Why Your Loved One Can't Call You Back: Understanding Torrance County's Phone Policy

Detainees at Torrance County Detention Facility cannot receive incoming phone calls. That means you can’t call the facility and be connected to your loved one the way you would with a normal phone number.

If you've been dialing repeatedly hoping they'll pick up or call back right away, it helps to reset expectations. You cannot reach a detainee directly by calling in. When something is time-sensitive, your best option is the facility's urgent-message process - staff will deliver your information through the proper channel.

Need to get an urgent message to a detainee? Call (505) 384-2711. This is the number the facility provides when you can't wait for normal communication.

• ✓ The detainee’s full name
• ✓ The detainee’s alien registration number
• ✓ Your name
• ✓ Your telephone number where you can be reached

1. Call (505) 384-2711 - use this line specifically for leaving an urgent message for a detainee.
2. Give the required identifying details - provide the detainee’s full name and alien registration number so staff know exactly who the message is for.
3. Leave your contact information - include your name and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Once you leave the requested details through the urgent-message line, the detainee will receive your message. Staff pass it along through the facility - not through an incoming phone call.

Key Limitations

• ✓ How long does it usually take for an urgent message to be delivered to the detainee?
• ✓ Is there a limit to how many urgent messages you can leave in a day or week?
• ✓ Is there a limit on message length or what information can be included?
• ✓ Are there any fees associated with leaving an urgent message?
• ✓ Can staff help if you need language interpretation to leave the message accurately?