How Does an Inmate Know They Have Money to Call?

Figuring out if you have funds available for phone calls while incarcerated can be a surprisingly intricate process. The answer essentially boils down to the specific policies of the correctional facility, the communication methods they employ, and the funding source used. Generally, inmates will know they have call money through a combination of methods like accessing their inmate trust account statements, receiving notifications from the facility, and using phone system prompts. Let’s unpack this further.

Inmate Trust Accounts: The Key to Calling Home

At the heart of understanding an inmate’s call money is the inmate trust account, sometimes referred to as a commissary account or prisoner account. This is a bookkeeping system where an inmate’s funds are held and managed by the correctional facility. Money from various sources can be deposited into this account.

• Deposits from Outside: Family and friends are the most common source of funds. They can deposit money through approved channels, which can include online portals, postal money orders, phone payments, or third-party money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
• Internal Earnings: Inmates might earn small amounts of money through prison jobs, such as working in the kitchen, laundry, or maintenance.
• Legal Settlements and Gifts: Less frequently, funds can originate from legal settlements, inheritances, or gifts specifically approved by the facility administration.

Once the money is in the trust account, the correctional facility needs to provide inmates with a way to check their balance. How this happens varies, but common methods include:

• Kiosk Access: Many modern correctional facilities have kiosks where inmates can log in (using their inmate ID number and a PIN) and view their account balance and transaction history. These kiosks may be located in common areas like day rooms or recreation areas.
• Printed Statements: Some facilities still provide printed statements on a regular basis, typically weekly or monthly.
• Phone Prompts: After dialing a number, some phone systems automatically announce the inmate’s remaining call balance.
• Verbal Inquiry: While becoming less common, inmates might be able to request a balance inquiry from a designated staff member, such as a corrections officer in charge of inmate accounts.

Navigating the Phone System

The phone system itself plays a crucial role in informing inmates about their call balance. Here’s how:

• Pre-Call Announcement: The most straightforward method is a pre-call announcement. Before the call connects, a recorded message states the inmate’s available balance and warns them if they don’t have sufficient funds for the desired call length.
• Low Balance Warning: Similar to a pre-call announcement, some systems will issue a warning when the balance drops below a certain threshold (e.g., $5.00).
• Call Termination: If the inmate runs out of funds during a call, the system will typically provide a warning and then terminate the call. This can be frustrating, but it serves as a direct indication that the account is depleted.

Keeping Track of Charges and Fees

It’s important for inmates (and their families) to understand the charges and fees associated with phone calls. These can include:

• Per-Minute Rates: Calls are usually billed per minute, and the rate can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, the distance of the call, and the contract between the correctional facility and the phone service provider.
• Connection Fees: Some phone service providers charge a connection fee for each call, regardless of its length.
• Taxes and Surcharges: Various taxes and surcharges may be added to the call cost.

Understanding these charges is crucial for inmates to manage their phone account effectively.

Third-Party Funding Options

Many inmates receive assistance from family and friends to fund their phone accounts. Several methods are typically used for these transfers:

• Online Deposits: Many correctional facilities partner with third-party vendors that allow family and friends to deposit money directly into the inmate’s trust account online, using a credit card or debit card.
• Money Orders: Mailed money orders are a traditional method of sending funds. However, they can take longer to process and may be subject to stricter verification procedures.
• Phone Payments: Some vendors allow family and friends to deposit funds over the phone, using a credit card or debit card.
• Lobby Kiosks: Many facilities have kiosks in the visitor lobby where people can deposit cash or use a card to add funds to an inmate’s account.

It is important to note that correctional facilities and third-party vendors may charge fees for these deposit services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further illuminate how inmates know they have money to call:

1. What happens if an inmate doesn’t have any money for phone calls?

If an inmate has no funds in their account, they typically cannot make outgoing calls, except in limited circumstances such as contacting their attorney (which may be subject to specific procedures and approval). Some facilities offer very limited free call time for indigent inmates, but this is not a standard practice. Inmates are generally responsible for covering the cost of their calls.

2. Can inmates make collect calls?

Collect calls are generally allowed but with significant limitations. The person receiving the collect call must agree to accept the charges, which can often be quite high. Many people are unwilling to accept collect calls due to the cost. Additionally, collect calls may be restricted to certain approved phone numbers. Some facilities are phasing out collect calls entirely in favor of prepaid calling systems.

3. How can family and friends put money on an inmate’s phone account?

Family and friends can typically deposit money through online portals, money orders, phone payments, or lobby kiosks, depending on the facility’s approved methods. The correctional facility will specify the exact procedures and approved vendors. It is crucial to follow these procedures carefully to ensure that the funds are properly credited to the inmate’s account.

4. Are phone calls recorded in correctional facilities?

Yes, almost all phone calls made by inmates are recorded and monitored, except for privileged communications with their attorney. Inmates are typically informed of this recording at the beginning of each call. This recording serves security purposes and can be used in investigations.

5. What if an inmate’s account is wrongly debited?

If an inmate believes their account has been wrongly debited, they should file a formal grievance or complaint with the correctional facility. They will need to provide evidence to support their claim, such as a copy of their account statement or any relevant documentation. The facility will investigate the matter and take corrective action if necessary.

6. Can an inmate transfer money to another inmate’s account?

Transferring funds between inmates is generally prohibited to prevent illegal activities such as gambling, extortion, or the trafficking of contraband. Some facilities may make exceptions in very limited circumstances (e.g., for medical needs), but these are rare and require special authorization.

7. How do phone companies determine the cost of inmate calls?

The cost of inmate calls is typically determined by the contract between the correctional facility and the phone service provider. These contracts often involve high rates and fees due to the security measures and monitoring requirements involved. The rates can also vary based on the time of day, the distance of the call, and any applicable taxes and surcharges.

8. What are the alternatives to traditional inmate phone calls?

Alternatives to traditional phone calls may include video visitation, email/messaging services, or postal mail. The availability of these alternatives depends on the specific policies of the correctional facility. While video visitation and messaging can offer more direct communication, they may also be subject to fees and restrictions.

9. Can inmates use cell phones in prison?

No, inmates are generally prohibited from possessing or using cell phones. Cell phones pose a significant security risk because they can be used to communicate with the outside world undetected, coordinate illegal activities, and potentially endanger staff and other inmates. Possession of a cell phone by an inmate can result in serious disciplinary action and criminal charges.

10. What happens to an inmate’s unused phone money upon release?

Upon release, an inmate’s remaining funds in their trust account are typically returned to them, either in the form of a check or a debit card. The specific procedure for disbursing these funds varies depending on the facility. The released inmate is then free to use the money as they see fit.

11. Are there limits on how much money an inmate can have in their account?

Yes, most correctional facilities impose limits on the maximum amount of money an inmate can have in their trust account. These limits are designed to prevent inmates from accumulating excessive wealth while incarcerated, which could lead to security risks or potential for exploitation. The specific limits vary from facility to facility.

12. Can inmates use their phone account to purchase other items?

Yes, inmates can typically use their phone account to purchase other items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing materials. The commissary acts as a store within the correctional facility, and inmates can use their trust account to pay for these purchases. The phone account and commissary account are usually linked.

Understanding the intricacies of inmate phone accounts can be challenging. However, by staying informed and following the facility’s guidelines, inmates and their families can effectively manage their call money and maintain important connections.