What is the Cost for an Inmate to Make a Phone Call from Jail?

Phone calls from jail and prison can be costly, both financially and emotionally. Incarcerated individuals often face high charges for these calls, which can be a significant burden on their families. This article delves into the cost structures, methods of payment, and the challenges faced by inmates in maintaining communication with the outside world.

Understanding the Cost Structure

Average costs can range widely. For instance, one minute of a phone call may cost about 16 cents, totaling roughly $4.80 for a 30-minute call. Some newer facilities have introduced video visitation kiosks, which can run about $9 for a 15-minute call. Variations in cost such as VAC, which can charge around $0.33 per minute plus a connection fee, further highlight the inconsistency in pricing.

The Method of Payment

Typically, the person outside the jail or prison pays for the call. This involves setting up a prepaid account using a credit card when the first call is made. Some facilities allow inmates to debit calls from their commissary accounts, but this is less common. The process can sometimes be bewildering for both sides, leading to frustration and misunderstanding.

Institutional Rules and Personal Devices

At the place of work, family or friends outside the facility are the only legal callers. These calls are pre-arranged by the facility management. The use of personal cell phones is generally considered illegal and can lead to severe consequences, including disciplinary action or loss of calling privileges.

Federal Correctional Facilities and Email-based Communication

In federal correctional facilities, the rules and costs can vary significantly. For instance, some facilities use a service called Corrlinks, which is an email-based communication method offering a much cheaper rate of $0.05 per minute. Additionally, in 2012, there were no time or length limits on such correspondence, making it a more viable option for extended communication.

Challenges and Legal Concerns

The high cost of inmate phone calls often creates a significant financial strain on families. A typical inmate might generate $75 in monthly collect calls, adding up to a substantial sum over a year. This financial burden is not sustainable for many families, especially those with multiple incarcerated loved ones.

These high costs have also fueled legal battles. The Civil Liberties Union has taken companies that make these calls to court, fighting for lower rates and better communication options for inmates. Short calls are often terminated before their full duration, adding to the frustration of both the prisoner and their family.

The Revenue Stream for Prisons

Prison phone calls serve as a significant revenue stream for correctional facilities. For example, a prison with 2,000 inmates making 5-minute calls at $5 per call daily generates $500,000 per month. The high demand and limited availability of these services make prisons major moneymakers.

Frequent lineups for phone use are not uncommon, leading to overcrowding and, in some cases, violent altercations. The stress of limited communication can exacerbate the isolation and anxiety felt by incarcerated individuals, intensifying the need for connections with loved ones.

Conclusion

While it is understandable that correctional facilities need to cover their costs, the current model of inmate phone calls can be prohibitively expensive and unfair. Families and policymakers are advocating for more affordable and humane alternatives. Until then, it is crucial for families to be aware of the costs, manage their calls wisely, and seek legal remedies when necessary.

Additional Resources

For more information and support, consider reaching out to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Families Institute (NFI), or the Prisoner Correspondence Coalition (PCC).