How Long Can Phone Calls Last at FCI Marianna? (And what that 15‑minute rule means)

In the federal system, each institution sets its own maximum phone call length through a local document called an "institution supplement." The national guideline says calls are ordinarily capped at 15 minutes. That word "ordinarily" is key. It's why you'll hear a simple "15-minute rule" repeated everywhere, but it's not a guarantee. FCI Marianna's institution supplement spells out the actual maximum for that specific prison, and that local rule is what controls day to day.

At FCI Marianna, all personal phone calls go through the Bureau's Inmate Telephone System (ITS). This is the approved calling platform used across BOP facilities, and it's how the prison manages phone access and enforces the rules. The practical takeaway for families: if you're expecting a call, it has to come through ITS. Any side arrangement that tries to route a call around the system can put your loved one's phone privileges at risk.

These restrictions exist because ITS is the only authorized system for personal calls. If a call uses forwarding, a third-party connection, or any other workaround, it can be treated as a rule violation, even if the goal was just to make the call easier or cheaper. Need to change the number your loved one calls? The safer route is to make sure the correct number is available to dial through ITS directly, rather than trying to forward or bridge the call on your end.

Most of the time, the inmate pays for calls placed from the institution. In some situations, the receiving party pays instead. If cost is a concern, talk with your loved one about how they're placing calls. The payment setup can affect what you see on your end.

Calls are ordinarily placed to numbers on the inmate's approved telephone list, which can include up to 30 numbers. If there's a legitimate need for more (a larger family, for example), the Associate Warden can authorize additional numbers based on the inmate's individual circumstances.

1. Ask about the institution supplement: The BOP policy expects each institution (including FCI Marianna) to spell out its maximum call length in a local supplement. That is where the real, current limit should be defined.
2. Call the institution to confirm before you plan around “15 minutes”: The facility recommends calling to confirm details before you head out for visits, and it is also a practical way to confirm the current phone-call limit. The number listed for the institution is 603-342-4000.
3. Get the answer in plain language: Ask, “What is the maximum length of a phone call right now?” If they say 15 minutes, you will know the local rule matches the usual national guideline. If they give a different number, plan around that limit instead.