In Australia, staying connected with family and friends is an essential part of life for people in prison. Inmate phone calls are one of the main ways prisoners can communicate with loved ones on the outside, offering a vital link to the world beyond the prison walls. These calls help inmates maintain relationships, providing emotional support and contributing to their mental health. In the long run, staying connected plays a significant role in helping prisoners successfully reintegrate into society once they are released.
However, the process of making and receiving phone calls from jail is regulated with strict guidelines to ensure security and fairness. Inmates can use a special telephone system to make calls, but there are rules about who they can call and how the calls are managed. Understanding how inmate phone calls work is important for both inmates and their families who want to stay in touch.
How Do Inmate Phone Calls Work in Australia?
1. Using the Prison Phone System
Inmates usually cannot receive incoming phone calls. However, they are permitted to make outgoing calls using designated prison phones. These phones are accessible during specific hours when inmates are not confined to their cells. To place a call, inmates need funds in their phone account, and call charges are subtracted from this balance.
2. Approved Contact Lists
Before making calls, inmates must have an approved list of contacts. This list usually includes family members, legal representatives, and other important people in their lives. The prison verifies each number to ensure there are no restrictions, such as court orders, preventing contact. Inmates are generally limited to a set number of approved contacts.
3. Monitoring and Recording Calls
For security reasons, most calls made by inmates are monitored and recorded. This includes calls to family and friends. While conversations with legal representatives or official bodies may be kept confidential, most phone calls are monitored to prevent illegal activities and to ensure that prison rules are being followed. Knowing their calls are being recorded can sometimes make inmates and their families feel uncomfortable, but this is a necessary part of maintaining safety within the prison system.
4. Call Time Limits and Costs
To ensure fair access for all inmates, calls are often limited to a certain amount of time—usually between 10 and 15 minutes. The cost of these calls varies depending on the state and the specific prison system. Inmates need to manage their accounts carefully because phone calls are deducted from their balance. The cost can add up quickly, making it difficult for inmates with limited funds to make frequent calls.
5. Emergency Calls
In special cases, inmates may be allowed to make emergency calls. These are typically situations where something urgent has happened outside the prison, such as a family emergency. Emergency calls are carefully managed and must be approved by the prison staff.
Why Are Inmate Phone Calls Important?
1. Maintaining Family Connections
One of the biggest benefits of inmate phone calls is that they help prisoners stay connected with their families. Regular communication with loved ones is crucial for emotional well-being. It helps reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which are common in prison. Being able to hear a family member’s voice can offer a sense of comfort and support, which is essential for maintaining mental health during incarceration.
2. Assisting in Rehabilitation
Inmate phone calls are also important for prisoners’ rehabilitation. They allow inmates to stay in touch with their lawyers, legal advisors, and support services like counselling or job training programmes. These connections play a key role in helping prisoners prepare for life after their release. Access to legal advice ensures that inmates understand their rights, and support from counsellors can guide them in addressing personal issues that might have contributed to their incarceration.
3. Reducing Recidivism
Maintaining strong family ties and support systems helps reduce the likelihood of inmates returning to prison after they are released. Studies show that inmates who have regular contact with family members and support networks are less likely to reoffend. This is why inmate phone calls are considered a key tool in reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration into society.
Challenges Faced by Inmates and Their Families
1. High Call Costs
One of the most significant challenges of inmate phone calls is the cost. Inmates often earn very little money while in prison, making it difficult to afford phone calls. The cost of a 10-minute call can be quite high, especially for prisoners who don't have access to financial resources. This can limit the number of calls they are able to make, putting a strain on their ability to stay in touch with loved ones.
2. Lack of Privacy
Another issue is the lack of privacy in phone calls. Because most calls are monitored and recorded, inmates and their families may feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive or personal matters. This can create a barrier to open communication and may discourage inmates from sharing their true feelings or concerns.
3. Technical Problems
Phone systems in prisons are not always perfect. Sometimes, calls may be dropped, the sound quality may be poor, or there might be issues with accessing the phones. These technical problems can make it frustrating for inmates and their families, especially when they are trying to have an important or long-awaited conversation.
Tips for Families and Friends Staying Connected with Inmates
If you have a loved one in prison, here are a few tips to help make the most of your phone calls:
- Ensure Your Number is Approved: Make sure that the phone number you want the inmate to call is on their approved list. This will help avoid any delays or problems when they try to reach you.
- Be Supportive: Inmates often face difficult situations, so it’s important to offer words of encouragement and understanding during your calls.
- Understand the Time Limits: Since calls are often brief, it's best to keep the conversation upbeat and on track. Staying positive and focused helps you use the time wisely.
- Be Prepared for Monitoring: Since calls are monitored, be aware that sensitive or private conversations might not be as free-flowing as you'd like. Keep your discussions respectful and within the guidelines.
Improving Inmate Phone Systems
In Australia, there is growing recognition of the need to improve the way inmate phone systems work. Many people believe the cost of calls should be reduced, especially for families who struggle to afford them. Others advocate for better phone infrastructure to improve call quality and provide inmates more privacy.
Making these changes would benefit inmates and help their families stay connected. In the long run, maintaining these important relationships is a key factor in reducing the chances of reoffending and helping people successfully reenter society.
Conclusion
Inmate phone calls are a crucial part of the rehabilitation process in Australia. They allow prisoners to stay connected with their families, seek legal advice, and access support services. While there are challenges, such as high costs and privacy concerns, the benefits of these calls are clear. Maintaining strong family ties and support systems plays a vital role in helping inmates reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
To learn more about how inmate phone systems work in Australia, visit Prison Engine.
