Stay Connected: Understanding Prepaid Phone Service for Inmates

Maintaining connections with loved ones is crucial, especially when someone is incarcerated. For inmates at Arkansas Division of Correction facilities, Prepaid Phone Service offers a vital lifeline to family and friends. This service allows inmates to make phone calls to approved contacts, fostering communication and support during their time in correctional facilities. This guide will explain everything you need to know about prepaid phone service for inmates in Arkansas, ensuring you can stay connected with your incarcerated loved one.

Understanding Prepaid Phone Service for Inmates

Prepaid phone service is designed to facilitate communication between inmates and their approved contacts outside of correctional facilities. It works on a prepaid basis, meaning funds must be deposited into an inmate’s phone account before they can make calls. This system ensures that inmates can maintain contact with family and friends, which is recognized as an important factor in rehabilitation and maintaining positive relationships.

How Prepaid Phone Service Works

The Arkansas Division of Correction utilizes a prepaid system managed by third-party providers like Securus Technologies. Here’s a breakdown of how it generally works:

1. Approved Phone List: Inmates are required to create an approved telephone list. Individuals wanting to be on this list must complete a Visitation/Telephone Contact Request and Authorization Form, obtained directly from the inmate. Approval is not automatic and involves a review process.
2. Account Funding: Once approved, family and friends can deposit funds into the inmate’s prepaid phone account. Several methods are available for depositing funds, including online portals, phone services, and, historically, money orders (though money orders are being phased out).
3. Making Calls: Inmates can then use the deposited funds to make calls to numbers on their approved list. Call durations are typically limited (e.g., 30 minutes), and calls, except those to legal counsel, are recorded for security purposes.

Benefits of Prepaid Phone Service

Prepaid phone service offers numerous benefits for both inmates and their families:

• Maintaining Family Bonds: Regular communication helps inmates stay connected with their families, reducing feelings of isolation and supporting their emotional well-being.
• Ease of Use for Families: Prepaid accounts are relatively easy to set up and fund, offering a convenient way for families to support communication.
• Financial Control: The prepaid nature of the service allows families to manage their spending on inmate phone calls.
• Reduced Collect Call Burden: Prepaid options can be more predictable and potentially less burdensome than relying solely on collect calls for families.

Getting Approved for Inmate Phone Calls

Being added to an inmate’s approved phone list is a necessary step to utilize the prepaid phone service. The process involves:

1. Obtaining a Form: The inmate must provide you with a Visitation/Telephone Contact Request and Authorization Form. These forms are only available from the inmate, not from facility staff.
2. Completing and Submitting the Form: Fill out the form accurately and return it to the inmate. The inmate will then submit it for processing.
3. Approval Process: The Arkansas Department of Correction reviews applications. Immediate family members with felony convictions may face a waiting period after release before approval. Supervising officers for applicants on community supervision may also need to provide written approval. Ultimately, the Warden makes the final decision on approvals.
4. Notification of Approval: If approved, the Unit Visitation Clerk will add your name and number to the inmate’s phone list. If denied, you can appeal to the Director’s Office.

Methods to Deposit Funds for Prepaid Phone Service

Funding an inmate’s prepaid phone account is essential for them to utilize the service. The Arkansas Department of Correction provides multiple methods for depositing funds:

Money Order to ADC (Effective January 1, 2025, No Longer Available)

Historically, money orders were a deposit method. However, effective January 1, 2025, this option will be discontinued. Until then, if using a money order, you need an “Inmate Prepaid Telephone Deposit Slip” (obtainable from the inmate or online). Make the money order payable to the inmate’s name and ADC number and mail it to:

Arkansas Department of Corrections
Trust Fund Centralized Banking
P.O. Box 8908
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611

Prepaid Phone Deposits or IVR (Automated Telephone Service)

For immediate and convenient deposits, you can use the automated telephone service (IVR).

• Call (501) 474-6460
• Follow the automated instructions to deposit funds.

Restrictions for Online and Phone Deposits:

• Minimum deposit for a Pre-Pay phone account: $25.00
• Maximum two (2) payments per credit card per week.
• Maximum $100 deposit per credit card per day.
• Maximum four (4) payments per inmate per day.
• Processing may take up to two (2) business days.
• Accepted cards: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
• Not Accepted: Payroll Cards, Prepaid Cards, and Reloadable Cards.

Securus Phone Services

Securus Technologies is a primary provider for inmate communication services within the Arkansas Department of Correction. They offer several options for prepaid phone service funding through their website (Securus Technologies Website) or by phone at 1-800-844-6591.

AdvanceConnect Prepaid Phone Account

Securus Tablet

AdvanceConnect allows you to receive collect calls from inmates, with charges deducted from your prepaid account. Benefits include:

• Maximum funding per transaction: $50.00
• Receive calls as long as funds are available.
• Add multiple phone numbers (home, cell, work, etc.).
• Calls can connect to cell phones (facility restrictions may apply).
• 24/7 account access via phone or website.

Inmate Debit

Inmate Debit allows you to deposit funds directly into an inmate’s Securus calling account, enabling them to pay for their own calls. This option is beneficial as:

• No need to set up your own calling account.
• Inmates can call anyone on their approved list.

Other Communication Services to Consider

While prepaid phone service is a core communication method, the Arkansas Division of Correction offers other services that can complement phone calls:

• eMessaging Service: Securus eMessaging (https://securustech.net/emessaging/index.html) allows for email-like messaging, often faster than postal mail. Messages and photos are reviewed by the facility.
• Video Visitation: Securus Video Visitation offers scheduled video calls. Visitors must be on the approved list and schedule visits in advance. Kiosks are available at facilities.
• Securus SecureView Tablet Program: Tablets leased through Securus (www.securustablet.com) can offer communication features, including phone calls (subject to rules). Tablets also provide access to books, music, and games.

Conclusion

Prepaid phone service is an indispensable tool for maintaining connections between inmates and their loved ones in Arkansas. Understanding the process, funding methods, and related communication services can significantly ease the challenges of incarceration for both inmates and their families. By utilizing these resources, you can ensure consistent communication and support for your loved one during their time in the Arkansas Division of Correction system. Staying connected is vital, and prepaid phone service provides a reliable and accessible way to do just that.