Why Calls from Nottoway Are Limited to 20 Minutes (and What You Can Do)

Calls from Nottoway follow VADOC's system-wide rule: 20 minutes max. The only way to go longer is if the Director personally authorizes an exception - which is rare. For most families, the 20-minute cutoff is what you should plan around.

The 20-minute cap isn't arbitrary - it's about keeping phone access fair. VADOC designed the policy so more people get a turn, rather than a few long calls tying up the lines for everyone else.

The phone system runs through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link, and it's managed statewide. That means the rules at Nottoway - including the 20-minute limit - are baked into a standardized system with security controls. A single housing unit can't usually change these settings on the fly.

• ✓ Calls can only go to people on the inmate’s approved call list (family, friends, and legal aid), including landlines and cell phones.
• ✓ The approved call list is limited to a maximum of 15 numbers.
• ✓ You can refuse (deny) any collect or debit call.

Even when your person is doing everything right, calls can still get interrupted. Staff suspend phone access during facility counts, which can create dead zones where calls won't go through or suddenly cut off.

Phones can also go down during emergencies or other security situations. If calls suddenly become harder to complete for a stretch, staff may have temporarily paused access to manage something inside.

1. Start with the “must-cover” items - lead with time-sensitive updates (kids, health, housing, deadlines) so the call is useful even if it cuts off right at 20 minutes.
2. Keep a running list between calls - jot down questions as they come up, then pick the top 3–5 for the next call instead of trying to remember everything in the moment.
3. Use a simple agenda - try a quick structure like: 5 minutes family updates, 10 minutes logistics, 5 minutes support/encouragement.
4. Plan for multiple shorter calls - if you have a lot to cover, break it into two or three focused conversations rather than trying to cram everything into one call.
5. Coordinate your timing ahead of time - when you can, ask your loved one to tell you the general windows they’re usually able to get to the phone so you’re less likely to miss the call.
6. Treat the last minute as wrap-up time - confirm the next step (“I’ll mail X,” “You’ll ask about Y”) and say what you need to say before the line drops.

• ✓ Make sure the right phone numbers are on the approved call list (remember there’s a 15-number maximum).
• ✓ Put your most important message first - don’t save it for minute 19.
• ✓ If multiple people want to talk, agree on a rotation so one person doesn’t take the whole call.
• ✓ If a legal issue is involved, have key notes and dates in front of you so you don’t waste time searching.
• ✓ If you can’t take a call, deny it - then follow up later so your loved one knows it wasn’t personal.