ByPrisonConnect

How To Put Money On Phone For Jail Calls

Wondering how you can send money to an inmate? We’ve prepared this guide to address the most common issues you can face in sending funds to the inmate’s commissary account.

Usually, inmates are provided with a minimum welcome packet: soap, toothbrush, paste and prison clothing. Everything else can be purchased from a prison commissary if required. It can be an individual lotion, shampoo, stationary for personal notes, snacks, etc. This money will be used to pay for phone calls as well.

Where to start

Firstly, you should contact the facility and ask about restrictions that may apply. Don’t forget to ask what information you will need to provide to send funds - sender’s name, address, and identification, inmate’s prison ID or booking number. Some facilities limit the amount of money to $200 - $300 at once. Other allows only people on the inmate’s approved visitation list to send money.

The information you should know before sending funds:

• Inmate’s full name;
• Inmate’s ID;
• Inmate’s current location.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

How you can send money to an inmate

Sending money to an inmate depends on the state and type of the facility. You should expect different rules from state to state for jails, prisons, or Federal Prisons:

1. Centralized banking systems are available in some state-level prisons and Federal Prisons;
2. All facilities allow you to deposit cash through the lobby or a kiosk;
3. Most facilities will also accept a postal money order mailed to the institution’s inmate mailing address;
4. Many states are switching to online banking. Correctional departments are starting to adopt this method because it requires less work for staff and provides a more accurate way to track the money. Online banking allows you to send the funds online;

Before sending any funds, you should find out a specific procedure for the facility where the inmate is incarcerated!

Depending on how much is sent and how it is sent (by phone, wire transfer or online) you will pay different fees for sending money. For example, sending $200 online can cost $10 with JPay. The same amount by phone is $12. For larger amounts of money, services may charge fees based on a percentage of the amount transferred, such as 8%-10% of any amount over $1,000.

Useful Tips:

1. Your inmate should have a limited amount of money in jail (around $150-$200). Otherwise, an inmate may become a victim of extortion. Also, jails do limit the spending, sometimes to $40 a week or limit the number of times per week prisoners can access the commissary;
2. Don’t send cash in the mail - this is the least secure way to transfer money. Money can be easily stolen or lost. If paying through the U. S. Postal Service, make sure all incoming monies are sent by certified funds
3. Always keep receipts and order numbers. Orders do get lost from time to time money, so having a way of tracking the money order provides you with recourse.

ByPrisonConnect

Awesome Truck Driving Opportunities for Ex-Cons

Having a conviction makes it really hard to get a job, especially a good paying job. Luckily, trucking industry may be a good choice if you want to become a truck driver. Even considering the extreme over-regulation (federal and state regulations) of the industry, the shortage of drivers forces companies to make the process of hiring as simple as possible.

Many trucking companies hire ex-cons, but it is essential to keep in mind that they don’t hire all ex-cons. Each company has a unique set of rules regarding the hiring of truck drivers with a criminal background. Often though a trucking company will require some years to pass since you were convicted.

Becoming a truck driver with a criminal record is possible for some BUT not all. PrisonConnect wants to help you to avoid wasted time and money by streamlining the process of becoming a truck driver. Let’s break down those complex regulations, company policies and laws.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

How to get a CDL with a conviction?

First of all, it is possible in most instances to get a CDL with a conviction record. Most ex-cons are eligible to get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) from the state where they reside in. Some convictions will prevent you from getting a CDL though.

Convictions that will keep you from getting a job as a truck driver

Some crimes will automatically keep you from getting hired by a trucking company or even keep you from getting a CDL:

• TWO DUI convictions WHILE having a CDL.
• Reckless driving;
• Interstate drug trafficking;
• Homicide by vehicle;
• Grand theft auto;
• Any conviction involving a commercial vehicle;

What factors do truck companies consider before hiring somebody with a conviction

• The type of conviction;
• Number of convictions;
• Time passed since the conviction;
• Company’s policy.

Becoming a truck driver with a conviction

Check if you are suitable to obtain a CDL

Most ex-cons will get a CDL without any issues. However, there are few exceptions:

• Convictions involving the operation of a commercial motor vehicle;
• Absence of a valid driver’s license.
• Less than 21 years;
• Failed to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam;

You should consult your local state regulator or Department of Motor Vehicles regarding DUI’s/DWI’s and CDL eligibility.

