Colorado has two separate phone systems. The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) operates all state prisons under a single statewide contract with Securus Technologies. Colorado's 64 counties each operate their own jails and contract phone services independently.
Colorado is mid-transition to free state prison calls. Under HB 23-1133, signed in 2023, the state committed to covering 100% of call costs - originally targeted for July 1, 2025, then delayed by budget constraints, with the current deadline of July 1, 2026. As of June 2026, the CDOC website still shows a discounted rate of $0.014/min and has not announced free calls. Reverify before publishing this article.
CDOC uses "inmates," "offenders," and "incarcerated individuals" across its materials.
PART 1 - COLORADO STATE PRISONS (CDOC)
The Colorado Department of Corrections contracts with Securus Technologies for all phone services at its state prison facilities. CDOC transitioned from GTL/ViaPath to Securus in September and October 2023.
The Colorado Inmate Phone System (CIPS) is the name for the phone system used across all CDOC facilities.
Current rate
$0.014 per minute for all domestic calls (collect, debit, and V-Connect/AdvancePay).
International calls: $0.50 per minute.
This rate reflects the original contracted Securus rate of $0.019/min reduced by 25% under HB 23-1133. The discounted rate has been in effect since October 2023.
Free calls - status and timeline
HB 23-1133 (signed June 7, 2023) requires CDOC to cover all voice call costs in stages:
- September 2023: state covers 25% of costs
- July 2024: state covers 35% of costs
- July 2025: state to cover 100% of costs (originally)
Due to budget overruns, the 100% state-funded (free for families) target was pushed to July 1, 2026. As of June 2026, the CDOC website shows the $0.014/min rate and has not yet announced the launch of free calls. Check cdoc.colorado.gov for current status before publishing or before telling a family the calls are free.
The free call law covers voice calls only. Video calls and eMessaging are not covered regardless of what happens with voice calls.
How calls work
Inmates place outgoing calls only. Families cannot call into the facility. The inmate calls from a facility phone or tablet to numbers on their approved phone list.
Phone list during intake: New CDOC inmates cannot make calls until they have submitted a phone list and it has been approved by the CIPS office. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after arrival, though the timeline can be longer depending on intake volume, staffing, and holidays.
To get on the phone list: write to the inmate with your phone number so they can add you. Staff cannot provide the phone list form to outside parties.
Victim restriction: If you are listed as a victim in any of the inmate's offenses, the inmate cannot add you to their phone list. You would need to submit a written request to the administrative head of the facility to request approval for contact.
Three-way calls and ICER detection: Three-way calling is strictly prohibited under AR 850-12. Securus has ICER (Intercommunication Events Report) detection that identifies when multiple people are communicating together on the phone system. Beginning January 1, 2024, any confirmed facilitation of a three-way call results in the permanent blocking of the phone number that facilitated it. Repeat attempts with a new number are reviewed case by case.
Setting up a Securus account
Online: securustech.online/#/login or securustech.net
Securus customer service: 972-734-1111 (mobile) / 1-800-844-6591 (landline)
Friends and family fund calls through a Securus account. Inmates purchase communication credits through Canteen (commissary).
Account types are consistent with standard Securus options (AdvancePay/V-Connect prepaid, debit).
eMessaging - Securus
Securus eMessaging allows family and friends to send electronic messages to inmates. Messages are reviewed by staff and delivered to the inmate's tablet.
Setup: securustech.net/emessaging/index.html
eMessaging is one-way: the inmate cannot reply electronically. The inmate may respond via U.S. mail.
Video visitation
Video visits are available at all CDOC facilities through Securus. To schedule a video visit, you must be an approved visitor on the inmate's visiting list. Visiting applications and instructions are on each facility's individual page at cdoc.colorado.gov/facilities.
Once approved, set up a video visit account and schedule through: securustech.net
Video calls are not covered under the HB 23-1133 free call law. Video calls carry a separate charge through Securus.
Tablets
Tablets are available to inmates at all CDOC facilities for recreational, educational, and communication purposes. Provided by Securus; the contract is between the inmate and Securus. Repair and replacement are handled by Securus.
Legal information
Administrative Regulation 850-12 governs telephone use at CDOC. Policies are accessible at cdoc.colorado.gov/about/department-policies.
Emergency notification and escorted leave
CDOC has a specific emergency notification process under AR 850-10. Staff independently verify emergencies; providing the name and contact of a doctor, hospital, law enforcement, or coroner speeds the process.
CDOC does not have funeral furloughs but does have escorted leave under AR 300-17 for final visits with terminally ill loved ones or private viewings, subject to administrative approval and at the inmate's/family's expense.
