Phone Calls from Fairbanks Correctional Center: How Calls Work, Monitoring, and Payment Options

People incarcerated at Fairbanks Correctional Center can use the phones during designated hours. Your loved one will need to call when their housing area has phone time, not whenever you happen to be free. If calls seem unpredictable at first, that's usually why. Access depends on those scheduled windows.

All calls are outgoing only. You can't call Fairbanks Correctional Center and ask to be connected to someone inside. If you miss a call, the best option is usually to wait for them to try again during the next calling window.

Alaska state prisons use a contracted phone system that supports collect calls. With collect calling, the charges go to the person receiving the call (you), not the incarcerated person. If your phone carrier or plan blocks collect calls, the call won't go through until you update your settings or use a different payment method.

Prepaid calling accounts are another option. These accounts can be funded by the inmate or by their designated contacts, and call charges draw down from that balance. Many families prefer prepaid because it's simpler than collect billing, especially if collect calls are restricted on your phone line.

1. Confirm when they can access the phones - Phones are available during designated hours, so ask your loved one what times usually work for their unit.
2. Ask what number(s) you should expect calls from - Since calls are outgoing only, you will need to be ready to answer when the facility system places the call to you.

• ✓ Decide whether you will accept collect calls billed to you, or set up a prepaid calling account.
• ✓ If you choose prepaid, make sure the account is funded by you or the inmate (whichever is easier for your situation).
• ✓ Verify the facility’s current phone payment instructions before adding money, since the account setup steps depend on the contracted phone system.

Stuck on setup, billing, or not sure you have the right information? Call Fairbanks Correctional Center directly. It's also helpful when you need to sort out contact questions that are easier to handle over the phone.

Because calls from Fairbanks Correctional Center are recorded and monitored, treat every conversation as if someone else will listen to it later. That doesn't mean you can't have real conversations. Just keep your expectations realistic about privacy and be thoughtful about what you share.