Why Your Call from Red Onion Cuts Off at 20 Minutes (And What to Do Next)
If your call from Red Onion State Prison drops right at 20 minutes, it's not a glitch. Virginia Department of Corrections policy caps inmate phone calls at 20 minutes unless the Director specifically authorizes a longer call.
ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link) runs the phone system. All calls are recorded and monitored - except properly verified attorney calls. Assume anything you say can be listened to and reviewed.
The 20-minute cap exists to give everyone fair access to the phones. When a call hits the limit, the system ends it so the next person can use the line. Longer calls are possible, but only with specific authorization from the Director.
Phone access varies by facility security level, even with the same 20-minute limit. People in custody typically learn their scheduled phone hours through orientation materials or postings inside the facility.
Note: These telephone procedures apply to VADOC facilities. If your loved one is housed in a local jail, that jail’s phone rules apply, and you’ll need to contact the jail directly.
Sometimes the problem isn't the 20-minute limit - calls just can't happen at all. Staff suspend phone access during facility counts and can cut it off anytime for emergency or security reasons. If you're waiting on a call that never comes, this is often why.
Housing matters too. If your loved one is in restrictive housing or a step-down setting, expect fewer calls overall - not just shorter ones.
- ✓ General Detention and Restorative Housing (RHU): limited to two telephone calls per month
- ✓ Restorative Housing Step-down 1 (SD-1): limited to four telephone calls per month
- ✓ Restorative Housing Step-down 2 (SD-2): limited to six telephone calls per month
- Start with the “must-say” items - With a 20-minute maximum, handle anything time-sensitive first (court dates, family emergencies, money needs, deadlines).
- Agree on a simple structure - Decide ahead of time: quick updates first, then one or two bigger topics, then next steps before the cutoff.
- Use the last two minutes to set the follow-up - Pick what you’ll do next (what you’ll mail, who you’ll call, what info you’ll look up) so the conversation doesn’t end mid-plan.
- Assume the call will end at 20 minutes - If you treat 20 minutes as the finish line, you’ll get the important parts in before the line drops.
Need to share details that won't fit in a short call? Ask your loved one about other communication options through the same system. Remember: calls are recorded and monitored (except verified attorney calls), so save legal strategy and sensitive information for verified attorney communication.
- ✓ Your top 3 updates (the ones you don’t want to forget)
- ✓ Any dates or deadlines you need them to know
- ✓ One question you need answered today
- ✓ What you’ll do after the call (and what you need from them)
- ✓ A quick “next call” plan, assuming the line cuts off at 20 minutes
For accurate expectations at Red Onion, focus on the local schedule your loved one receives inside. VADOC policy says phone hours vary by facility security level, and staff should provide this information in orientation materials or post it in designated areas. Your loved one can usually confirm current phone windows from what's posted at the facility.
Reminder: VADOC phone guidance applies to VADOC facilities. If your loved one is in a local jail (even if they’re under VADOC responsibility), the jail’s rules control.
Calls cut off at 20 minutes because the inmate phone system has a 20-minute limit unless the Director specifically authorizes more time.
Calls are recorded and monitored, except for properly verified attorney calls.
Phone access can be suspended during facility counts, and it can also be suspended for emergency or security reasons.
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