Federal inmates often utilize written correspondence for various reasons, including to request specific telephone numbers to call. Such requests are reviewed by SIS staff, and any prohibited topics discussed could lead to sanctions including restriction of telephone privileges or segregation from general population.
Most BOP facilities feature pay telephones that enable inmates to make collect calls and use public messaging as another means of keeping up with family and friends.
Inmate Telephone System (ITS)
ITS facilities use computers, telephone switches and software programs to monitor inmate calls and debit their commissary accounts for the cost. Prior to making collect or debit calls from within these facilities, inmates must submit lists of approved call recipients before being allowed to make collect or debit calls; associate wardens review this list to determine whether receiving them threatens institutional security or good order, or could abuse phone privileges to commit crimes; inmates found violating rules may find their phone privileges limited or revoked altogether.
Inmates may place up to 30 phone calls a month approved by an associate warden, such as family and friends approved by them. Calls cannot be placed to pay phones, 800 numbers, businesses or international telephone numbers. A conference calling feature enables inmates to talk simultaneously to multiple individuals at the same time.
Inmates calling within the US are charged 15 to 31 cents per minute and 50 cents flat rate fee when calling locally; calls placed from DOC facilities with integrated telephone system charges cost more. Forwarding, three-way calls or speakerphone usage on telephones are prohibited by ITS; calls placed from remote facilities cost more as increasing billable charges could reduce acceptance of calls received, thus negating benefits accruing from contact efforts.
Electronic Mail (EM)
BOP inmates can use Electronic Mail (EM) to write to anyone on their approved contact list – this includes attorneys, special mail recipients and anyone who has agreed to receive these messages. However, unlike email, EM does not permit attachments or media types; each message is limited to 13,000 characters; additionally letters numbers and punctuation marks count against this character count and could lead to confusion for new users; but once adjusted it’s easy enough.
EM is an affordable alternative to traditional pen and paper correspondence. This service features both web-based email client as well as mobile application access for inmates to receive messages at any time and from anywhere. However, the system has a few limitations that should be familiar to experienced email users; these include emails limited to one recipient with no more than 2,000 characters allowed per email and three emails being sent per five day period.
Prior to the introduction of ITS, inmates at BOP were limited to making only a handful of collect calls per month. While initially considering restricting inmate telephone access further, BOP’s Executive Staff ultimately determined that monitoring phone calls would require too many staff and disrupt institution operations; as a result, they reached an agreement with a private company to provide monitoring services while creating a policy guaranteeing each prisoner at least 60 minutes of debit calling every month.
Corrlinks
Corrlinks is a secure online system that enables authorized users to communicate securely with inmates. Additionally, this site features scheduling video sessions as well as uploading photos and videos – perfect for keeping loved ones connected in prison.
Corrlinks provides inmates with tools that enable them to stay in contact with the outside world and access resources that support rehabilitation efforts, helping alleviate feelings of isolation while strengthening purposeful community-building efforts. Corrlinks can also serve as an emotional lifeline, offering emotional support while sharing thoughts and experiences among peers.
The system allows families and friends of inmates to email them without restriction, unlike traditional mail systems. Instantaneous message delivery helps save both time and money while protecting against receiving unwanted material. The app can even be used to form pen pal groups which encourage reading and writing activities during jail visits.
This app utilizes secure encryption and authentication methods to keep your data private and safe, regularly updating its security measures to stay ahead of emerging threats. Positive user reviews demonstrate its quality and effectiveness as an inmate communication platform.
TRULINCS Public Messaging
Numerous prisons contract with private companies to provide electronic messaging services. All sent and received messages are monitored for content by trained staff, and have time limits and restrictions preventing inmates from forwarding them outside contacts or other prisoners – intended to prevent prisoner violence and misuse of this service; however they also restrict inmates’ ability to remain connected with family members while being costly for families who pay for these services.
Contracting companies often make money through charging commission on message revenue, either as a flat rate per message or as a percentage of total messaging revenue. Unfortunately, these fees don’t reflect market rates and their higher charges limit incarcerated people’s ability to communicate with loved ones and complete educational courses.
Current law (code 396) allows inmates to be disciplined for using mail for abuses that bypass mail monitoring or facilitate any prohibited act in Moderate category, but we suggest changing this code so as to include electronic messaging services as integral elements of inmate communication.
Plaintiff maintains that any attempt at restricting his access to TRULINCS violates his First Amendment right to freedom of expression and communication with minors while behind bars – an argument which holds merit, yet doesn’t justify restricting his usage of the service.