Find out if you meet the trucking company’s requirements

Each trucking company has a unique policy regarding ex-cons. As a result of a shortage of truck drivers, it can be a quite easy to break into it with a criminal record. Unfortunately, the major part of trucking companies will refuse to hire you if your felony is more recent than 5 years. Luckily, some companies hire on a case-by-case basis. Check them in the list below.

Apply everywhere!

You should apply and talk to as many trucking companies as possible. Contact them and explain your circumstances clearly and honestly. Find out if they would hire you If you get your CDL. You should NEVER lie about your conviction. They must perform the background check. If you lie, they won’t hire you!

You can fill out an application even though you do not have your CDL yet.

Pre-hire offer

It can take anywhere between 3 and 14 days to be contacted after the submission. If the application is accepted and your conviction was reviewed, the company may offer you a pre hire letter. This is not an employment contract, it is a letter stating that you meet the requirements to attend orientation and then be employed. Good job!

Find out if you are medically qualified

Each truck driver must take a bi-annual medical exam to exclude any health issues that can be dangerous on the road. The exam is called a DOT medical exam. Here is the list of possible reasons for failure:

• Severe color blindness;
• Sleep apnea;
• Poor uncorrected vision;
• Missing limbs or other disabilities;
• History of heart issues;
• High blood pressure;
• Diabetes.

It is wise to past the DOT exam on the first place. Don’t waste your time and money in truck driving schools, unless you are sure about passing the exam.

Truck driving schools

A major part of truck driving schools accepts people with convictions. You just need to check it before paying any money.

Attending a truck driver orientation

After receiving the pre hire letter, medical results and CDL you will be invited to orientation. Each orientation is unique. You can expect something like this:

• Training on and off the road.
• Road test;
• Explanation of company policies;
• DOT medical exam;
• Backing skill tests;

Passing the orientation means that you are officially a truck driver now!

List of Trucking Companies That Hire Ex-Cons

Case by case basis employment opportunities:

• Werner Enterprises;
• USA Truck;
• US Express;
• Tyson Foods;
• Schneider National;
• Prime Inc;
• Navajo Express;
• Millis Transfer;
• Maverick Transportation;
• LCT Transportation;
• J & R Schugel;
• Hirschbach;
• Freymiller;
• FFE;
• W Wylie;
• Covenant Transport;
• Conway Truckload;
• Carolina Cargo;
• Cardinal Logistics.

5 + years old employment opportunities:

• Western express;
• Transway Inc.;
• TransAm Trucking;
• Paschall Truck Lines;
• Florilli Transportation;
• DeBoer Trucking Company;
• Carolina Cargo;
• Boyd Brothers;

7+ years old employment opportunities:

• Tango Transport;
• Stevens Transport;
• Roehl Transport;
• PGT Trucking;
• Melton Truck Lines;
• Knight Transportation;
• Interstate Distributor Co.;
• Groendyke Transport;
• Falcon Transport;
• Barr-Nunn Transportation;

10+ years old employment opportunities:

• TMC Transport;
• Swift Transportation;
• Shaffer Trucking;
• JBS Carriers;
• B. Hunt;
• Hunt Transportation;
• Dutch Maid Logistics;
• Dick Lavy Trucking;
• Crete Carrier;
• CR England;
• Celadon;

ByPrisonConnect

Loving an Inmate. Tips for Prisoners Wives

Prison sentence of the loved one always affects the whole family. Being taken away from family and friends is one of the most challenging aspects of the sentence for the inmate. The same feeling of punishment appears in the family as well. How to prepare yourself and your family?

96% of people in prison will be released. This is the good news! However, your support makes the difference and helps to survive and prepare for the better life. You don’t need to validate their fantasies of innocence. You don’t need to stoke their righteous anger. You should help them to realize that they made a bad choice, but this choice doesn’t define them. Help them to plan the future and to achieve their goals.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

Best practices to support your loved one in prison:

• Regular open and honest communication;
• Get the PrisonConnect number and ask your loved one to register it as the facility. You will pay much less for your calls, so you’ll be able to talk more;
• Write letters to each other. You will hold them with the knowledge that your loved one did the same;
• If you have children, encourage regular writing in both directions. You can always pickup a letter and re-read it.

We encourage you to call, visit and write letters to your loved one in prison. In some facilities, inmates are allowed to spend time with their children away from the usual constraints of a prison visit. Try sending and receiving emails, if this is allowed in your facility.

