When someone calls from a UK prison, the process differs from a regular phone call, and the number that shows up on the recipient's phone may not be easily recognizable. Understanding how prison phone systems work, what numbers are displayed, and the rules surrounding prison calls can be beneficial for families and friends trying to stay connected with their loved ones. In this article, we will explore the mechanics of prison calls in the UK, the phone numbers that appear, how prison phone systems are managed, and how services like Prison Call can help make the process smoother and more affordable.
UK prisons have specific phone systems in place that allow inmates to make calls under strict regulations. These systems are installed to monitor and control the communication of inmates with the outside world, ensuring that security and safety protocols are followed. The calls inmates make are usually paid for through phone credits, which can be funded by family members or earned by the inmate through prison employment. Each prisoner has a personal phone account that they use to make outgoing calls.
Inmates are not allowed to have mobile phones in prison. Instead, they can use the phones provided by the prison on their wing or designated areas. These phones can only call pre-approved numbers, such as family members, friends, or legal representatives, which must be registered in advance. Prison staff closely monitor all calls (except legal ones) for security reasons. Therefore, the phone system within the prison environment is highly regulated.
When an inmate calls a loved one from a UK prison, the phone number displayed is typically not the prisoner's personal number or even the prison's direct line. Instead, it is a generic, untraceable number that doesn't reflect the prison’s name or location. Often, this number will start with an 0300 or 0800 prefix, but it can vary depending on the prison’s phone provider. This is done to ensure security and privacy, preventing people from tracing the call back to the prison or individual prisoner.
Many recipients of prison calls report that the number showing up on their phone is unknown or simply identified as "No Caller ID." This can make it difficult for friends and family to recognize the call, especially if they are receiving one for the first time. Some prisons may use a set phone number for outgoing calls, but it will not be the prison's main line, making it tricky to call back if the call is missed.
For families and loved ones, staying in touch with someone in prison is crucial for maintaining emotional support and helping them cope with their sentence. Prison calls are one of the few ways that inmates can regularly communicate with people on the outside, especially since visitation is often limited and difficult to arrange.
However, the issue of not recognizing the number when someone calls from prison can lead to missed calls and added frustration. If a family member is unaware of the unique number that will display on their phone, they may ignore or block the call, assuming it’s spam or a telemarketer. This can be distressing for both the prisoner and their loved ones, as prison calls are limited and not always easy to reschedule.
Services like Prison Call can provide a more affordable way to manage calls from prison. We give inmates a virtual landline number that is cheaper to dial compared to an ordinary mobile number. When a prisoner calls a mobile phone, the cost can start at around 25p per minute, which adds up quickly and limits how much time they can spend talking to loved ones.
Prison Call can offer significantly reduced rates for calls made to virtual landlines, potentially saving families an average of over £100 per week. By having a designated virtual landline number, family members are more likely to recognise the call and answer it, ensuring that communication is maintained without unnecessary cost burdens. The service also makes it easier to manage the call costs, giving families peace of mind and the ability to speak with their loved one more often.
One of the most important steps in staying connected with someone in prison is ensuring that you recognize when they are calling. Here are some tips to avoid missing important calls:
Know The Number:
Ask your loved one if the prison has a standard number that displays when they call. Some prisons use the same number for all outgoing calls, which makes it easier to recognize.
Save The Number:
Once you know the number that will appear when your loved one calls, you can save it in your contacts under a recognizable name like “Prison Call” or the inmate’s name. This way, you will know not to ignore it.
Set An Alarm Or Alert:
If you have a phone with customizable ringtones or alerts, set a unique notification sound for the prison number. This will help you quickly identify when the call is coming from your loved one in jail.
Check Your Voicemail Regularly:
Sometimes, inmates are allowed to leave brief voicemail messages. If you miss a call, be sure to check your voicemail promptly, as it could be from your loved one. Some prisons may allow voicemail functionality, depending on the system in place.
Use A Service Like Prison Call:
By using services like Prison Call, you can avoid the uncertainty of unknown or blocked numbers. The virtual landline setup ensures that you recognize the call and helps reduce the cost of staying in touch.
Phone calls from UK prisons are subject to time limits and restrictions. Inmates can only make calls during designated hours, and the length of the call is usually limited to 10 or 15 minutes at a time, depending on the prison’s policy. Calls are often cut off abruptly when the time limit is reached, which can be frustrating for both the prisoner and the person receiving the call.
There are also restrictions on how often prisoners can call. The number of calls they are allowed to make is usually determined by their behavior and prison regulations. Prisoners may earn more privileges, including phone time, by demonstrating good behavior through the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme.
Regular communication between inmates and their families is essential for several reasons. It provides emotional support, helps maintain relationships, and can reduce the likelihood of reoffending. According to research, prisoners who stay in touch with their family and loved ones are less likely to reoffend upon release, making phone calls an important part of rehabilitation.
For families, regular phone calls provide reassurance that their loved one is doing okay and help them feel connected, even during a difficult time. Children of prisoners, in particular, benefit from the chance to speak to their parent, helping them cope with the absence and maintain a bond.
Receiving a call from a UK prison comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to identifying the number that shows up on your phone. Understanding the prison phone system, recognizing the incoming call number, and using services like Prison Call can help make staying connected easier and more affordable. Regular communication is a vital lifeline for both prisoners and their families, providing emotional support and helping to maintain important relationships during a prison sentence.
See our success stories, and how we have helped customers save up to 80% when calling from prison.
See Our Success StoriesFind out how much you can save with prison call with our cost saving calculator.
See How Much You Can SaveWe're on a mission to keep you connected to your loved ones at an affordable rate.
Back To The Homepage
.jpg)
.jpg)
