Prison phone calls play a critical role in maintaining the emotional and social well-being of inmates. For those incarcerated, keeping in touch with family and friends is vital to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. However, the amount of time prisoners in the UK get to speak on the phone is limited and influenced by various factors, such as prison regulations, behavior, and access to funds. In this article, we'll explore how long UK prisoners can talk on the phone, the systems in place to facilitate calls, and the rules and limitations that govern their use of this service.
In UK prisons, inmates are not allowed mobile phones, as these are considered contraband. Instead, prison phone systems are installed in common areas of the prison or within the cells in some more modern facilities. Prisoners are given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to make calls, and all phone calls must be prepaid, either from an inmate's personal account or by a loved one outside topping up their phone credit.
The system used across most UK prisons is operated by a service provider contracted by the government, such as Pinphones or Prison Voicemail. These systems allow inmates to make outgoing calls to pre-approved numbers. Calls can be monitored or recorded for security reasons, especially when made to people outside the prison.
The amount of time prisoners in the UK can speak on the phone depends on several factors, including the type of prison, the prisoner’s behavior, and their financial resources.
Standard Phone Time for Prisoners
In most UK prisons, there are no hard limits on how many phone calls an inmate can make in a week, but there are restrictions on the duration of each call and the overall time they can spend on the phone per day. Typically, prisoners are allowed 30 to 60 minutes per day for phone calls. However, this is not a fixed amount across all prisons and can vary.The key limitation comes from the availability of phones and the number of prisoners vying to use them. In shared areas, the number of phones is often limited, meaning prisoners may have to wait for their turn. This can lead to short call durations to ensure all inmates get the chance to speak with their families.
Inmates in Different Categories of Prisons
Prisoners in the UK are divided into different categories based on the severity of their crimes and their risk to society. These categories influence the facilities they have access to, including phone privileges.
- Category A and B Prisons: These are high-security prisons for dangerous offenders, including those convicted of serious crimes like murder and terrorism. In these prisons, phone calls are usually more tightly controlled, with calls being subject to monitoring and more restrictions on the duration.
- Category C and D Prisons: These are lower-security prisons, where prisoners are deemed to be less of a threat. Category D prisons, often referred to as open prisons, offer more freedoms, including greater access to phone facilities. Inmates in these prisons might have access to phones in their cells or more lenient regulations regarding phone time.
Good Behavior and Incentive Programs
Phone privileges in UK prisons are often tied to behavior. Many prisons operate an Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme. Under this scheme, prisoners can earn extra privileges, including more phone time, by demonstrating good behavior, attending educational programs, or working inside the prison. Conversely, bad behavior can result in reduced phone time or other sanctions.
- Basic Level: At the basic level of the IEP scheme, a prisoner will typically have fewer privileges, including limited access to phone calls. They may be allowed shorter call times or restricted in how often they can make calls.
- Standard Level: Most prisoners are at the standard level, where they can access up to the typical 30 to 60 minutes of phone time per day.
- Enhanced Level: Inmates who maintain good behavior for an extended period can reach the enhanced level. At this level, they are often allowed more phone time per day, sometimes up to 90 minutes, and may have access to phones during more flexible hours.
Weekend and Holiday Calls
The availability of phones can vary during weekends and holidays. Family contact is especially important during these times, so many prisons make efforts to provide longer calling hours or additional slots for prisoners to make phone calls. However, this is dependent on the specific prison’s regulations and staffing levels, as well as demand for the phones.
Several factors influence the amount of time a prisoner gets to speak on the phone, and these can fluctuate based on individual circumstances and the prison they are held in:
Phone Availability
In most prisons, phone systems are shared, meaning prisoners have to wait their turn. During busy times, such as in the evening or around holidays, prisoners may only get 5-10 minutes of call time in a session. This can vary based on how well the prison manages phone access.
Personal Funds
Inmates must pay for their phone calls, and the cost varies depending on the service provider and the type of call (local or international). Prisoners without sufficient funds or those who have not received money from friends and family may be limited in the number of calls they can make.
Domestic calls to landlines are usually the cheapest, while mobile and international calls are significantly more expensive. Prisoners often have to ration their phone credit, which limits their call durations.
Security Concerns
High-risk prisoners or those involved in certain legal cases may have their calls restricted or monitored. In some cases, prisoners are not allowed to speak with specific individuals or may have their calls cut short if they breach prison rules.
Legal and Official Calls
Prisoners are allowed to make calls to legal representatives, and these calls are typically unmonitored and uncapped in length. However, they must be arranged in advance, and prisoners still need to manage their call schedules.
In recent years, several technological innovations have been introduced to improve prisoners' communication with their families. These include:
Prison Voicemail
This service allows prisoners to leave voice messages for their loved ones. Recipients can then reply, creating a back-and-forth conversation that doesn't require live phone time, which can ease the pressure on shared phone systems.
In-cell Phones
Some Category C and D prisons have started introducing phones in cells. While the phones are monitored, this allows for greater flexibility in when prisoners can make calls and can reduce pressure on shared phone facilities.
Maintaining family ties through phone contact is crucial for prisoners’ mental health and rehabilitation. Studies have shown that prisoners who maintain regular contact with family members are less likely to reoffend upon release. Phone calls are a lifeline for many prisoners, providing emotional support and helping them stay connected to their children, partners, and friends.
In the UK, the amount of time a prisoner can spend on the phone depends on a range of factors, including their behavior, the type of prison, and the availability of phones. Most prisoners can expect to spend between 30 and 60 minutes a day speaking on the phone, although this can be extended for those on good behavior or in lower-security facilities. Access to phone calls is essential for maintaining family ties and supporting prisoners' mental well-being, and there are systems in place to ensure that even in difficult circumstances, prisoners can communicate with their loved ones.
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