Can I call MCF Willow River and talk to my loved one? Phone rules, free calls, monitoring, and emergency steps
Trying to reach someone at MCF Willow River? The key thing to understand is that phone contact works in reverse: your loved one calls you, not the other way around. Here's how calls work, what
No - you can't call MCF Willow River and get transferred to an incarcerated person. Calls are outgoing only. Your loved one places the call from inside the facility, and they can only do so during designated times.
Calls from Minnesota DOC facilities are free - there's no charge to you or your loved one. That said, the DOC still sets safety rules that affect phone access, so expect some limits and procedures designed to keep phone areas manageable.
Note: All communication between incarcerated people and the outside is monitored for security purposes.
Why the 15-minute gap between calls? The DOC requires this interval to prevent security threat groups (STG) from controlling phone access. It also helps staff manage the phone areas safely and fairly. The practical result: back-to-back calls aren't always possible.
- Call the facility information line - if there’s a death, serious illness, or injury, call and leave a message explaining what’s happening.
- Include clear details in your message - share what occurred and enough information for staff to understand the situation and follow up.
Once you leave your message, staff will verify the information before passing it along to your loved one. This verification step happens even in urgent situations.
Not getting answers? You can contact the Minnesota Department of Corrections Central Office at (651) 361-7200. Fax: (651) 642-0223. Address: 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
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