Can You Call Someone at MCF Shakopee? What Families Need to Know About Phone Access

You can't call MCF Shakopee and get connected to your loved one. Only incarcerated people can place outgoing calls - the facility won't transfer outside callers in.

Staff won't transfer your call to someone inside. Phone access only works one direction: incarcerated people make outgoing calls during set times, and you receive them. There's no way to "call back" or reach them directly. You'll need to be available when they call.

Receiving calls is free. When your loved one calls from MCF Shakopee, you won't be charged anything as the recipient.

Keep calls one-to-one. Three-way calling and call forwarding aren't allowed - don't try to merge someone in or route the call elsewhere. If multiple family members want to talk, take turns with separate calls instead.

Yes. Staff monitor or record phone and video conversations for security. Your loved one gets written notice, and there's a sign posted by each telephone. Assume anything said on a call can be reviewed.

Minnesota DOC requires a 15-minute interval between phone calls. This helps prevent exploitation or intimidation by security threat groups (STG) and keeps phone access fairer so more people get meaningful time to call out.

What this means for you: back-to-back calls usually won't happen. If a call drops or you miss it, your loved one may need to wait before trying again. And since you can't call in, you can't fix the timing from your end. Plan ahead for when you'll be available.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Pick a regular time window to be near your phone, since you can’t call in and be connected
• ✓ Expect a built-in 15-minute wait between calls, so quick “call me right back” plans may not work
• ✓ If phone timing is tough, consider using video communication or mail as a backup way to stay in touch
• ✓ Assume calls are monitored/recorded and avoid sharing sensitive information

1. Agree on a call routine - since only your loved one can place calls, a predictable time window makes it easier to connect.
2. Answer without worrying about charges - calls placed by an incarcerated person are free to you as the recipient.
3. Keep it a direct call - don’t use three-way calling or call forwarding; those options aren’t allowed.
4. Use other options when calls don’t line up - if you keep missing each other (or a call drops), video communication or mail can help fill the gaps.
5. Talk like someone might listen later - phone and video conversations are monitored or recorded, so stick to safe, non-sensitive topics.