How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

CDCR is switching inmate communication services from ViaPath to Securus. The system your loved one uses may change depending on where their facility is in the transition, and that determines where you'll manage your account.

Here's what matters: create a Securus account before your loved one's facility makes the switch. This article doesn't include a facility-by-facility schedule, so check directly with the facility to find out what system they're using now and when the change applies.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Create your Securus account ahead of time, before your loved one’s facility transitions
• ✓ Keep your login details somewhere safe so you can act quickly once the facility is on Securus

• ✓ Expect a changeover, CDCR is transitioning communication services from ViaPath to Securus
• ✓ Watch for facility and CDCR notices that confirm when your loved one’s facility has switched

Since CDCR is in the middle of moving services from ViaPath to Securus, verify which provider your loved one's facility currently uses before setting anything up. The facility may already be on Securus, still on ViaPath, or about to switch. That status determines your next steps.

1. Confirm the current communication provider for the facility: Check official facility notices and CDCR communications, or contact the facility directly to ask whether they are using ViaPath or Securus.
2. Set up your Securus account early if the facility is moving to Securus: CDCR’s guidance is to create a Securus account prior to your loved one’s facility transition.
3. Verify any account requirements with the facility: Ask what you need on file before you can use communication services (for example, any identity or approval requirements the facility applies).