What changed with the new Securus tablets at Trinity River (what families need to know)
Trinity River Conservation Camp switched from ViaPath to Securus for tablets and communication services. Here's what changed, what didn't carry over, and how to avoid surprises.
The switch happened after the California Department of Technology awarded a new telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies, LLC on February 21, 2025. That kicked off the transition away from ViaPath statewide. For families with someone at Trinity River Conservation Camp, the bottom line: fire camps have completed the switch, and Trinity River is part of that rollout.
Note: CDCR’s rollout information states that all Fire Camps have been fully transitioned to the new provider.
For video visits, the biggest change you'll notice is the per-minute price. ViaPath charged $0.16 per minute; Securus charges $0.10 per minute. That 6-cent difference adds up fast on longer calls, especially if you're staying in regular contact.
Free video time changed too. CDCR's cost comparison chart shows 30 free minutes per month under Securus for people with tablets at fire camps, including Trinity River.
Quick comparison: ViaPath video calls were listed at $0.16/min with 15 free minutes every two weeks; Securus video calls are listed at $0.10/min with 30 free minutes per month.
The most current side-by-side pricing chart lists 30 free video minutes per month under Securus. If your loved one is already on the new tablet setup at Trinity River, that's the figure you'll see referenced.
That said, some fire-camp visitation pages still reference the older setup: 15 free video minutes every two weeks for people with tablets. That number matches the ViaPath side of the comparison chart. You may see both figures depending on which page you find and when it was last updated.
Recommendation: Before planning around free minutes, confirm the current allotment directly with the facility or through Securus. Both 15 minutes every two weeks and 30 minutes per month still appear in official materials.
This isn't just a software update - there's a device swap. During the transition, incarcerated people at Trinity River turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet. The hard part for families: digital purchases don't transfer. Photos, e-messages, and media bought through ViaPath won't move to the new tablets.
Important: ViaPath-purchased content (photos, e-messages, and media) is not transferable to the new Securus tablets.
Next Steps
- ✓ Open a Securus account so you’re ready for video calling and video messaging with your loved one at Trinity River.
- ✓ Use CDCR’s tablet rollout and cost information (the resources Securus points families to) to double-check current pricing and what’s included.
Your next step: set up a Securus account. Video calling and video messaging require one. Phone calls are different - you don't need an online account to receive free phone calls, so don't let account setup delay staying in touch. For the most accurate details on rollout status and costs, check the CDCR tablet information that Securus directs families to use.
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