Phone calls with someone in jail or prison

How calls work

• The person calls from a jail phone or tablet. Calls can be collect, debit (from their own account) or prepaid (from an account you fund).
• Each facility contracts with one phone provider. Common ones include Securus, ViaPath (formerly GTL), ICSolutions and Smart Communications. Ask the facility which one it uses.
• Set up a prepaid account with that provider for your phone number so calls can connect. Some cell carriers and many prepaid phones block collect calls.
• Calls are usually limited to 15 to 30 minutes each.
• In federal prison, the person adds you to their approved contact list; they can also use a monitored email system (TRULINCS) that you join through CorrLinks.

Every call is recorded

Calls from jails and prisons are recorded and can be used as evidence by prosecutors. Do not discuss the facts of the case, what happened, who else was involved, or anything you would not want read aloud in court. Talk about family, health and practical plans instead. Legal calls with a lawyer are handled separately.

Cost

Rates and fees differ by facility and provider, and federal and state rules on them have been changing. Check the provider's current rate for that facility before adding a large balance.

Rules change often and differ from one facility to the next, so confirm anything important with the facility before you act on it.

Questions