How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
If your loved one is housed at a CDCR facility like California Institution for Women, communication services are moving to Securus. Here's what you can do now to get ready for phone calls, video calls, and electronic messages as they roll out.
Securus is the communications provider for CDCR. According to Securus, phone calls, video calls, and electronic messages will be implemented starting in September. The transition is also expected to bring lower costs for calls and e-messages.
Good news: you can receive free telephone calls without setting up a Securus online account. If accepting free calls is all you need right now, there's no signup required.
Video calls and electronic messaging work differently. Securus says you'll need a Securus online account to use video calling and e-messaging once those services go live. For video specifically, Securus directs families to register for Video Connect in the Securus app and select "Allow videollamadas" (allow video calls).
Note: This information does not include the exact September start date, facility-by-facility exceptions, specific fees, hours, or whether any alternatives are available. Confirm current details directly with the facility before you set expectations or add funds.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Receive free phone calls without creating a Securus online account.
- ✓ Create a Securus account now (website or mobile app), since Securus recommends doing this ahead of the transition.
- ✓ In the Securus app, register for Video Connect and choose “Allow videollamadas” so video calls are enabled on your side.
- ✓ If you plan to use prepaid video calls, Securus recommends using AdvanceConnect in the app to set up your account and add funds.
This change starts in September and affects CDCR communications across the board, so expect updates as services come online. Securus says costs should be lower for calls and e-messages, but the practical details (what launches first and when) depend on rollout timing. Keep an eye on official facility communications for the latest.
Securus describes the rollout as starting in September for CDCR, but timing may vary. Check with your specific facility to find out when each service (phone, video, messaging) actually becomes available to your loved one.
- ✓ Whether free telephone calls are available at this facility without a Securus online account.
- ✓ Whether video calls and electronic messaging are enabled for your loved one yet.
- ✓ Whether you must register for Video Connect and select “Allow videollamadas” before video calls will work.
Note: Securus says the transition should bring lower costs, but specific pricing isn't listed here. Confirm current fees, prepaid options, and whether AdvanceConnect funding is needed for the type of video calling you plan to use.
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