Why Calls from USP Big Sandy Are Monitored — What Families Need to Know

The Bureau of Prisons posts a notice next to every inmate phone at USP Big Sandy: calls are monitored. That warning tells you everything you need to know. Routine calls aren't confidential conversations - they're treated as subject to monitoring under normal correctional operations.

Federal law gives the BOP authority to monitor and record inmate calls. The TRUFONE system documentation cites Title III provisions - the "law enforcement" and "consent" sections at 18 U.S.C. 2510(5)(a)(ii) and 18 U.S.C. 2511(2)(c) - plus federal regulations at 28 C.F.R. § 540.100.

Trufone Data Collected

• ✓ Telephone numbers associated with an inmate’s calling list
• ✓ Biometric information for voice verification
• ✓ Inmate call recordings
• ✓ Inmate TRUFONE account balance

Two things tend to catch families off guard. First, calls can be recorded - not just monitored in real time. Second, TRUFONE collects biometric voice verification data. That means the system may store both conversation recordings and voice biometrics used to verify identity.

TRUFONE data doesn't stay at the facility. According to TRUFONE materials, information gets shared with Department of Justice law enforcement components and contractors - including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA), the Criminal Division, the U.S. Parole Commission, and the Office of Inspector General.

One exception worth knowing: unmonitored calls to attorneys are allowed under certain circumstances. But that's different from everyday calls home. Since every phone is posted with a monitoring notice, don't assume any regular call is private - even if the conversation feels personal or urgent.

1. Assume routine calls are monitored and recorded - the phones are posted with a monitoring notice, and TRUFONE stores inmate call recordings.
2. Keep sensitive legal strategy off regular calls - if something needs attorney confidentiality, don’t treat a standard family call like a protected conversation.
3. Remember the system collects calling-list numbers - TRUFONE collects telephone numbers associated with an inmate’s calling list, so the “who” and “what number” are part of the record.
4. Understand the information may be shared beyond the prison - TRUFONE data can be shared with DOJ law enforcement components and contractors, including agencies like the FBI, USMS, EOUSA, the Criminal Division, the U.S. Parole Commission, and the Office of Inspector General.