CDOC facilities
CDOC operates the following state facilities:
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, Buena Vista Correctional Complex, Arrowhead Correctional Center, Centennial Correctional Facility, Colorado State Penitentiary, Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, Four Mile Correctional Facility, Fremont Correctional Facility, Skyline Correctional Center, Delta Correctional Center, Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC), Denver Women's Correctional Facility (DWCF), Limon Correctional Facility, La Vista Correctional Facility, San Carlos Correctional Facility, Youthful Offender System, Rifle Correctional Center, Sterling Correctional Facility, Trinidad Correctional Facility.
Private prisons under CDOC contract: Bent County Correctional Facility, Crowley County Correctional Facility.
Inmate locator: doc.state.co.us/oss/ (search by name or DOC number)
CDOC contact
1250 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: 719-579-9580
Email: cdoc@state.co.us
Constituent services: 719-226-4569
PART 2 - COLORADO COUNTY JAILS (64 counties)
Colorado has 64 counties, each operating its own jail independently from CDOC. County jail phone services are contracted separately; the vendor, rates, and setup process vary by facility. A Securus account set up for a CDOC state prison is separate from county jail accounts even at facilities that also use Securus.
The HB 23-1133 free call law applies only to CDOC state prison and private prison facilities. County jail calls are not covered.
How to find the current vendor for a county jail
Go to the county sheriff's official website and look for pages labeled "Inmate Telephone," "Inmate Services," or "Visitation." The vendor and setup instructions will be listed. If not found online, call the jail directly. Always verify before setting up an account or depositing funds.
Major vendors at Colorado county jails
ViaPath / ConnectNetwork (formerly GTL): Used at Arapahoe County and others. Setup: connectnetwork.com; 877-650-4249 or 800-483-8314.
Securus Technologies: Used at Jefferson County, Denver Downtown Detention Center, and others. Setup: securustech.net; 800-844-6591.
Correct Solutions Group (CSG): Used at some Colorado county jails. Customer service: 877-618-3516.
Notable county examples (verify before relying on this information)
Denver Downtown Detention Center:
490 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204 | 720-337-0400
Vendor: Securus
Jefferson County Jail:
From official Jefferson County website: "Inmates may place collect calls after an account is made with Securus Family and Friends 800-844-6591."
Vendor: Securus
Arapahoe County Detention Facility:
7375 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112 | 720-874-3500
Vendor: GTL/ViaPath ConnectNetwork
El Paso County Jail (Colorado Springs):
2739 E. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80906 | 719-390-2000
Vendor: verify directly
All other counties: Check the county sheriff's official website or call the jail directly.
County jail call rates are subject to the FCC 2025 IPCS Order caps that took effect April 6, 2026. Rates vary by contract and facility size. Contact the facility or vendor for current pricing.
What to do before the first call
For a CDOC state prison:
1. Find the inmate's DOC number and current facility at doc.state.co.us/oss/
2. Write to the inmate with your phone number so they can add you to their CIPS phone list
3. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the phone list to be processed after the inmate submits it (longer during heavy intake periods)
4. Set up a Securus account at securustech.online/#/login or call 1-800-844-6591
5. Fund your account
6. Wait for the inmate to call - do not attempt three-way calls or call forwarding
For a county jail:
1. Find the inmate through the county jail's inmate search or the county sheriff's website
2. Identify the current phone vendor from the jail's official website
3. Create an account with that vendor only
4. Add funds
5. Wait for the inmate to call
Frequently asked questions
Who provides CDOC state prison phone calls?
Securus Technologies, statewide, since September/October 2023.
What does it cost to receive a CDOC call?
Currently $0.014 per minute for domestic calls under the HB 23-1133 discount. This is the rate on the official CDOC website as of June 2026. Verify before publish - free calls were targeted for July 1, 2026.
Are calls free yet in Colorado?
Not as of June 2026. The CDOC website still shows the $0.014/min rate. The July 2026 deadline is the current target. Check cdoc.colorado.gov for the latest.
What is the CIPS phone list and how long does it take?
CIPS stands for Colorado Inmate Phone System. New inmates submit a phone list after arrival; it must be approved before they can make calls. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks but varies. Write to the inmate with your number so they can add you.
What happens if I facilitate a three-way call?
Your phone number will be permanently blocked from the CDOC system. ICER detection has been active since January 1, 2024 and identifies these incidents automatically.
Do county jails use the same Securus system as state prisons?
Not necessarily. County jails contract independently. Some use Securus, some use GTL/ViaPath, some use CSG. Always verify which vendor serves the specific county jail before setting up an account.
Are county jail calls free under HB 23-1133?
No. That law applies only to CDOC state prisons and private prisons under CDOC contract. ====================================================================
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