Find out all necessary information about the facility. This includes:

• Rules and regulations, so you would not break any of them and get into further problem;
• Number of people who can visit at the same time and when visiting hours start;
• How many works inside prison and how much money you should spend every week/month;
• What special services the facility offers. It can be work programs, medical options, and education programs. Just to make sure that your loved one will spend time productively and avoid any violence.

Time in prison is a difficult phase in life. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare yourself will help your family to get through this challenge.

How to Raise Children with a Parent in Prison

When a parent goes to prison, it has huge emotional and traumatic impact on the rest of the family. It can be overwhelming for children and the second parent. It takes an incredible effort to return to normal life.

You might have to change residence, work more, deal with resentment, anger and hurt. You may want to avoid further contacts with the parent behind bars. However, it is always better to do what’s best for the children. What they need is love and support of their parent – both of them. They haven’t forgotten their parents and want to know they’re not forgotten.

Best practices of raising children with a parent in prison include:

1. It is possible to build a positive and meaningful connection between children and their parents behind bars. This kind of supportive relationship will benefit everyone in the family;
2. It’s best to speak respectfully about the incarcerated parent in front of children. Even if you feel the opposite. Insults and critics will only add stress and confusion to children’s life;
3. Talk honestly about how he or she made a wrong choice and facing the consequences. Show the importance of making right decisions;
4. When your loved one is calling, allow your children to speak with their parent. Help them to prepare for the call by choosing one topic before the call so that they won’t ramble;
5. Encourage writing letters and drawing pictures. It means a lot to the parent in prison. Send photos. Contact the prison to find out what is allowed to send.

ByPrisonConnect

Google Voice Free Number for Inmates

Everyone has heard about Google and its incredible inventions. Some of them can be used in the prison phone industry as well. You can find a lot of rumors about the “free Google Voice phone number for inmates” on the Internet. It supposed to give the ability to call inmates for free. Let’s take a look at Google Voices and find out the truth about this statement.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

How to Use Google Voice for Inmate Calls

Google Voice allows you to register for free and choose any number you want. Then, the system forwards calls on Google Voice number to an existing number (your number) that can be both a cell phone and a landline. Many people who were looking for cheap inmate calls were trying to “catch” the number with the same area code as the facility.

It sounds great, isn’t it? Well, you would like to find out what happens in real life.

FCC Prison Calls Regulation

Correctional institutions (prisons, jails or halfway houses) typically have specialized, restricted telephone systems used by their inmates, to call family members, friends, etc. These institutions each have phone calling regulations and rules designed to allow inmates to call permitted phone numbers of family members, friends, under certain conditions controlled by the institution.

In most cases, the cost of these calls is paid by the inmate’s family, out of a commissary or telephone calling account, or the inmate must make collect calls. Some inmates’ family members and friends have tried to use Google Voice phone numbers located near the institution, to reduce inmate calling costs.

Your inmate’s ability to make calls from the correctional institution is controlled by the institution and their calling rules. The county jail or their phone system might block the inmate from calling your Google number. Google itself doesn’t block anyone from calling you, but it is impossible to receive collect calls there.

Here is the quote from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, “Inmate Telephone Regulations.”

“Note that Federal and most state prisons prohibit, detect and block inmate phone calls made to forwarded phone numbers, to prevent abusive calls or illegal activity by inmates. Google Voice uses call-forwarding to reach your phone. Violation of these prison regulations can result in loss of inmate calling privileges. Be smart. Don’t do it.”

Now it sounds bad, I think. But don’t worry, in most cases, it just won’t work.

Here are the reasons why Google Voice probably won’t work for prison calls:

• Google Voice cannot receive collect calls or pay for the calling party’s phone call charges. The money you added to your Google Voice account can only be used by you, the caller, to make international long distance calls;
• Google is not involved with the correctional institution’s telephone systems or their rules, and it cannot offer any assistance with these calls;
• GV and VoIP (like Google Voice) cannot receive even standard collect calls from regular non-prison;
• You still have to deal with the inmate telephone provider (Securus, Global Tel Link, IC Solutions or any similar company).

So, what to do? Is there any other way to avoid expensive rates of the prison phone providers? It is.

PrisonConnect is safer than Google Voice and costs only $4.99/month.

How do PrisonConnect Saves Money for Inmate Calls?

PrisonConnect gives number local to the facility. However, PrisonConnect can’t be blocked. It is illegal because Prison Connect is a registered Telephone Company that is FCC regulated.

