Learn About Securus Inmate Phone Services Contact Options

Understanding Securus Inmate Phone Services

Securus Technologies operates one of the largest inmate communication networks in the United States. The company provides phone services to correctional facilities across all 50 states, serving millions of inmate calls annually. Understanding how Securus works is important for families and friends who want to maintain contact with incarcerated loved ones.

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Securus operates through contracts with individual correctional facilities rather than as a standalone service. This means that whether Securus is available depends on which facility houses the inmate. Some facilities use Securus exclusively, while others may use competing providers or offer multiple options. The company handles calls, video visitation, messaging services, and money transfer options through a centralized system.

The basic structure of Securus services involves collect calls, prepaid calling accounts, and various digital communication options. When an inmate makes a collect call through Securus, the call is routed through their system to the recipient's phone number. The recipient can accept or decline the call, and charges are applied based on the facility's rate structure. These rates vary significantly depending on the specific correctional facility and state regulations.

Securus also maintains an online portal where users can manage accounts, check balances, and monitor call history. The portal requires registration and allows account holders to set call preferences, update payment methods, and in some cases, screen incoming calls from inmates. This digital infrastructure has become increasingly important as more facilities reduce in-person visitation.

Practical Takeaway: Before attempting to contact an inmate through Securus, confirm that the correctional facility actually uses Securus services. You can verify this by checking the facility's official website or calling the facility directly. This prevents frustration from attempting to use a service that may not be available at that location.

How to Set Up a Securus Account

Setting up a Securus account involves several steps that allow you to receive calls from inmates and manage communication preferences. The process can be completed online through Securus' website or by phone with a customer service representative. Understanding each step helps ensure the account is created correctly.

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The first step is visiting the official Securus website or calling their customer service line. When registering online, you will need to provide personal information including your full name, phone number, and email address. You will also need to create a username and password for your account. Some facilities may require additional verification information such as a date of birth or address.

After initial registration, you can add phone numbers where you wish to receive calls from the inmate. Securus allows you to designate multiple phone numbers on a single account. This is useful if you want calls to reach you at work, home, or on a mobile phone. You can also set restrictions on which numbers the inmate can call, limiting outbound calls to specific approved numbers.

Payment setup is a critical part of account creation. You can choose to pay for calls using several methods including credit cards, debit cards, or bank account transfers. Some accounts may offer prepaid options where you deposit money into an account balance that is drawn down as calls are made. Understanding the payment method available at your specific facility is important since rates and payment options vary.

The account settings also allow you to establish call screening preferences. Some people choose to block certain times when calls can be received, set daily spending limits, or require PIN verification before accepting calls. These settings provide control over how and when you receive calls from inmates.

Practical Takeaway: Keep your account login information in a secure location. You will need to access your account regularly to check balances, update payment methods, and monitor call activity. Consider using a strong password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols to protect your account information.

Contact Methods and Communication Options

Securus provides several different communication methods beyond traditional phone calls. These options have expanded over recent years to include digital alternatives that may offer different costs or convenience factors. Understanding the various contact methods available helps you choose the option that works best for your situation.

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Phone calls remain the primary communication method through Securus. These calls can be made as collect calls, where the recipient pays the charges, or through prepaid accounts where money is deposited in advance. Call rates vary substantially by facility and state, ranging from approximately $0.14 to $0.89 per minute according to various reports. Long-distance calls typically cost more than local calls. Most facilities charge a connection fee in addition to per-minute rates, often between $1.00 and $3.00 per call.

Video visitation has become an increasingly popular option at many Securus-equipped facilities. This service allows face-to-face communication through a secure video platform, often available 24 hours per day. Video visitation can reduce travel costs for families living far from the facility, though the per-minute rates for video calls are typically higher than standard phone calls. Rates for video visitation generally range from $0.50 to $1.25 per minute depending on the facility.

Securus Connect Messaging allows text-based communication in some facilities. This service permits inmates to send and receive written messages through an online platform. Message rates vary but are typically charged per message sent or received, or through a monthly subscription model. This option may be more affordable than phone calls for frequent communication and provides a written record of conversations.

Email services and greeting cards represent additional communication options available through some Securus systems. These services allow friends and family to send written correspondence to inmates. Some facilities print digital emails for delivery to inmates, while others may restrict this service. Rates and availability depend on the specific facility's policies.

Account holders can also transfer money to inmate accounts through Securus for commissary purchases and other facility expenses. This service typically charges a transaction fee, with amounts ranging from $2.00 to $5.00 per transfer depending on the transfer method chosen.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your specific facility to determine which Securus communication options are available and what rates apply. Rates vary significantly between facilities and states, so comparing costs before committing to a particular communication method can help you budget for ongoing contact with your loved one.

Understanding Securus Rates and Pricing Structure

Securus pricing represents a significant expense for families maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones. Understanding how rates are structured, what factors influence costs, and how to find current pricing for your specific facility helps with budgeting and comparing options. Rate transparency is an ongoing challenge in the inmate communications industry.

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Phone call rates include both per-minute charges and flat connection fees. The per-minute rate typically ranges from $0.14 to $0.89 depending on whether the call is local or long-distance and which facility it originates from. Connection fees are charged each time a call is initiated, regardless of length, and usually range from $1.00 to $3.00. This means a five-minute call may cost between $2.70 and $7.45 total. A 30-minute call might cost between $6.20 and $29.70.

Different call types may be priced differently. Local calls typically cost less than long-distance calls. Some facilities charge premium rates during certain hours, such as evenings or weekends when call volume is higher. A few facilities offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, though this is less common.

Video visitation calls are generally more expensive than standard phone calls. Per-minute rates for video calls typically range from $0.50 to $1.25, though connection fees may apply in addition. Some facilities charge a flat fee per video session rather than a per-minute rate. A 30-minute video call might cost between $15.00 and $40.00.

Money transfer fees for commissary deposits typically range from $2.00 to $5.00 per transaction, though the minimum transfer amount is often $10.00 to $25.00. Text messaging rates vary but may be charged per message or through subscription plans that allow unlimited messages for a monthly fee.

Several factors influence Securus pricing at different facilities. State regulations vary in how much facilities and service providers can charge. Facility location, whether rural or urban, may affect pricing. Facility security level can also impact rates. Contract terms between individual facilities and Securus may result in different pricing structures across the state.

To find current rates for your specific facility, check the facility's official website, call the facility's administration office directly, or access Securus' online rate lookup tool using the facility name. Rates change periodically, so current information should be obtained directly from these