How Bristol County's Free Phone and Messaging System Works (Dec 1, 2023)
Trying to stay in touch with someone at Bristol County? Here's the big news: as of December 1, 2023, Massachusetts eliminated communication charges. Calls and most Securus messaging and video features are now free. You'll still need to set up an account to receive and manage contact, but the cost barrier is gone.
As of December 1, 2023, Massachusetts eliminated charges for phone calls and other communication services for incarcerated people and their families. What does that mean for you? Staying connected no longer depends on keeping money in a phone account. Communication through the facility's system is free.
2
- ✓ Phone calling
- ✓ Securus Video Connect
- ✓ Securus Text Connect
- ✓ eMessaging
- ✓ eCard
- ✓ VideoGram
- ✓ Photo attachments
Calls are free, but you still need a Securus account to receive them. Once you're set up, that account is how you'll manage all incoming communication from your loved one.
Messaging also runs through Securus. The facility uses Securus Technologies for its inmate email system, so you'll need an account on your end too. Your loved one can receive individual e-messages on their tablet from friends and family - these are considered social (non-legal) messages.
Heads up: Securus advises using any remaining prepaid calling cards or stamps before December 1. Balances zero out on that date, and refunds aren't provided.
Privacy note: Free doesn't mean private. All non-privileged phone calls and eMessages can still be recorded and reviewed under the facility's monitoring policies.
- Create your Securus account - you need an account to receive calls and use the communication tools tied to your loved one.
- Check which free tools you can actually use right now - phone calling and features like Video Connect, Text Connect, eMessaging, eCards, VideoGrams, and photo attachments are covered at no cost, but specific options can depend on what’s available where your loved one is housed.
- Use up any leftover prepaid balances before Dec. 1 - prepaid calling cards and/or stamps will be zeroed out once the free system takes effect.
- Assume communication isn’t private unless explicitly protected - non-private calls and eMessages may still be monitored and reviewed.
Find an Inmate at Bristol County Corrections, MA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