Any attempt to block the PrisonConnect Number is prohibited by the FCC and violates FCC regulations and rules

With PrisonConnect you are talking at local rates, so the phone provider won’t be able to charge you at high long-distance rates. You need to send the PrisonConnect number to your inmate and ask him to add this number to his/her list of approved phone numbers. Then, he or she should dial this number, and the call will be redirected to your cell phone.

Assuming the facility does not block PrisonConnect numbers, this is much, much cheaper than the ridiculous fees charged by the prisons. You can save up to $20-$30 per call.

ByPrisonConnect

How to Stay Connected With Your Inmate in Prison

Time limitations and considerable distances turn communication with an inmate into a real challenge. Sometimes it is just impossible to visit your loved one too often. Yet, staying connected can make all the difference.

We know that maintaining communications with relatives and friends has a huge impact on inmates’ life – both emotional and behaviorally – as well as increasing chances of successful rehabilitation upon release. We receive these success stories every day.

Therefore, we hope to encourage your support:
1) Visiting makes the difference

2) Writing and calling makes the difference

3) Involvement and connection create happiness.

The article contains everything you need to know about communication with inmates. Do not let legal details and administrative protocols separate you!

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

Inmate Calls to Prison or Jail

There is a certain number of phones in each facility. Inmates are using these phones for collect calls. You can use a prepaid calling card as well. In every case, there is only one telephone provider available in each facility – Securus, GlobalTel, etc. They are monopolists that charge high per minute rates. However, using the PrisonConnect number can save from 30% to 90% of costs on phone bills.

The inmate should add your number to an approved list of phone numbers that he can call. Usually, inmates submitting this list after the first admission.

You will find the full article here - How To Call An Inmate: Typical Pitfalls and Useful Tips

Prison staff listens to and records major part of calls. Only calls to a legal adviser shoud not be monitored. Remember, police can use these records as an evidence in a criminal prosecution.

How to Send Mail Letters to Inmates

Sending letters via the U.S. Postal Service is probably the cheapest way to stay connected with loved ones in custody. This service is available in every prison or jail.

Terms and requirements differ for every facility, so you should check specific facility’s web page for additional guidelines. However, there are some common rules:

1. Prison staff checks all letters sent to and from prison, except letters from courts and solicitors. However, if there is a reasonable doubt, then they can open it;
2. All acceptable mail rules differ in each facility while classic cards and letters are usually allowed at each facility;
3. Packages aren’t allowed in the major part of facilities. Everything bigger than a normal letter or card from relatives and friends may be banned. Here, an inmate will have to pay an additional price for shipping back or the package will be annihilated (may be taken away by staff) or donated to;
4. There is an option to buy items from an approved seller (such as Amazon). In this case, the package will be sent directly to the facility. Lists of authorized vendors, allowable items, suitable schedules and special procedures are available on facilities’ sites.

Sending Emails to Inmates

Inmates don’t have Internet access in most U.S. prisons. Some facilities do allow inmates to access email on secure, private intranets like CorrLinks. CorrLinks provides access to the secure TRULINCS system, which is used by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

It is not the same as Internet access. You can’t send any attachments, like photographs, there. All emails are restricted to 13,000 characters.

Each message can be delivered with an hour. However, it may take up to two days in some cases. It depends on institution staff who are choosing the time, reviewing or rejecting messages. Thus, inmate’s communications can be forbidden (even without explanation) by prison authorities.

If you want to try CorrLinks, you can visit their website or download the CorrLinks app. However, you will need a paid premium account for this. When you receive an invitation, you will need the inmates’ identification code and number. When the account is set up you can easily use it.

How to Send Money to Inmates

Inmates’ life in custody will be much easier with some extra money. Money is necessary for numerous facility enterprises, such as medical treatment, prepaid phone accounts and items from the commissary.

In-facility storehouse (commissary) exists in every facility. It is possible to but hygiene things, food and writing materials there. Of course, the facility provides standard meals, clothing and hygiene products, so these purchases aren’t obligatory. To buy these items one should use its inmate account where the money is.

There are three ways to fund an inmate, deposit his/her personal phone or commissary account:

• Electronic sending via MoneyGram or the Western Union. Each one ensures quick payment (nearly 4 hours) to the account. Write information carefully because details matter here!
• Access these services by phone or in person from an agent.
• Send funding via U.S. Postal Service. Money order only allowed. No cheques, cash and additional items. You should include the full name of the inmate and register number, consist of eight digits, to the money order.

