How phone calls, video, and messaging typically work in NY facilities
Phone and video access in New York depends on which agency runs the facility and which vendor they contract with. Suffolk County Correctional Facility, for instance, uses Securus for phone services, and some facilities offer scheduled video sessions through Securus Video Connect (available via the free Securus app or a computer/tablet). Before creating an account or adding funds, confirm the exact provider for your loved one's facility. Otherwise, you could end up paying into the wrong system.
Warning: Phone rules can be strict. At Nassau County's Correctional Center, all calls (except properly registered attorney calls) are subject to monitoring and/or recording. Three-way calling, call forwarding, or conference calling is treated as a serious violation that can trigger discipline, loss of privileges, and possible criminal charges.
For video visits, pay close attention to the schedule and facility-specific rules. NYC DOC's Rikers family visit information states that televisits operate on Fridays. Recording retention varies by system: the TRUFONE system, for example, stores call recordings temporarily and deletes them after 180 days unless they're needed longer for legal or administrative purposes.
Common Questions
Q
Are calls with incarcerated people monitored or recorded, and how long are recordings kept?
In some facilities, yes. Nassau County’s Correctional Center states that calls (other than properly registered attorney calls) are subject to monitoring and/or recording, and it also warns that three-way calling, call forwarding, or conference calling violates phone rules and can trigger discipline and other consequences. Recording retention depends on the system used, one documented example is TRUFONE call recordings being deleted after 180 days unless required longer for legal or administrative purposes.
Q
Are video visits available and what platforms are used?
Some facilities use web-based video visitation systems, including Securus Video Connect, which allows scheduled video sessions through the free Securus app or a computer/tablet. NYC DOC’s Rikers family visit information also states that televisits operate on Fridays, so the schedule and platform can be location-specific.
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