How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Before helping your loved one use any in-facility communication technology, there's one documented policy to be aware of: inmates and reentrants can be held financially responsible for losses, costs, or damages they cause to Department information technology systems if the damage is intentional or negligent. This policy can apply broadly to technology used inside the facility, including devices or systems for messaging, video communication, or other IT-based services. That's the only facility-specific communication detail covered by the evidence provided here. Phone numbers, vendor names, messaging rules, visiting or video schedules, fee amounts, and how charges are calculated aren't included. You'll need to confirm those details directly with the facility.

Steps-to-follow

• ✓ Treat any facility technology used for communication as "chargeable" if it is damaged, even by careless use.
• ✓ Avoid actions that could be seen as negligent, like forcing ports, altering settings, sharing logins, or trying to bypass restrictions.
• ✓ If something breaks or errors out, stop using it and report it through the facility process rather than trying to fix it.
• ✓ Assume damage can lead to both loss of access and financial responsibility, and plan accordingly.

Since the documented policy only establishes financial responsibility in principle, you'll want to verify how it actually works at this facility. Ask for the full IT usage policy and clarify what the facility considers "negligent" versus unavoidable equipment failure. Find out how the facility documents damage, how costs are assessed, and whether there's a way to dispute or appeal a charge. Also confirm the basics of how you can contact your person (mail, phone, video, or electronic messaging) and whether any of those channels have restrictions, fees, or account requirements tied to facility technology. None of those operational details were provided in the evidence, so treat any outside information as something to double-check with facility staff or official written guidance.

1. Request the facility’s IT use and damage policy. Ask for the rules that cover communication-related technology and what behavior triggers financial responsibility.
2. Ask how charges are assessed and recorded. Find out what documentation is used, what costs can be billed, and how you are notified.
3. Get the dispute or appeal process in writing. If there is a way to challenge a charge, confirm deadlines, forms, and where to submit them.
4. Confirm which contact channels are allowed and what each requires. Ask what is permitted, what rules apply, and whether any channel depends on facility technology that could be restricted after a violation.
5. Keep copies of what you’re told. Save any written policy pages, receipts, and messages, so you have a record if questions come up later.