How to Contact an Inmate - Family & Friends Services (2024)

FAQs

How do I contact a loved one in jail? ›

Sometimes you can stop by for a personal visit if he or she is booked in a local prison. Other times, in situations where distance is an issue (like being out-of-state), writing a letter or giving a phone call are alternative methods for communicating with your loved one.

ConnectNetwork is an authorized deposit and account management portal of GTL's. With several different deposit methods available, ConnectNetwork is the quickest and most convenient option to fund a correctional account.

The customer can contact GTL to set up an Advance Pay Account and/or the inmate can chose to use his or her debit account to place a call. Notes: The collection period is seven calendar days.

The caller ID will display a generic or toll-free number associated with the phone service provider used by the correctional facility, rather than the actual phone number of the inmate or the facility itself.

Phone Contact

When corresponding with an incarcerated person, individuals may provide a telephone number where an incarcerated person can call them. It is up to the incarcerated person to initiate the call. Phone calls are limited to 15 minutes.

Here are a few suggestions: Keep in touch: Staying in contact with your loved one is essential for moral support. Writing letters, making phone calls, and even sending cards or care packages are all great ways to maintain communication. If your loved one is in a facility far away, consider visiting if possible.

GTL is the NEW vendor. YOU MUST SET UP A GTL ACCOUNT, AND ADD ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU WISH TO BE IN TOUCH WITH TO YOUR GTL “CONTACTS” LIST to continue to make telephone, and video calls, and email messages. After June 30th 2022, JPAY no longer has a contract with CDCr.

Most messages are delivered instantly. Each correctional facility may set up specific delivery rules depending on a variety of factors which may result in a message being delayed for a period of time prior to delivery.

Contact the GTL Customer Service Department at 1-866-607-6006. “No activity” An AdvancePay® inmate prepaid account is considered inactive if no calls have been accepted by the telephone number associated with the account, and no payments have been made into the account, for more than 90 calendar days.

In addition to our automated phone system and website, accounts can be established and payments can be made through our AdvancePay customer service department, Western Union and by mailing checks or money orders. The system is completely automated and can be accessed by calling 1-800-483-8314.

What is the number to GTL? ›

(877) 650-4249

Global Tel Link / Customer service

Commissary Slip – In many correctional facilities, inmates receive a printed slip or receipt when money is deposited into their commissary account. This slip usually includes information about the deposit amount and the inmate's current account balance.

While hours start as early as 6:00 a.m. and extend as late as 11:30 p.m., in most cases, prison phone calls are limited during the hours when inmates are expected to be at their work assignments (typically 7:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:00 p.m.). In addition, phone calls are limited to no more than 15 minutes.

Look at where they place their priorities. Not what they say, but how they say it. Example: if they are asking for more and more financial help from you, ( and you are obliging them) = then most likely, they've learned how to use you.

ConnectNetwork's Messaging service lets you send electronic messages to inmates in just a few simple steps. It all happens from your computer or mobile device. Then, depending on the facility, your inmate will be able to view your message, print it, or respond electronically!

Vinelink – An official app provided by the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service, which is used by many states to provide notifications about changes in inmate custody status.