Phone calls are a primary way for incarcerated individuals in Indiana to maintain contact with family and friends, supporting their well-being and eventual reintegration. However, access to phone communication is governed by rules affecting call frequency, costs, and monitoring.
This article examines the regulations for inmate phone calls in Indiana, providing key information for those looking to stay connected.
Governing Authorities for Inmate Calls
The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) establishes and oversees inmate telephone communication in state correctional facilities.1Indiana Department of Correction. IDOC: Policies This agency sets policies for phone call management, including selecting telecommunications vendors, creating guidelines for inmate phone access, and defining conditions for restricting or revoking phone privileges. These policies are designed to maintain security and order while recognizing the importance of outside communication.
In county jails, phone calls are managed by county sheriff’s departments.2Justia Regulations. Indiana Administrative Code, Rule 1, Section 1-16 – Mail and Telephone Communication These departments handle the daily operations of jail phone systems for inmates awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. While counties must follow state and federal laws, specific procedures, telephone service providers, and associated costs can vary significantly by county. This localized control allows counties to adapt phone systems to their facility’s specific needs and security considerations. The Indiana General Assembly also plays a role by passing legislation that can influence correctional policies, including those related to inmate communications.3Indiana General Assembly. Indiana Code
Rate and Payment Regulations
The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) contracts with GTL (Global Tel Link), also known as ViaPath Technologies, for inmate telephone services in state facilities. Call costs are regulated under this agreement. The per-minute rate for debit and prepaid calls from IDOC facilities is $0.12 for all domestic calls (local, intrastate, and interstate), a standardized rate intended to provide a consistent cost structure.4GTL. ViaPath Indiana Price Guide International calls are $0.21 per minute. Applicable taxes and fees may be added to these charges, affecting the total call cost.
Several payment options are available. Inmates can use funds from their commissary accounts, often called debit accounts, which family and friends can deposit money into. Another option is a prepaid collect account, allowing individuals outside the facility to pre-pay for calls from a specific inmate. GTL offers various methods to deposit funds, including online, by phone, or by mail, into accounts such as AdvancePay for prepaid collect calls and inmate PIN debit accounts.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to cap interstate inmate calling rates and certain ancillary fees to make calls more affordable.5Federal Register. Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services While the FCC sets caps for interstate and international calls, intrastate call rates are mainly subject to state-level regulation or contracts. The IDOC’s $0.12 per-minute domestic rate is part of these cost management efforts. Families should always verify current rates and fees with the service provider or IDOC, as these can change due to contractual agreements or regulatory adjustments.
Monitoring and Recording Rules
Inmate telephone conversations in Indiana’s correctional system have limited privacy and are routinely monitored and recorded by authorities. This is done to maintain security, order, and safety within facilities, prevent criminal activity, and protect the public. The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) informs inmates that their calls will be monitored and recorded through handbooks, orientation, and often automated messages before calls. Using the phone system after such notification implies consent from both parties.
IDOC policies clearly state that calls may be monitored and recorded for safety and security reasons, and that telephone use is a privilege.6Indiana Department of Correction. IDOC Policy 02-01-105: Telephones Courts generally uphold inmate call monitoring due to the security needs of correctional facilities and inmates’ diminished expectation of privacy in these settings.
An important exception to monitoring is calls between an inmate and their attorney. These communications are protected by attorney-client privilege to uphold the constitutional right to counsel. Correctional facilities must have procedures to prevent recording or listening to properly identified legal calls. Inmates are required to register their attorney’s phone number with authorities for these calls to be treated confidentially. If a legal call is inadvertently recorded, it should be kept separate and not used by investigators or prosecutors.
Enforcement and Disciplinary Measures
Violating phone usage rules in Indiana correctional facilities can lead to sanctions imposed by authorities, as outlined in Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) policies and the Adult Disciplinary Code.7Indiana Department of Correction. IDOC Adult Disciplinary Procedures (ADP) The disciplinary action’s severity depends on the violation’s nature and frequency. Minor infractions may result in a temporary suspension of phone privileges, while serious or repeated offenses can lead to longer restrictions or loss of good time credit, potentially affecting an inmate’s release date.
Common violations include:
- Attempting prohibited three-way calls.
- Calling unapproved numbers (inmates submit a list of up to twenty approved contacts).8Indiana Department of Correction. Adult Disciplinary Code Appendix I: Offenses
- Using the phone for unlawful purposes like harassment, witness intimidation, or criminal activities.
- Possessing or using a cellular telephone (a Class A misdemeanor under Indiana law).9Justia Law. Indiana Code § 35-44.1-3-8: Possession of a Cellular Telephone While Incarcerated Trafficking a cell phone into a state prison is a felony.
These actions can lead to significant disciplinary consequences and potentially new criminal charges.
The disciplinary process involves a conduct report, notification of charges to the inmate, and may include a hearing before a disciplinary board or officer. During this process, the inmate can present their side and sometimes call witnesses or present evidence. If found guilty, sanctions are determined based on the disciplinary code and can range from warnings and loss of privileges like commissary or recreation, to disciplinary segregation and changes in credit time earning class.