Prison phone calls are one of the most important lifelines between an incarcerated person and their family, and one of the most expensive. The prison phone industry has historically operated as a near-monopoly charging rates that few other consumer services would get away with. This section covers how the prison phone system works, why rates are so high and what has changed in recent years, how debit calling accounts function, how to get a number approved on an inmate's call list, how InmateAid's local number service reduces call costs by up to 70 percent, and what international callers need to know about reaching a US facility from another country. The questions answered here come from families who are paying too much for calls and from inmates trying to navigate phone access from inside. Understanding how the system works is the first step toward getting the most contact for the least cost. See also our sections on Money Transfer and Commissary.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
No, there must be funds on the account. If you choose to accept a collect-call, the per-minute rate is at the highest allowed by law so we encourage folks to avoid this route.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Phone access in prison is generally manageable. Phones are busiest first thing in the morning and before lights out. Most calls are limited to 15 minutes, so even during peak times the line moves steadily and inmates typically get their turn without much difficulty.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
County jails generally have a more straightforward phone access process than state or federal facilities. The primary requirement is that the inmate has money available on their account to cover the cost of the call. Once that is in place and the basic intake process is complete, which typically takes up to 24 hours, phone access is available during the facility's designated calling hours.
The call list question is worth clarifying. At many county facilities, inmates can dial any approved number...
Read moreSubject: Inmate phone calls
Inmates will receive a receipt of deposit in their daily mail.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
they do not roll-over unfortunately
Subject: Inmate phone calls
We have an algorithm that tells our system what number is the lowest priced. We use all of the carrier's own rate calculators to determine if we issue a line or not.
Here is a link to the Securus' Rate Calculator (https://securustech.online/#/rate-quote). This rate calculator allows the customer to see what the rates are for their number and any other number to compare it with. Once you see the big difference in the rates for various phone number locations, you can see...
Read moreSubject: Inmate phone calls
You have to set up a pre-paid account with the jail phone carrier if collect calls do not work.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
it depends on the location and phone carrier at the prison/jail. if you sign up with inmateAID, we will only issue a line if it can save you money. if not, it is promptly refunded. there is no risk trying it out.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) is a temporary maximum-security prison due to the wide range of custody and security levels of the inmates who go through this facility for classification. The RDC is usually the first stop for inmates where they will be evaluated, given a physical and psychological exam. Because it is a temporary facility inmates' programs are limited, so are the perks like visits and phone calls. Therefore your inmate might not get phone privileges until they are designated to a more permanent...
Read moreSubject: Inmate phone calls
Your account is not disabled, only the telephone service transaction is canceled. If we cannot save you money from your current situation then we automatically refund the transaction fee. You can still use our greeting card, postcard, photo and magazine Services. But for the phone calls, your current number is the best option.
