Staying in touch with incarcerated friends and family can pose some unique challenges. Although there are numerous ways you can communicate with an inmate during this heartbreaking situation, strict regulations can make contact with the incarcerated individual difficult.

If your loved one enters a local prison, you could stop by for a personal visit, but distance issues like out-of-state imprisonment can make an unfortunate situation worse. However, writing a letter or making a phone is an excellent alternative for communicating with a loved one.

Can you call an inmate? Not exactly; they must call you during their allotted phone time. Are you wondering how to contact an inmate in jail? Jail Exchange has the info you need.

How do Inmate Calls Work?

There's nothing more important to most prisoners than communication with friends and loved ones in the outside world. If you’re wondering, “Can you call an inmate?” the short answer is, unfortunately, not. 

However, some facilities offer a procedure that enables you to call and leave messages during family emergencies. In these instances, you can call and leave a message with an inmate, allowing them to call you back through the facility phone system.

Prisoners can have an inmate list of individuals they would like to call and their contact information. Prisons restrict and regulate inmate calls, including how often prisoners can call loved ones and how long they can talk.

These rules vary depending on the prison, but most facilities record and monitor calls (with an exception only for phone correspondence with lawyers). If you’re wondering how to contact an inmate in jail, you should check with the specific facility your loved one is in. They’ll offer information on how and when the inmate can use the phone.

You can additionally use a facility’s website (if they have one) to determine their rules, costs, restrictions, etc., as every prison or jail will differ.

Schedule Calls Ahead of Time

As every facility allows various designated times for inmate calls, scheduling your call ahead of time is critical to maximizing your time. Inmates typically cannot make calls until the jail or prison takes the morning inmate list count. If problems arise in the facility, you can expect delays to their phone system access.

You likely won't recognize the number when you first receive the inmate call. When you answer the phone, an automated voice will inform you that the call is from an inmate at a specific facility. Simply press the button to accept, and you’ll get to talk for a few seconds. Remember that the call may feel like a short time, and the facility will likely record the call. Maximizing your time is paramount.

Suppose you are planning a long telephone call instead of a short call. Establishing a schedule sets a time and day for the call that you can prioritize while having an appropriate amount of time to chat.

Scheduling your call ahead of time allows you to think about what you want to talk about. Writing things down before the call helps you avoid fumbling about what you would like to say to your loved one while on the call. Preparing ahead of time can also mitigate awkward silences or lulls that waste valuable time.

When considering how to contact an inmate in jail, scheduling the call ahead of time and planning your conversation can help you make the process effortless and flowing.

Speak Clearly and Slowly—Keep Conversation Topics Positive

Phone call quality in correctional facilities is not always the best. To get the most out of a phone call with your loved one, ensure you speak slowly and clearly, so they can understand you. Severe weather and power outages also restrict or prevent telephone access.

It can be complicated to know what to talk about when you speak with someone in jail, even when you’re very close to them. However, fostering a connection with an incarcerated individual can benefit you both.

Individuals who maintain contact with supportive individuals while incarcerated are more likely to succeed after release.

Nonetheless, keeping the conversation positive is critical. Sharing positive events in your life, no matter how seemingly small they are, can help your loved one feel connected with you and what is going on in your life on the outside. You should also show the inmate they are loved, taking the necessary time to schedule a call to talk to them.

Furthermore, lend them a listening ear. Sharing the triumphs in your own life can be meaningful, but listening is also essential. Individuals in jail don’t always have the outlets to share their personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

Talking about your (and their) emotions is necessary for corresponding with a loved one in a correctional facility. Their journey is difficult, and discussing how they feel is an ideal method to ensure this visit is joyful.

Stay in Touch with Incarcerated Loved Ones

Staying connected with an inmate is beneficial, reminding them that you love and value them. Conversations with inmates can be difficult and emotional at times, but they are treasured both inside a correctional facility and long after release.

Jail Exchange serves inmates and their loved ones, acting as an inmate search engine for every American detention center, hail, and prison. With this helpful tool, you can find arrests, criminals, courts, laws, most wanted, and other family help information.

Talking on the phone with an inmate is one of the best ways to keep in contact with a loved one during incarceration. Our inmate search engine can help expedite the process by helping you learn about facilities, how to contact an inmate while in jail, and various other family information related to incarceration.

To learn more about Jail Exchange and how our inmate search engine can help you, contact our dedicated team today for additional information.