Utah State Prison Orientation for Inmate Friends and Family

TELEPHONES

Q.        How often can an inmate call me?
A.        While assigned to the R&O unit an inmate may call once a week either on Saturday or Sunday.  After the inmate moves to a different housing unit, it will depend upon the inmate's privilege matrix.  In some units an inmate may make a 15-minute call once a day.

Q.        Is there a charge for the telephone calls?
A.        Yes.  Calls made on the inmate housing telephones are collect calls.  The charge is placed on your telephone bill.  The telephone company regulates this charge.  When you answer a telephone call, a recorded message will tell you that the call is coming from the Prison and will ask you if you will accept the charge.  The message will explain to you how to accept the charge.

Q.        Are the telephone calls monitored?
A.        Yes.  Calls originating from the Prison are subject to being monitored and recorded.  For this reason, inmates are not allowed to have cell phones.  When you accept a call, your consent is implied. 

Q.        How can I get an inmate to call me?
A.        The purpose of telephone calls is to supplement written correspondence (writing a letter).  The Prison staff does not accept telephone messages for inmates.  (In case of emergencies, staff will verify and evaluate the emergency first, before deciding whether to deliver the message.)

Inmates, while on the R&O unit, fill out a telephone request form to have your telephone number approved.  The form requests your name, address, telephone number and relationship to the inmate. Your telephone number is cleared through a computer system for the inmate to call you. 

Q.        Is there a way not to have an inmate call me?
A.        You have three options:
            1.            Have the telephone company put a voluntary block on your telephone line,
            2.            Notify the Prison contractors that you want your telephone number blocked, or
            3.            Do not accept the call.