LANCASTER – Audio calls made from standard institution wall phones and tablets by an incarcerated person in a California state prison are now free of charge to the incarcerated person and their friends and families.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced the change, which became effective Jan. 1, in response to the passing of Senate Bill (SB) 1008, the Keep Families Connected Act.
“CDCR is fully committed to maintaining positive bonds between incarcerated people and their loved ones,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Making audio calls free removes the financial barriers and burdens to the population and their support system, we hope this will have a positive impact on the rehabilitative process.”
Other than institution-set hours of operations for calling times and the 15-minute per-call time limit, there is no cap on the number of free audio calls incarcerated people can make. Calls can be made domestic or internationally from the standard institutional wall phones, as well as tablets where available.
People receiving calls will still be notified prior to accepting the call that communication is coming from an incarcerated person and asking them to indicate whether they would like to accept the call. All calls will be recorded as usual. CDCR’s current communications service provider, ViaPath Technologies (VPT), will continue to provide services.
People receiving calls will still need to have an active ConnectNetwork Advance Pay account with VPT. Those without an account who would like to set one up or those with existing funds in their account who would like a refund should call VPT customer service at 866-607-6006.
[Information via news release from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.]
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Pittymom says
Wow! I agree they need to keep in touch..but, the non violent bone in their body? Why do you think they are in prison? Inmates are treated better than the military, elderly and all around regular, hard working, non violent person.
Oleah Mauerman says
I am extremely excited about this. Staying in touch with family and just staying connected brings hope for those who sit in the dark. Prison is definitely a culture shock and can be very scary, especially when you don’t have a violent bone in your body. You can get your spiritual strength through your loved ones that gives you just the strength you need to succeed the time given. Thank you for whoever approved this program, and God bless all his people who fell just a bit short. You’ll get your second chance if you want it bad enough. God willing.