How to Contact an Inmate at FCI Mendota (CA)

People incarcerated at FCI Mendota have phone privileges through the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Phone access is one of the main ways they stay connected with family and other support systems. All calls go through BOP rules and systems, not private arrangements you set up yourself.

Calls are monitored. A notice is posted next to each telephone at FCI Mendota advising inmates of this, so assume any phone conversation can be listened to or reviewed. The BOP's TRUFONE system also collects and stores information about inmate calls and contacts, including recordings and telephone numbers.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Plan on phone contact happening through BOP telephone privileges at FCI Mendota.
• ✓ Do not try to route calls through third-party or other alternative call arrangements.
• ✓ Assume calls are monitored. Inmates are advised of monitoring by a notice posted next to each telephone.
• ✓ Keep in mind TRUFONE collects and stores inmate call information and contact information, including call recordings and telephone numbers.
• ✓ If you are an attorney (or calling about legal communications), ask the facility about the process for unmonitored attorney calls in the circumstances where they are permitted.

Monitoring is clearly disclosed, but the practical details can vary. Confirm which types of calls are monitored and recorded. The general rule is that calls are monitored, though unmonitored attorney calls are permitted in certain circumstances. You can also ask what information TRUFONE stores about calls and contacts (including recordings and telephone numbers) and how those records are handled for your specific situation.

1. Start with official BOP information for FCI Mendota - Look for the facility’s current communication rules and any instructions tied to phone privileges.
2. Call the facility switchboard if you need confirmation - Ask staff to explain what call arrangements are allowed, and confirm that third-party or alternative call arrangements are not permitted.
3. Ask specific questions before you rely on a plan - For example: what the facility considers a “third-party” arrangement, and what the approved process is if you are trying to set up attorney communications.