Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Phone & Messaging

Your First Three Phone Calls and Setting Up Video Visits (Smart Communications / Smart Inmate)

Things move fast those first couple days. Here's how phone calls work right after someone is committed to Butler County Prison — and what you need to do to keep calls and video visits going.

• 1 min read • butlercountypa.gov
Your First Three Phone Calls and Setting Up Video Visits (Smart Communications / Smart Inmate)

When someone first arrives at Butler County Prison, they get three collect phone calls through the inmate phone system. Collect calls mean the charges go to whoever picks up - so if you answer, your phone bill covers those first three calls.

Once those three collect calls are used up, you'll need an account with the phone provider to stay in touch. Butler County Prison uses Smart Communications.

Your First Three Phone Calls and Setting Up Video Visits (Smart Communications / Smart Inmate)

Smartcomm Contact

  • ✓ Customer Care phone: 727-349-1561
  • ✓ Customer Care hours: 7:00 am to 12:0000am, seven days a week
  • ✓ Website: www.smartinmate.com

Good to know: Smart Communications Customer Care is open 7:00 am to 12:00 am, seven days a week - helpful if you run into account issues outside normal business hours.

Video visits are scheduled through the Smart Inmate website at www.smartinmate.com. This is the same site you'll use for Smart Communications account setup and support.

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Before Your First Visit to Butler County Prison: A 1-Page Checklist

- Bring a photo ID - you must present it at entry (no exceptions). - Check in with the Lobby Officer when you arrive. - Be ready to tell staff which inmate you’re there to see. - Arrive early - if you’re more than 5 minutes late, you’ll be denied the visit. - Put all personal items into the provided lock boxes before entering. - Expect security screening - everyone must pass a metal detector and may be searched. - Don’t bring property, photos, clothing, or money to “hand over” during visitation unless it’s been approved ahead of time. - If you need to add money to an inmate account, use a money order by mail, an internet option, or the lobby kiosk (mail deposits must be money orders only - no cash or personal checks).

Before Your First Visit to Butler County Prison: A clear checklist

Your first visit goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right info, and nothing that'll slow you down at security. Use this checklist to avoid getting turned away at the door.