How Inmate Phone Calls Work at Cumberland County Jail: Collect Calls, Time Limits, and Why Cell Phones May Not Get Calls

Right after someone is brought in, the booking area has phones inmates can use for free local calls. These are usually quick calls to let family or friends know where they are. If you're local, this explains why you might get an early call that doesn't involve collect charges.

Once someone finishes booking and is still being held, the system changes. Long-distance calls from the jail are made collect - meaning the person who answers pays, but only if they accept.

When a collect call comes through, you won't connect immediately. First, you'll hear a recorded message saying the call is from an inmate at Cumberland County Jail. Then you'll get options: accept the call, refuse it, hear the charges, or block future calls from that number. If calls aren't connecting, this recorded prompt is the gate - nothing happens until you make a selection.

Calls are capped at 15 minutes. You'll hear a warning at 14 minutes letting you know there's one minute left. If you need to cover bond questions, childcare, or work updates, get the essentials out early and save the last minute for a quick wrap-up.

Assume anything said on the phone can be listened to later. All inmate calls are subject to monitoring and recording, so keep conversations focused on family updates and practical next steps.

The phone system doesn't work both ways. Inmates can't receive incoming calls or messages - you can't call the jail and have staff patch you through or take a note for them.

Blocked Destinations

• ✓ Cell phones (collect calls can’t be placed to cell phones)

• ✓ Business phone numbers
• ✓ Hospital phone numbers
• ✓ Many other commercial phone numbers

• ✓ Any telephone number that is blocked from receiving collect calls