How to set up a Securus account so you can accept calls from someone at MSDF
To accept collect calls from someone housed at MSDF, you'll need to set up a Securus account first. Once that's in place, you can focus on getting calls connected and knowing what to expect when you pick up.
MSDF uses Securus for phone calls, so you'll need a Securus account before you can accept collect calls. If you had a phone account set up at a county facility before, don't assume it carries over. MSDF's phone system is separate, and the Securus setup is what makes collect calls to you possible.
Reminder: If you do not set up a Securus account, you won’t be able to accept collect calls from MSDF.
Getting ready for calls is straightforward: create your Securus account and set it up so you can accept collect calls tied to MSDF. Follow Securus's prompts to build your profile and choose your payment preferences. Once your account is active, you'll be able to receive collect calls whenever the person at MSDF places them.
- ✓ Your full legal name and basic contact details
- ✓ The phone number(s) you want to receive calls on
- ✓ A way to pay for collect calls (have a payment method ready)
- ✓ A few minutes to complete account setup and confirm your details
Once calls are coming through, keep privacy in mind. At MSDF, all calls may be monitored and recorded, except properly placed attorney calls. That means regular conversations with family and friends should be treated as if they're not private. This can shape how you plan your calls. Focus on connection and day-to-day support, and save sensitive details for safer channels.
Privacy tip: Assume general calls are monitored and recorded. Avoid discussing anything you would not want replayed or reviewed later.
- ✓ Avoid talking about pending cases, alleged facts, or anything you would normally only share with a lawyer
- ✓ Skip details about other people’s legal issues or anything that could create new problems for your loved one
- ✓ If a conversation needs confidentiality, handle it through the person’s attorney instead of a general phone call
- ✓ Treat attorney calls differently. Properly placed attorney calls are the exception to the monitoring and recording rule
Attorney calls at MSDF follow special rules. Calls from a person in custody (PIOC) to an attorney are placed collect, and attorney contact information is handled through a specific process. The PIOC is responsible for adding, deleting, or updating an attorney's address or phone number by filling out form DOC-21631.
- Confirm it’s an attorney call - General calls may be monitored and recorded, but properly placed attorney calls are treated differently.
- Expect the attorney call to be collect - At MSDF, PIOC calls to an attorney are made collect.
- Make sure the attorney’s contact info is up to date - The PIOC must use form DOC-21631 to add, delete, or update an attorney’s address or phone number.
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