Understanding Phone Calls from Dakota County Jail: Securus Options, Time Limits, and Recording

Dakota County Jail uses Securus Technologies for inmate phone service. Securus offers a few ways to handle calls: prepaid accounts, direct billing, and traditional collect calling. The right option depends on how often you expect calls and whether you'd rather pay ahead of time or accept charges as they come.

One Securus option is Direct Bill. With this method, you receive calls and get billed monthly for the charges. Securus requires a credit check to qualify, so be prepared for that step if you want to use this billing method.

Inmates at Dakota County Jail can make at least two collect phone calls. Collect-call phones are available in all general living units, so this is a baseline option that doesn't require setting up a prepaid account first.

Personal phone calls are limited to 15 minutes. This cap ensures other people in the unit get a turn to use the phone. Go into each call knowing it will end quickly.

All inmate telephone calls at Dakota County Jail are recorded. Keep that in mind if you're sharing sensitive personal information, and focus on the basics you need to communicate.

Phone access isn't guaranteed every day. Telephone privileges are suspended during lockdowns and may also be suspended as part of disciplinary action. If calls suddenly stop, a lockdown or disciplinary restriction is likely the reason.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Decide whether a Securus prepaid account fits your situation, especially if you want to control spending
• ✓ Consider Securus Direct Bill if monthly billing works better for you
• ✓ Contact Securus to set up an account or ask questions about available calling options

• ✓ Save your Securus account confirmations and billing records, especially if you’re using Direct Bill
• ✓ Plan conversations around 15-minute windows so you hit the most important topics first
• ✓ If you’re applying for Direct Bill, be prepared for the required credit check