Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Phone & Messaging

How Phone Calls Work at South County (Why Inmates Can't Receive Incoming Calls)

Trying to reach someone at South County by phone? The system works differently than you might expect. Here's how calls work at the jail, and what options you have to stay connected.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

South County does not allow incoming calls to inmates. You can't call the jail and ask to be connected to your loved one. The phone system only supports outgoing calls. Inmates use facility phones to place collect calls or debit calls, so you'll need to be ready to accept when they call out (or have the right account set up ahead of time for calls to connect).

Reminder: South County does not allow incoming calls to inmates. You will not be able to dial in and have staff transfer you to an inmate phone.

Can't catch an outgoing call? South County offers a voicemail option. Inmates can receive voice messages from friends and family for an additional fee through an automated system. To leave a message, call (559) 366-9800 and follow the prompts. Messages are limited to 30 seconds, so plan what you want to say before you start recording.

Tip: Have your prepaid account funded and your PIN and the inmate's ID ready before calling. The 30-second limit goes fast once the recording starts.

ICSolutions handles phone and voicemail services at South County. To manage your account online, log in at the ICSolutions website. Don't have an account yet? You'll need to create one first.

  1. Go to the ICSolutions website - Use any internet-enabled device to start.
  2. Log in or create your account - If you are new, create an account so you can manage services.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts - Once you are signed in, use the site’s options to access the services you need.

Voicemail costs an additional fee, and outbound calls also have charges depending on how they're placed. For current pricing and any limits, check your ICSolutions account directly.

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