If you have a loved one in prison, communication becomes very important. Whether you need to help them pass time or simply discuss an important matter, you would need to check what sort of communication channels are open.
Besides writing an email or sending letter, relatives and friends are allowed to call inmates typically between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, it is better to contact the specific jail to confirm these timings.
Another thing to note here is that inmates can make calls to those outside but they can not receive them. Therefore, you would have to wait for their call. If the facility is put on lockdown, there may be unexpected change in call timings.
Tip: It is better to keep a landline ready if you have a loved one in prison. Inmates can make collect calls only which cell phones are not capable of receiving.
Inmates Can Not Call Without Approval
Although inmates are allowed to make the calls, they can not do so without approval. They need to specify the numbers they will be calling on the telephone list. For this reason, it is important that they remember your number by heart.
Moreover, most jails allow inmates to add up to 10 numbers only or less depending on their limitations. Once your name is on the approval list, make sure that you have the “right phone” to be able to take collect calls.
Tip! Inmates can forget important numbers. If you are writing to one, make sure you mention the contact details so they can get in touch with you if need be.
Next, You Will Be Required To Set Up An Account
After the telephone list comes the part where the inmates need to set up their account to make calls. Most jails have contracts with one of the few services including Telmate, Securus, Global Tel Link, etc.
Moreover, you would also need to visit their office and set up the service before you can start receiving calls. Although there are no additional charges to set it up, you still need to put in some money in start.
Typically, the charges can be up to $20 for once a month call. You can choose to pay via direct billing or prepaid service as per your ease.
You Can Call The Inmates But For Specific Time Only
Since only inmates can make the call, it would be of great help to know when they will call you. You can decide that in a meeting or through letters, etc. They are not allowed to call again and again so you would want to make sure that you don’t miss the call when it happens.
Moreover, if you have not labelled their phone number beforehand, you may see it as a blocked number of global tel phone number.
Tip: Calls made in prison are mostly recorded so it would be best to avoid discussing anything that you wouldn’t want the authorities to listen to.
You will be allowed up to 15 mintues of talking when you pick up the call. In total, 300 minutes per month are permitted but you may get up to 400 minutes in November and December. Nonetheless, this rule differs from one prison to another so it is better to check in with authorities beforehand.