When an inmate first arrives at a facility like High Desert, there is a short adjustment period before normal communication begins.
Phone calls:
- He will go through intake and orientation (A&O) first
- During this time, calls are usually restricted or not allowed yet
- He will need to submit and get his phone list approved
- Once approved, he can start calling you
This process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the facility.
If you already put money on the phone account:
- That is good and necessary
- But he still cannot call until his phone list is approved and activated
Mail and writing back:
- Yes, he can write you back
- He will need stamps and envelopes from commissary
- If he has no money, most facilities provide basic supplies for indigent inmates
Mail is usually the first form of communication that starts working.
What number will show when he calls?
- Calls usually come from a restricted or unidentified number
- Sometimes it may show as:
- “Unknown”
- “Private”
- Or a number tied to the prison phone provider
Tip:
- Answer calls from unknown numbers while you are expecting his call
- There is usually a recorded message at the beginning identifying it as a correctional call
Bottom line:
- Calls will not happen immediately, there is a short delay for processing
- Letters can start sooner
- Once his account and lists are set up, communication becomes regular
The first week or two is the hardest because of the silence, but once he gets through orientation, things start to fall into place.