What You Need to Know About Phone Calls from Virginia Prisons
Phone calls are one of the main ways to stay connected with someone in a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) prison. Here's what you need to know about who can be called, how calls work, time limits, and payment options.
Inmates in VADOC prisons can only call numbers on their approved call list. That list can include family, friends, and legal contacts. So if you want to hear from your loved one, the first step is making sure your number is on it.
The approved call list is capped at 15 numbers. Both landlines and cell phones count, so you don't need a home phone to be reachable. That said, 15 slots fill up fast, and your loved one may need to prioritize which numbers stay on the list.
Tip: Not getting calls? Ask your loved one to double-check that your number is on their approved call list. With only 15 slots, numbers can easily get left off or replaced.
All inmate phone calls in VADOC are recorded and monitored. The exception is properly verified attorney calls, which are handled differently to protect attorney-client communication.
Warning: Assume every non-attorney call is being recorded. If your loved one needs to speak with their attorney, the call must be properly verified as an attorney call to qualify for the exception.
The VADOC phone system is operated through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link. If you see those names on account screens, billing pages, or phone prompts, that's the prison phone service.
Each call is limited to 20 minutes. The cap exists so more inmates get a chance to use the phones.
Want more control over phone costs and fewer missed connections? You can set up a prepaid phone plan or deposit money for inmate calls through ConnectNetwork. This is the main way family and friends fund phone access for VADOC prison calls.
- ✓ Create or sign into a ConnectNetwork account (the VADOC phone system is operated through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link)
- ✓ Set up a prepaid phone plan or add funds for inmate calls through the ConnectNetwork options
- ✓ Call ConnectNetwork/Global Tel*Link support at 1 (800) 483-8314 if you need help with setup, billing, or phone service issues
Since the system runs through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link, that's also where to go when something isn't working right. For help with phone services, call toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314.
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- ✓ Confirm your phone number is on the inmate’s approved call list (the inmate maintains the list, and it is limited to 15 numbers)
- ✓ Keep privacy in mind since calls are recorded and monitored (except properly verified attorney calls)
- ✓ Plan conversations around the 20-minute call limit
- ✓ Save your main updates for early in the call, then use the remaining time to talk through details
If calls keep getting cut off or you're missing chances to talk, setting up prepaid funding can help keep things consistent. For billing or account questions about VADOC calls, reach ConnectNetwork (operated by Global Tel*Link) at their toll-free number: 1 (800) 483-8314.
Remember: All calls are monitored and capped at 20 minutes. For anything requiring attorney-client confidentiality, make sure it's a properly verified attorney call, not a regular personal call.
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