Other electronic services, like JPay, and Access Corrections, can be a good alternative to MoneyGram and the Western Union. Each option has its own fees, easiness, delivery time and some additional features like email. We recommend spending some time to find out what is the best for you.

How to Visit an Inmate

In most cases, online registration for visits is available. If this option is not available, then you should call the facility and find out more details.

When and how often you are able to visit - and the number of visitors allowed at once – depends on facility and state.

Depending on the classification of the facility and the inmate, there are three types of visits, - contact visits, non-contact visits and video visits

Typically, contact visitation will have a place in a large room with tables. Non-contact visitation means that you can’t hug your loved one. You will use personal boxes with telephones for speaking.

Visitors are not permitted to take any presents or personal items inside due to security reasons. It means that you can’t take your wallet, food, gifts, cell phone, book and magazine with you. Any attempts to pass these unauthorized things through security control are illegal. Even if unintentionally. Some facilities offer lockers in the lobby for storing these items.

We strongly advise against any smuggling of a contraband, such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, cell phones or weapons. This is treated as a security threat and will result in immediate legal action. The chances are that you will stay there for this. If you’re unsure what you can send or give, call the facility and ask.

Specific rules and requirements can vary widely across the level of the facility, state etc. Always check guidelines of each institution on its website!

ByPrisonConnect

How To Call An Inmate: Typical Pitfalls and Useful Tips

If you have someone in jail or prison you know how many communication barriers appears at once. Even the simplest thing – call your friend or family member- is now impossible. You can never call your inmate, so they can only make outgoing calls to you.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

When the Inmate will be Allowed to Call

It depends on where they are now. For example, if the person was just arrested they will be able to call right after the end of the booking process. If they have been sentenced there is a step-by-step process for them to go through.

Firstly, staff will spend some time to classify the inmate through medical, physical, and psychological examination during intake. It can take a day or several weeks, and during this period inmates can’t have visitors, make phone calls or receive mail.

Each facility has a special time when inmates are allowed to make calls. It differs depending on the facility. Normally, inmates can’t start making calls before the morning roundup and count. If any problems appear, you can expect delays in phones’ availability for use. Also, inmates can’t use telephones during a lock-down.

Inmates can only make outgoing calls and under no circumstances are incoming calls allowed. The normal method of calling is via “collect call” (cell phones cannot receive collect calls). However, you can receive calls on your cell phones via PrisonConnect call redirection.

How to Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate

You should be on an inmate’s approved telephone list. Normally, the inmate will submit a list of phone numbers after he firstly admitted. Sometimes inmates forgot your number and won’t be able to add it to the list. Yes, it happens. Don’t be upset! It is possible to add your number anytime. It is a good idea to include your number in the letter you write to them. In some states, like Texas, there are special sites where you can register your phone number with the Department of Corrections.

Unfortunately, being on the list doesn’t guarantee the receiving of the call. Here are some reasons for that:

• Your cell phone was added. Cell phones cannot receive collect calls. You should establish pre-paid account in Securus or any other phone provider and use PrisonConnect local number. PrisonConnect number transfers the call to your cell phone.
• Sometimes your telephone service providers can block collect calls. In this case, you should speak with their support.
• It may occur that the call dropped in the middle of the conversation. There are two main reasons for this: call waiting feature is enabled on your phone and three-way calling. Switch off your call waiting feature and avoid three-way calling.
• You’ve tried to use Google Voice number.

Always keep in mind that your calls are monitored and recorded! Never discuss any crimes or things that can lead to additional charges.

Step-by-step guide:

1) Be included on inmate’s contact list

If you want to have a contact with the inmate, firstly the inmate should list you to his/her approved contact list.

2) Apply to have your phone number approved for calls

You can apply online, or you can print it and mail. However, it is not a rare thing when mail-room staff loses the application and claiming they never got it in the first place.

3) Wait for approval and set up an account with facility’s telephone provider

You will have to wait as long as it is mentioned on the site. If nothing happens and you still haven’t received a call from the inmate, call the prison and politely ask the officer for information about your application status.

Now you can start investigating provider’s prices. You can do this while waiting for approval of the application. Knowing their prices allow you to understand how often your inmate can call you and how much money you’ll spend each month. The bad thing is that these providers (Securus, Global Tel Link or IC Solutions) tend to charge you with the maximum rate. Now it is $0.25/minute, but due to new FCC changes the price can increase significantly. Luckily, PrisonConnect allows you to use the number that is local to the facility. This way you’ll be charged for only $0.06/minute.

