Understanding Phone Calls from USP McCreary: Who Pays, Monitoring, and Recordings
Phone calls from USP McCreary can be a lifeline — but they come with rules that affect cost, privacy, and what gets recorded. Here's what to expect so you can answer with fewer surprises.
At USP McCreary and other BOP facilities, phone privileges help incarcerated people stay connected with family and community. But privacy expectations are clear: a notice posted next to each inmate telephone warns that calls are monitored. If you're receiving calls, assume someone may be listening. Keep your side of the conversation supportive and appropriate.
Usually, the person incarcerated pays for the call. Sometimes the receiving party pays instead. If cost is a concern, talk with your loved one ahead of time about what type of call they're placing and who gets charged - that way you're both prepared before the phone rings.
Call arrangement warning: Third-party or alternative call arrangements aren't allowed. The BOP treats these workarounds as a misuse risk, so stick to approved calling methods only.
Monitoring and recording at USP McCreary isn't just policy - it's backed by federal law. BOP materials cite Title III provisions authorizing the Bureau to monitor and record inmate calls under "law enforcement" and "consent" provisions, including 18 U.S.C. 2510(5)(a)(ii) and 18 U.S.C. 2511(2)(c). The practical takeaway: treat every regular call as monitored and recorded. Avoid discussing anything that could create problems later for you or your loved one.
Editor’s note: The source claims provided for this draft do not include verified details about any attorney-call exceptions. This section should be updated only if you have facility/BOP documentation to cite.
Wondering how long recordings stick around? According to BOP TRUFONE documentation, call recordings are stored temporarily and deleted after 180 days - or sooner if no longer needed for legal or administrative purposes. But recordings can be kept longer if there's a reason to retain them. Plan your conversations with that reality in mind.
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