What Happens When Your Loved One Calls: Understanding Marion CTC / VADOC Phone System (ConnectNetwork/GTL)

At Marion Correctional Treatment Center (a VADOC facility), inmate phone calls run through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link (GTL). This system handles the automated prompts, payment options like collect or prepaid, and the rules governing how calls connect and how long they last.

Most families notice it right away: the phone system is built around security. When your loved one activates and uses their PIN on the VADOC phone system, that use counts as consent to monitoring and recording, and an agreement to follow the telephone rules. In plain terms, you should assume the call is being recorded and monitored when you talk.

Attorney calls work differently when properly set up. VADOC policy allows inmates and CCAP probationers/parolees to use the facility's administrative telephone system for attorney calls under the legal access procedure. Your loved one can also request that calls to their attorney's number be blocked from monitoring and recording. If they need to speak privately with counsel, that's a process they can ask about on their end.

Calls are short by design. Unless the Director specifically authorizes an exception, calls are limited to 20 minutes. That time cap is why conversations can feel rushed - especially if you spend the first minute or two getting through prompts and greetings.

The VADOC phone system offers a few payment options: collect calls, pre-paid calls, or inmate/CCAP-paid calls. Regardless of how the call is paid for, your number must be on your loved one's approved call list. Both landlines and cell phones work, as long as they're on that list.

• ✓ The approved call list is limited to a maximum of 15 numbers.
• ✓ It’s up to your loved one (the inmate) to maintain their call list, including adding and updating numbers.

1. Complete the automated consent prompts - To approve your number for calls, the phone subscriber has to go through an automated consent process that asks: (1) whether you’re authorized to make decisions for that number, (2) your name, and (3) whether you understand calls are monitored and recorded.
2. Plan for a 20-minute conversation - Unless the Director authorizes an exception, the system limits calls to 20 minutes, so prioritize what you need to cover.
3. Know you can decline collect or debit calls - If you don’t want to accept a collect or debit call, you’re allowed to refuse it.