Staying in touch with loved ones is essential, especially when someone is in prison. Inmate phone calls are one of the primary ways inmates can maintain contact with their families, friends, and support networks. These calls are a lifeline, offering emotional support, comfort, and information that can help an inmate cope with life behind bars. However, prison phone calls are different from regular calls, and understanding how they work can save both inmates and their families from confusion, frustration, and unexpected costs.
In this post, we'll break down how inmate phone calls actually work, what they cost, and how you can make cheap inmate phone calls without paying high fees. If you're trying to figure out how to stay connected with someone in jail or prison, this guide will help you navigate the system.
How Inmate Phone Calls Work
Unlike the phone systems we use every day, the process of making inmate phone calls is more regulated. Inmates don’t have personal phones. Instead, they make calls using the prison’s phone system, which is controlled, monitored, and sometimes expensive.
To make a call, the inmate usually has to use a phone that’s available to them at certain times or by signing up in advance for a phone session. The phone system in most prisons only allows outgoing calls to pre-approved numbers that have been registered in the inmate’s account. These calls are typically collect, prepaid, or charged to a third-party account.
Once the call is placed, the prison’s phone system connects the inmate to the person they want to speak to. The call is often limited in time—usually between 15 and 30 minutes—so that other inmates have the opportunity to use the phone too. And, just like many other services in correctional facilities, these calls are recorded and monitored for safety and security.
Why Are Prison Phone Calls So Expensive?
A common question that many families have is, “How much are phone calls in prison?” The answer to this depends on a few factors, including the facility, the type of call, and the phone system used. Unfortunately, prison phone calls are often more expensive than standard phone calls because of additional costs involved in maintaining the system.
Prisons charge higher rates for phone calls due to the security measures required. Since all calls are monitored and recorded, the phone companies that provide this service need to cover their operational and monitoring costs, which often leads to higher charges. In addition, the phone systems in jails and prisons are often outdated and require maintenance, further adding to the cost.
This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to make cheap phone calls from jail, but it does mean you need to be aware of the costs and know how to find affordable options.
The Different Types of Inmate Phone Calls
Inmates typically have a few options when it comes to making phone calls, each of which comes with its own set of rules and costs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of phone calls inmates can make:
1. Collect Calls
In a collect call system, the person receiving the call pays for the call. This is one of the most common methods, but it can get very expensive. The person receiving the call must agree to accept the charges, and if they don't, the call will not go through. Collect calls can be especially costly for families who have to foot the bill for multiple calls a week.
2. Prepaid Calls
With a prepaid account, the inmate or their family can load money onto an account that is used to pay for phone calls. Prepaid accounts are often cheaper than collect calls and give the inmate more control over when they can make calls. Inmates can make calls as long as there’s money in the account, and they don’t have to rely on the person they’re calling to accept the charges.
3. Third-Party Calls
Some inmates can make calls through a third-party service, where a friend or family member outside the prison acts as a middleman. This means the third party pays for the call, but they have to set up the service beforehand. While this option can be more affordable than collect calls, it still involves a third party taking responsibility for the charges.
How to Make Cheap Inmate Phone Calls
If you're trying to make sure the inmate in your life can stay connected without breaking the bank, there are several options to make cheap inmate phone calls. Here are some practical tips to help reduce the cost of phone calls from prison:
1. Set Up a Prepaid Account
As mentioned earlier, prepaid accounts are one of the most affordable ways to pay for inmate phone calls. By adding money to an inmate’s account in advance, families can avoid the high fees that come with collect calls. Many prisons offer these accounts, and they can be reloaded online, making it easier for families to manage the costs.
2. Use Discounted Services
Some correctional facilities work with specific phone providers to offer discounted rates for phone calls. These discounted services can save you money if you're looking for cheap prison phone calls. It’s a good idea to ask the prison about any available programmes or partnerships that might offer cheaper rates.
3. Schedule Calls Wisely
Inmates are often allowed to make calls at certain times, but the costs can vary depending on when the call is made. Some prisons have different rates based on the time of day, with off-peak hours being cheaper than peak times. Check if the facility offers cheaper rates for certain time slots and try to schedule calls during those times.
4. Look for Special Offers
In some cases, phone companies and prison phone systems may run special promotions that offer cheaper calls or discounted rates for a limited time. These offers can help you save money on your phone calls, especially if you're regularly staying in touch with an inmate.
5. Check for Family Assistance Programs
Some prisons offer financial assistance programmesProgrammes that help families pay for inmate phone calls. These programmes are usually designed for low-income families who are struggling with the high cost of staying in touch with loved ones. Contact the prison to find out if such a programme is available and how you can apply.
Common Restrictions and Rules on Inmate Phone Calls
While the system is designed to allow inmates to communicate, there are some important rules and restrictions that you need to keep in mind when dealing with inmate phone calls.
1. Time Limits
In most cases, phone calls in prison are limited to a specific amount of time—usually 15 to 30 minutes. This is to ensure that all inmates have a chance to use the phones. Families should be prepared for the call to end abruptly, and it’s a good idea to keep conversations brief to avoid wasting time.
2. Call Monitoring
All inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded by the prison for security reasons. This means that everything said during the call could be heard by prison officials. Inmates and their families should avoid discussing sensitive or prohibited topics during phone calls.
3. Restricted Numbers
Prisons usually limit the numbers that inmates can call. This helps prevent calls from being made to numbers associated with criminal activity or those that could cause harm. Make sure that the phone number you provide is on the inmate’s approved list, or the call may not go through.
4. One-Way Communication
In some facilities, inmates may not be able to receive incoming calls. This means that all communication must be initiated by the inmate, and they can only call numbers that are on their approved list.
Why Regular Inmate Phone Calls Are Important
Maintaining regular contact with loved ones through inmate phone calls has many benefits. For inmates, staying connected with family and friends can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress, which are common in prison. It can also improve their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration into society once they are released.
For families, regular communication helps maintain relationships and provides peace of mind. Knowing that your loved one is safe and well can reduce anxiety and make the difficult experience of having someone incarcerated a little bit easier to bear.
Studies show that inmates who maintain family connections are less likely to re-offend and more likely to reintegrate into society successfully. So, regular inmate phone calls can be a critical part of the rehabilitation process.
How to Make the Most of Inmate Phone Calls
- Know the Inmate’s Schedule: Inmates usually have specific times when they can make calls. Make sure you know when these times are so you don’t miss the opportunity to speak with them.
- Set Up a Prepaid Account: This is one of the best ways to save on phone costs. By preloading an account, you can avoid high fees and better manage how much you spend.
- Keep Conversations Short and Sweet: Since calls are often time-limited, focus on important topics and keep the conversation flowing so both parties can stay connected.
- Plan Ahead: Make sure you have the inmate’s approved numbers on hand and ready to go. This ensures that calls aren’t delayed or rejected due to incorrect or outdated information.
Conclusion
Inmate phone calls are a vital tool for maintaining connections with loved ones while someone is incarcerated. Understanding how the system works, knowing your options for cheap inmate phone calls, and being aware of the rules can help ensure that communication remains possible without high costs or complications.
If you're looking for an easy way to manage these calls, Prison Engine is a great platform that provides resources and tools to make inmate phone calls more.