How phone calls from FCI Petersburg Med are monitored (what is recorded and how long recordings are kept)

Phone calls from federal prisons like FCI Petersburg Med go through the Bureau of Prisons' TRUFONE system. This isn't just about billing or call routing. TRUFONE exists to monitor and control communications between incarcerated people and the outside world - the Bureau uses it to gather law enforcement intelligence as part of its safety and custody responsibilities.

TRUFONE recordings don't stick around forever. The Bureau of Prisons deletes them after 180 days, or sooner if they're no longer needed for legal or administrative purposes. That said, if there's an ongoing investigation or legal matter, a specific call can be kept longer.

Practical Advice

• ✓ Assume the call may be monitored and recorded, because TRUFONE is used to monitor and control inmate communications for law enforcement intelligence.
• ✓ Keep the conversation focused on everyday, non-sensitive topics, since recordings can be retained in the system for up to 180 days.
• ✓ Don’t share passwords, account numbers, or other sensitive personal or financial details on the phone if you can avoid it.
• ✓ If something is time-sensitive or could create a misunderstanding later, consider keeping your side of the conversation clear and straightforward - recordings may exist during that retention period.
• ✓ If you’re unsure what’s safe to discuss, err on the side of caution and save complicated issues for a setting that doesn’t involve recorded inmate phone lines.

Need a call recording for a legal matter? Move fast. TRUFONE recordings get deleted after 180 days - sometimes sooner if there's no reason to keep them. For questions about FCI Petersburg Med's specific procedures, the Bureau of Prisons says to contact the facility directly. If this involves a court case, coordinate with your attorney so the request goes through proper legal channels.