4) Accept first inmate’s call

Once you’ll get a call from the strange number. Answer it and you’ll hear an automated voice that will say that the inmate is calling from the facility. Something like:

“Hello, this is a prepaid call from [their name in their voice], an inmate at [facility name].. To accept charges, press [button]. To refuse charges, press [button].”

You push the button to accept and finally get to talk for a few minutes that feel like a few seconds. Plus, your call is monitored/recorded. And then…

“You have one minute remaining,” the automated voice chimes carelessly into your conversation. One minute later, you will be cut off. No ifs, ands, or buts. You will be cut off, and it will likely be mid-sentence.

Reducing bills for inmate calls

Major prison phone companies like Securus, Global Tel Link or IC Solutions incur enormous fees and prices, but, luckily, you can reduce the cost.

The first thing you can do is to spend less time on the phone and prepare a list of things you want to discuss with your loved one. Having a list of items to talk about will reduce any wasted time during your conversations.

If this option is not for you and you want to talk more with your loved one then you can reduce the cost of call by having a number local to the facility. This is how PrisonConnect works. You can read more about how it works and how much you can save here - www.prisonconnect.us

ByPrisonConnect

How to Avoid Self-Incrimination On The Phone

Unfortunately, sometimes our loved ones or close friends got into correctional facilities. If this happens to you, then you know how difficult it can be to stay in contact. Especially, when hearing the notice that your communication will be recorded.

Communications between you and your loved one can potentially be used by the police as evidence in a criminal prosecution. How not to make things worse and avoid self-incrimination?

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

Why Police And Prison Staff Monitor Your Private Calls?

Nearly all prisons record and monitor inmate phone calls. Just like checking letters, anything coming into and going out of the prison is recorded and inspected. Their reason is for security as someone may be planning an escape or a drug delivery etc. Even visiting rooms have recording devices (video and sound).

This practice of monitoring and recording your phone calls with the inmate is generally accepted as legal. Prison staff always listens to all samples of inmates’ calls! In particular cases, they are monitoring all of the communications of a certain inmate whom they suspect of attempting to conduct business outside the prison via the telephone.

The Supreme Court and various lower courts have recognized that prison inmates’ reasonable expectations of privacy are lower than they would be outside prison walls. Additionally, the government has a compelling interest in ensuring the security of its prisons, and surveillance is generally accepted as one tool the government can use to ensure that security.

Anything that an inmate says to the person on the other end of the line can be used against him or her, in any way within the boundaries of the law.

Believe it or not, it is common for inmates to discuss their pending case, talk about other crimes they were involved in, name and identify other participants and possible witnesses, and much more. For the Prosecutors and Detectives listening on the line, these phone calls often break a case wide open and seal the inmate’s fate.

How Can You Know That You Call Is Recorded?

Most facilities that record inmate’s calls or visitations play a preliminarily recorded message informing the inmate that their call or visitation will be recorded. Otherwise, you will hear the typical “click” which means that supervisor has joined your conversation. Another “click” will tell you that supervisor is offline, but it doesn’t mean that your call is not recorded anymore!

The use of taped calls against inmates has become so prevalent that some defense lawyers put a warning on their websites: “DO NOT say anything at all that you do not want to hear played back to the Judge in the courtroom at your trial.”

When a 3rd party (loved one or friend) is involved in the conversation, it opens the possibility that such calls are no longer subject to the attorney-client privilege from State discovery. As we mentioned, calls to anyone other than the inmate’s attorney will be monitored and recorded. It is surprising how much is said during these calls, even after the very clear recording lets everyone on the call know that the call is being recorded.

Another danger while making phone calls from the prison or jail is that the “phone bank” or wall of phones are in an open area where other inmates can congregate and easily eavesdrop on the conversation.

One of the main reasons for listening in on other inmate’s calls is to be able to provide the State with important information to get their charges reduced or their sentences lessened. One can never underestimate what an incarcerated man or woman will do to regain his or her freedom.

How To Avoid Self-Incrimination

We understand the importance of calls from those incarcerated to family members and loved-ones. They can serve as a crucial “lifeline” to someone behind bars and the “outside world.” In some cases, they may even be the one thing allowing an inmate to hold on while their case moves forward.

However, you should keep in mind that anything inmate says from their facility can be used against them. To close friends and family members who are reading this, you can do a lot to keep your loved one from harming him or herself as a result of something they said.

