Numbers provides local phone numbers, so family members don’t have to worry about long-distance charges or international dialling codes. It’s a practical and accessible solution.
Privacy and Security: Using engine numbers ensures privacy for both the inmate and their family. Family members don’t have to give out their personal phone numbers, and the calls remain secure and confidential.
How to Get an Engine Number for Inmate Calls in Australia
Getting a local number for inmate calls through the Engine Number system is an easy process. Follow these simple steps to set it up:
1. Contact the prison
The first step is to reach out to the correctional facility where the inmate is located. While the Engine Number service is available in many prisons across Australia, it’s important to check with the specific facility to ensure they offer it.
2. Register for the Service
Once you’ve confirmed that the service is available, you’ll need to complete a registration process. This involves providing your details (name, phone number) and the inmate’s information, including their ID number. This step ensures the correct connection between you and the inmate.
3. Receive the Local Engine Number
Once you’ve registered, you will receive the local engine number. This is the number the inmate will use to call you. They will also be given instructions on how to dial this number from inside the prison.
4. Understand the Costs
While Engine Numbers are generally much cheaper than traditional prison calls, there might still be some costs associated with setting up the service. Be sure to understand any potential charges before you proceed.
5. Start Communicating
Once everything is set up, you and the inmate can begin making calls. The Engine Number provides a direct and affordable way for prisoners to keep in touch with their families without worrying about expensive phone bills.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Engine Numbers
While the engine number system offers many benefits, there are a few things to consider before setting it up:
Availability: Not all prisons in Australia may offer the Engine Number system, so it’s important to confirm that the service is available at the specific facility where the inmate is located.
Fees: While Engine Numbers are designed to be more affordable than regular prison calls, there may still be fees involved in setting up or maintaining the service. It’s a good idea to check the full pricing details before you begin.
Call Restrictions: Some prisons have limits on the number of calls an inmate can make or the times during which calls can be made. Be sure to check the rules at the specific prison to avoid any surprises.
Conclusion
Staying connected with an incarcerated loved one can be challenging, but Engine Numbers offers an affordable solution to maintain regular communication. By providing inmates with a local phone number, the Engine Number system helps reduce call costs, making it easier for families to stay in touch without the burden of high fees. The setup process is simple, and the benefits of staying connected are invaluable.
If you want to learn more about how engine numbers work or need help setting up communication with an inmate, visit Prison Engine. We’re here to make the process easier, more affordable, and more accessible for families across Australia, helping you keep in touch with your incarcerated loved ones.
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