How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

CDCR is switching communication providers from ViaPath to Securus. Different facilities are at different stages of the transition, so the right way to place calls or send electronic messages depends on whether your loved one's facility has already switched over.

CDCR says the transition should lower costs for phone calls and e-messages. That's the agency's stated goal. Before you add money to any account, confirm the current rates at your specific facility.

Steps-to-follow

• ✓ Ask the facility which communications provider is currently active for your loved one (ViaPath or Securus).
• ✓ Ask whether the provider transition has already taken effect there, and if an effective date is coming up.
• ✓ Confirm what the current costs are for calls and e-messages at that facility right now, since CDCR’s stated expectation is that costs will be lower after the change.

First, find out whether your specific CDCR facility has completed the switch from ViaPath to Securus. Even with a statewide rollout, timing varies by location. Which system to use depends entirely on where your facility stands in the transition.

Then verify current pricing for calls and e-messages at your loved one's facility. CDCR expects costs to drop, but the practical question is what rates are right now and whether changes are coming that could affect your budget.

1. Confirm the active provider: Contact the facility and ask which communications provider is currently being used (ViaPath or Securus).
2. Ask about transition status: Find out whether the facility has already transitioned to Securus, and if not, whether a change is scheduled.
3. Request current costs: Ask for the current pricing for phone calls and e-messages at that facility, and whether pricing is different after the transition.
4. Get it in writing if possible: If anything is unclear, ask where you can find an official facility or CDCR notice that confirms the provider and the effective date.