Here is what you should do to avoid the dangers of the phone:

1. DO NOT forget that all calls are being monitored and recorded, and that anything said can be used against your family member or loved-one in their current (or, possibly, future, case);
2. DO NOT ask questions in which an answer might include damaging information. It is not unusual for the Prosecutor to file NEW charges based on something that was said on the phone;
3. DO NOT discuss the pending case at all. Direct your questions and concerns to a lawyer who can then decide how to proceed;
4. DO explain the dangers of making calls, and relay these suggestions to anyone you believe may be in contact with your loved one while he or she is incarcerated;
5. DO explain to your loved-one how the phone system works and let them know that you must maintain some responsible control over the amount and duration of such calls;
6. DO explain to your loved one that you may not be able to afford some calls they wish to make. It is natural to feel some pressure, even guilt, for not doing all that is asked of you. Still, it is better to have a temporarily angry loved-one than a destroyed credit report and bankruptcy. A good way to avoid this is to use Prison Connect service to reduce your bills significantly.

Still, it is important to be aware of the potential “danger zones” that exist in the system, and how best to avoid falling victim to them.

Here, we have discussed the dangers of the inmate phone system, and how best to maintain contact with your loved one while not making his legal situation any worse. By following these suggestions, you will go a long way towards avoiding the pitfalls that those without this information easily fall victim to.

ByPrisonConnect

Benefits of Cheap Rates for Prison Inmate Calls

Serving time for a crime is a crisis for any inmate and their family, and personal connection is a crucial part of recovery for everyone. That is why it is so important to make sure inmates can easily get in contact with their loved ones, and getting cheaper rates for prison inmate calls is a major step.

There are many benefits to having cheaper rates, such as better mental health for inmates and their families, financial savings for families already in a bad situation, and fair treatment for prison inmates.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

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Keep in Touch With Loved Ones in Jail

For those who are incarcerated, being able to call loved ones is a necessity for mental well-being. Many in prison have families, spouses, and children, but are not able to talk to them often because the price of making a call is too high.

Being able to speak with their loved ones regularly helps many inmates maintain social connections, which are incredibly valuable when it comes time to re-enter society. It also better helps mend family relations when the inmate is released.

Imagine a child feeling estranged from a parent after their mother or father was held in prison for years with little ability to contact them and form bonds. Keeping phone rates for prison inmates helps not only those on the inside but those on the outside as well.

Cheaper Inmate Calls Mean Stronger Families

Families with a loved one in prison may often be struggling financially or otherwise unable to afford the exorbitant rates imposed on prisoners. While the inmates are typically the ones directly charged for a phone call, the families are usually ultimately providing the money.

Keeping cheaper rates for prison inmate calls would help those in crisis save around $10-$20 on each call.

That may seem like a small amount, but it could make all the difference when it comes to deciding if the family needs groceries or some talk-time with a family member more. Lower rates would relieve some financial burden and help families make connections a priority.

Prison inmates, while serving time for a crime, are still citizens and human beings to be treated with respect. Many companies seem to be taking advantage of inmates and their loved ones, charging higher rates because they know the inmate has no choice but to pay.

This ethical debate over the fairness of charging inmates multiple times more than other citizens in the same area has been going on for years.

Reducing the rates of prison calls would take an emotional burden off the families and inmates in addition to helping relieve them financially.

ByPrisonConnect

Challenges for Inmates with Mental Illnesses

The Bureau of Justice Statistics has availed research proving that above half of all inmates suffer mental illnesses or disorders. More precisely, approximately 1.25 million prisoners of the 2.2 million inmates in the US are not in good mental health, a number that has multiplied fourfold in the last fifteen years.

The mental health conditions that so affect inmates include those causing unstable moods, thinking or behavior such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

Relationship between Mental Illness and Incarceration

Given the large proportion of mentally ill inmates, interest is drawn to the apparent relationship between mental illness and incarceration. Further studies indicate that mentally ill people’s likelihood to end up in prison is twice to four times more than those who are not.

Many professionals agree that numerous cases of incarceration would be avoided if only the mentally ill were afforded proper health care. This is further highlighted by statistics that indicate most mentally ill inmates are put behind bars for crimes that are minor and more importantly, preventable. These are crimes that can be tied to their state of a home, basic treatment or resources; what one could essentially term as crimes of survival.

Challenges in Caring Mentally Ill Inmates

A major challenge in caring for such patients is that most tend to be subject to a vicious cycle of sorts.

