What Changed When CCWF Switched to Securus: A Family's Guide to the New Tablet System

At CCWF, phone services switched over on 2/9. The tablet exchange window followed immediately after, running 2/10–2/13. Those dates mark the dividing line: before the switch, you're still on the old system. After, all communication and tablet services for CCWF run through Securus.

Facilities that haven't transitioned yet continue using ViaPath. CDCR also secured an interim agreement with ViaPath to keep services running until each facility completes its move to Securus - so there shouldn't be gaps during the phased rollout.

The most noticeable change? The device swap. During the transition, incarcerated people turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet. Once CCWF has switched over, ViaPath no longer works for that facility. You'll need to use Securus for all communication and tablet services going forward.

Lower rates were a big reason CDCR made the switch. On CDCR's cost comparison chart, telephone calls paid by CDCR drop from $0.019/min under ViaPath to $0.016/min under Securus. Video calls see a bigger reduction: $0.16/min under ViaPath versus $0.10/min under Securus. If you've been budgeting around the old numbers, your per-minute costs should come down after the transition.

• ✓ Free video calls: 30 minutes per month under Securus (compared with 15 minutes per two weeks under ViaPath)
• ✓ Free e-messages: 20 per month under Securus (compared with 5 per week under ViaPath)

1. Anchor your expectations to the rollout dates - CCWF phone services were scheduled to transition on 2/9, with tablet exchanges scheduled for 2/10–2/13.
2. Set up your Securus access ahead of time - Open a Securus account online or through the Securus mobile app so you’re ready to use services as they become available.
3. Use staff and official updates for the last-mile details - If anything feels unclear around the switch, ask questions and watch for CCWF/CDCR communications tied to the transition timeline.