Cheap Prison Calls:
Who Can Prisoners Call?

Communication with the outside world is one of the most important aspects of life for a prisoner. Phone calls offer a crucial link to family, friends, and legal representatives, providing emotional support and maintaining relationships during incarceration. However, prison phone systems operate under strict rules and regulations to ensure security and control within the prison environment.

In this article, we’ll explore whether a prisoner can call anyone, what restrictions are in place, how the prison phone system works, and how Prison Call services can help make those calls more affordable.

Can a prisoner call anyone?

No, prisoners cannot call just anyone. There are several restrictions on whom prisoners can call, with calls needing to be made within a set framework:

Pre-approved contact list:
Prisoners can only call people on an approved list, which usually includes family members, legal representatives, and support services. This list must be submitted for approval, and the contacts are vetted by prison authorities to ensure no inappropriate or illegal communication takes place.

No incoming calls:
Prisoners are not allowed to receive incoming calls. This is a standard security measure to prevent unauthorized or uncontrolled communication. All outgoing calls are carefully monitored and recorded.

Limited contact with the media:
Inmates are usually not allowed to contact journalists or members of the media, unless under specific circumstances or with special permission. Communication with the press could influence ongoing trials or cause disruptions within the prison environment.

Restrictions on victims and witnesses:
Prisoners are strictly forbidden from contacting their victims or witnesses in their case. This is to prevent intimidation, harassment, or attempts to tamper with the legal process.

The PIN system

UK prisons use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) system to manage and monitor prisoner calls. Each prisoner is assigned a unique PIN that they use to make calls from prison phones. Here’s how it works:

Approval of contacts:
Prisoners must submit the names and phone numbers of people they wish to contact. This list is reviewed by prison authorities to ensure that none of the individuals pose a risk or breach security guidelines.

‍Limits on numbers:
Typically, prisoners can add up to 20 approved numbers to their account, although this may vary depending on the institution and the prisoner’s behavior level. These numbers are checked and verified before calls are allowed.

‍Time limits:
Most calls are limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. After this, the line automatically disconnects, ensuring that all prisoners have fair access to the phones and no one monopolizes the system.

‍Monitoring and recording:
Prison authorities monitor all outgoing calls, and they are usually recorded to prevent any criminal activity or violations of prison rules. Calls to legal representatives are generally not monitored, as they are considered confidential.

Who can prisoners call?

Although there are restrictions, prisoners still have several communication options within their approved list. The most common types of contacts include:

Family Members
‍Family members are typically at the top of the list for prisoner phone calls. Keeping in touch with loved ones is essential for a prisoner’s mental well-being and rehabilitation. Regular communication helps reduce the emotional burden of incarceration and provides a support system for the prisoner during their sentence.

‍Friends
‍Friends who are considered a positive influence may also be added to a prisoner’s approved contact list. However, if the prison authorities believe that any individual could negatively impact the prisoner’s rehabilitation or is involved in criminal activity, they may deny contact.

‍Legal Representatives
‍Legal calls are crucial for prisoners involved in ongoing trials or appeals. Calls to lawyers and legal representatives are usually considered confidential and may not be monitored to ensure that prisoners can communicate openly about their case.

‍Support Services
‍Prisoners can often contact support services like the Samaritans or organizations offering emotional or legal support. These calls provide inmates with additional guidance and assistance, especially during challenging times. Calls to charities and helplines are often free or come at reduced rates.

‍Probation Officers
‍Once a prisoner nears release, they may need to stay in regular contact with their probation officer to ensure they understand the conditions of their release and the next steps of their transition back into society. Communication with probation officers is considered vital for resettlement planning.

Can prisoners call international numbers?

In short, yes prisoners can sometimes make international calls, depending on the rules of the prison and the availability of sufficient phone credit. The cost of international calls is significantly higher than local or national calls, so prisoners often limit their communication with overseas contacts. In some cases, prisons may have special arrangements for international calls to family members living abroad.

Can prisoners change their approved contacts?

Yes prisoners can usually update or change their approved contact list. However, these changes are subject to review and approval by the prison authorities. If a prisoner wants to add a new person to their list, they must submit the name and number, and the prison staff will verify the contact before allowing calls. Prisoners can also remove contacts if they no longer wish to communicate with them. Changes to the contact list are not immediate and may take several days or weeks to process.

How do prisoners pay for phone calls?

Personal phone credit
‍Prisoners can use the money they receive from work or allowances in prison to purchase phone credit. Some may also deposit money into their phone account using funds sent to them by family and friends.

‍Canteen purchases
‍In some prisons, inmates can transfer money from their canteen account to their phone account to top up their credit.

‍Phone credit limits
‍The amount of phone credit prisoners have depends on their privilege level within the prison. For example:

Basic-level prisoners may receive around £10 a week for personal spending, which includes phone credit. Standard-level prisoners can receive £15.50, while enhanced-level prisoners can receive £25.

Prison Call (Virtual Landline)
Prison Call is a service designed to help prisoners and their families reduce the cost of phone calls made from UK prisons. Inmates in UK prisons often face high charges when calling mobile phones, which can make it expensive to maintain regular communication with loved ones. Prison Call offers a solution to this problem by providing Virtual Landlines that prisoners can call at much lower rates compared to mobile numbers. Prison Call provides families with a virtual landline number that is linked to their mobile phone. When the prisoner calls this virtual landline, the cost is significantly reduced, as calls to landlines are generally cheaper than calls to mobiles in the prison system. The call is then forwarded to the mobile phone, ensuring that the family can still receive calls without paying the higher rates.

While prisoners cannot call just anyone, they do have access to an approved list of contacts, including family members, legal representatives, and support services. The prison phone system operates under strict rules to ensure safety, with calls being monitored and recorded. However, services like Prison Call can help ease the financial burden on families and ensure regular, affordable communication. Maintaining contact with the outside world is essential for prisoner rehabilitation, mental well-being, and maintaining vital relationships during incarceration.