In the UK, phone calls are a vital part of a prisoner's connection to the outside world, offering them an opportunity to maintain relationships with family, friends, and support networks. However, the system governing phone calls in prisons operates under strict regulations, which means that inmates have limited access to phones. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of when prisoners can make phone calls, the restrictions they face, and the services that make it easier to stay in touch, including the benefits of services like Prison Call.
Prisoners in the UK generally have access to phones during association time, which is a period when they are allowed out of their cells for recreational or social activities. Association time is crucial as it provides prisoners with the chance to shower, interact with other inmates, and make phone calls. Typically, this period occurs twice a week in many prisons, although it may vary depending on the facility and the prisoner's privileges.
For those on the enhanced regime, which is a reward system for prisoners who demonstrate good behavior, access to phone calls can be more frequent. Enhanced prisoners might have daily association time, offering them more opportunities to make phone calls. However, the specific schedule for calls can vary from prison to prison, so it is essential for family members and prisoners to understand the exact rules in their facility.
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.
Across most UK prisons, phone calls can usually be made between 6 AM and midnight, but the exact time that a prisoner can access the phone depends on their schedule and the institution’s policies. For instance, certain high-security prisons may have stricter time limits, while others may be more lenient. The timing also hinges on when association periods are set, meaning that even though phones are technically available for use during these hours, the actual window of opportunity can be significantly shorter.
One of the key restrictions imposed on phone calls in UK prisons is the limit on call length. Typically, calls are restricted to 10 minutes per session. This helps ensure that other prisoners have a chance to use the phone and that calls do not consume excessive amounts of phone credit, which can be costly for the prisoner or their family members who may be topping up the credit.
Due to this time restriction, prisoners often need to prioritize their phone calls, ensuring they cover essential matters like checking in on loved ones, managing finances, or seeking legal advice. Though the calls may be short, they can make a significant difference in maintaining a sense of connection with life outside the prison walls.
Prisoners need phone credit to make calls, which can be purchased using the funds available in their prison account. For those who have regular financial support from their family or friends, topping up phone credit may be a relatively easy process. However, for prisoners with limited access to funds, this can be a challenge.
Historically, the cost of phone calls from prison has been relatively high, with prisoners charged around 25p per minute for calls to mobile phones. This cost can add up quickly, especially for families already facing financial difficulties. However, services like Prison Call can provide an affordable alternative, helping families save on their phone bills by offering significantly cheaper rates, reducing the financial burden. On average, families who use Prison Call save around £100, making it a much more economical option for those who want to stay in touch.
The prison phone system operates on a PIN system, which requires prisoners to register their phone numbers before making a call. Each prisoner is allowed to add up to 20 approved numbers to their PIN account. These numbers can be changed or updated, but the process of setting up a PIN account for a new prisoner may take a few days, leaving some inmates unable to make calls immediately upon arrival.
It’s important to note that phone calls from prison are not private. Officers often monitor calls to prevent illegal activities or discussions related to criminal behavior. For instance, if there is suspicion that a prisoner may be engaging in illegal activities via phone calls, prison officers are authorized to listen to and record the conversations. This is particularly relevant for calls to private individuals, as calls to certain organizations, such as legal representatives or helplines like the Samaritans, are usually confidential.
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.
When a person is newly incarcerated, they are typically given the opportunity to make an initial phone call upon arrival. This call is particularly important for notifying loved ones of their location, allowing them to inform family or friends that they are safe. Beyond this, new prisoners may face delays in being able to make additional calls while their PIN account is set up and credits are added.
Unlike in the outside world, where calls can be made and received freely, prisoners are not allowed to receive incoming calls. This can make communication challenging, as families cannot directly call their loved ones when they want to speak with them. Instead, they must wait for the prisoner to call during their allotted phone time. This restriction is a crucial reason why services like Prison Call, which reduce the costs of outgoing calls, are so important for families who want to stay in regular contact.
Maintaining relationships and staying in touch with loved ones is not only a source of emotional support for prisoners, but it also plays a vital role in their rehabilitation. The ability to make phone calls can help prisoners manage stress, stay connected to their support networks, and maintain a sense of normalcy. Additionally, research shows that maintaining family ties can significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending upon release.
For prisoners who may not have consistent access to phone credit or who may struggle to make regular calls, other services are available for emotional support. For example, prisoners can contact organizations like the Samaritans, who offer confidential listening services for those who may be feeling overwhelmed. They can also reach out to the Prison Reform Trust and other advocacy groups for assistance.
For families looking to reduce the cost of staying in touch with their incarcerated loved ones, Prison Call offers a reliable and affordable alternative. By using a virtual landline service, families can save significantly on the cost of calls from prison to mobile phones. With the average cost of prison calls to mobile phones sitting at 25p per minute, Prison Call provides a much-needed solution, allowing families to save up to £100 on phone bills.
Prison Call not only makes calls cheaper but also helps facilitate more frequent communication. With reduced call costs, prisoners can speak with their families more regularly, improving their mental well-being and providing vital emotional support during their sentence. This service plays an essential role in helping prisoners maintain the family ties that are critical to their successful reintegration into society upon release.
The ability to make phone calls in prison is more than just a convenience; it’s a lifeline that helps inmates maintain relationships with loved ones, manage emotional stress, and stay connected to the outside world. While phone calls in UK prisons are subject to strict rules and limitations, services like Prison Call can help ease the financial burden on families, making communication more accessible.
Prisoners typically have access to phones during association time, which is generally twice a week or more for enhanced prisoners. Calls are limited to 10 minutes in length, and prisoners must purchase phone credit to make these calls. With services like Prison Call, families can significantly reduce the cost of staying in touch, saving money and improving the quality of communication during incarceration.
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)