The first problem is that the mentally ill tend to spend longer behind bars that healthy people do. This is because they, more often than not, they stay behind bars while waiting for trial and sentencing as opposed to being released on bond or being sent to facilities where they could get proper health care. So the cycle is set in motion.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics has conducted studies that have indicated that while locked up, most mentally ill inmates do not get the appropriate treatment. This does not help their cases as their persisting conditions impact behavioral difficulties on them. As such, they mostly tend to miss the necessary conditions for early release despite their conviction for relatively petty crimes.

Seeing as they spend much longer than their mentally healthy counterparts in the lock up, their case is not helped by the fact that over four billion dollars in mental health care funds have been pulled from state budgets.

In light of this, many centers for mental conditions’ treatment have had to shut out patients while hospitals have reduced services. It is, therefore, no surprise that a study found out that there are more people with severe mental conditions in prisons than in hospitals.

Proper Care about Mentally Ill Inmates is Mutually Beneficial

The key out of this quagmire may be an appreciation of the fact that governments and institutions could actually be saving money by according the mentally ill proper care.

At Michigan State, for instance, the annual cost of holding an inmate is above $34,000 while mental health care outside prison in the same state cost between $2,000 and $9,000.

In this respect, experts might be right in calling for the pursuance of alternatives to incarceration for the benefit of all.

ByPrisonConnect

What did the Securus Data Leak show?

Shockwaves have rippled through the world recently in the face of a massive leak of phone records from the large phone call service provider Securus Technologies. The leak showed a massive violation of privacy rights.

START SAVING FROM $10 TO $20 ON EACH CALL FROM YOUR LOVED ONE IN PRISON

Who are Securus Technologies?

For those unfamiliar with Securus Technologies, a little introduction might be in order. This is a firm that is in bed with county governments and state departments of corrections which spread Securus’ operations across 37 states in the US at the very least.

Securus is known for huge rates on inmate calls. They used to charge up to $14/min(!) before the regulation. Now, they are still charging much more than the call would normally cost.

In the year 2014 Securus reported revenue of over $404 million. In short, it comes as no surprise that a hack into its database leaked over seventy million recorded prison phone calls.

The surprise is in the constitution of the seventy million calls, not to mention the fact that someone managed to hack such a company. It is hard to reconcile a company of such repute and such actions as recording confidential conversations between a prisoner and their attorney.

Why are Inmate Calls Recorded?

The communications giant markets itself mainly on the premise of the superior technology it possesses in the form of the Secure Call Platform. This allows for recording and monitoring of all calls going out from prisoners with a few exceptions.

It is supposed to be superior in its security, the database being impenetrable except by the few with authorized access. The main aim of such recordings is for the protection of people both inside and outside the prison, and crime solving as they may provide evidence in any sort of investigation. That a man was able to get through to the fortress, make out the records and go ahead to publish them online is a source of concern.

The criminal justice system is anchored on the premise that a defendant may be able to converse freely with their attorney. The sixth amendment unequivocally entitles them to be competent and effective legal counsel who can only be so if they can explicitly communicate their position to the advocate.

Where is the Line Between the Law and its Violation?

It may be intrinsically accepted that once in jail, many a man’s right is limited, but the attorney-client privilege is always constitutionally protected. These are conversations that should by no means be recorded let alone stored. Such recordings are unconstitutional and are one of the acts that motivated the hacker who leaked them.

Find out how to avoid Self-Incrimination on the Phone.

Outside the relatively limited context of imprisonment, it is a matter of concern how much information is retained on not only the prisoners but also all the other people with whom they are affiliated.

In the records unearthed were prisoners’ first and last names, phone numbers called, date, time and duration of the call. If the rights to privacy of the prisoners are justifiably withdrawn to a large extent, where is it supposed to stop?

It becomes blurred at which point the breach goes from the prisoner’s right to the liberties of their associates outside of prison and who should have all their rights intact.

Massive Violation of Client-Attorney Privilege by Securus

Securus Technologies seem to understand this going by their proposals. In one such proposal they commit to record and monitor all but privileged calls. The leaked records prove otherwise.

Even in the case of calls that are not privileged, legal experts suggest that the waiver of rights should only be to the extent that they cover the conditions that necessitate them. There is, therefore, no justifying that calls bearing nothing but intimate details between a couple should be recorded and stored indefinitely.

This only heightens the chance of exposure of the communication and violating their rights, which is exactly what has happened.