Phone calls, tablets, and messaging: what family members need to know
The communication tools available depend on where your loved one is housed. Oregon DOC rolled out tablets and messaging services statewide through Telmate, giving adults in custody ways to connect with friends and family. County facilities often use different vendors. Umatilla County Correctional Facility, for example, uses a Viapath Technologies phone system. One key limitation: only the incarcerated person can place calls. You cannot call in to them.
- Confirm the facility and system. Oregon DOC tablet services have been provided through Telmate, while some county jails use other systems (for example, Umatilla County lists a Viapath Technologies phone system).
- Create the right vendor account. Oregon DOC materials direct families to Telmate to learn more or create an account, and Umatilla County describes depositing to phone accounts online through Telmate’s payment site.
- Expect the first call to be short if there are no funds. At Umatilla County, if the first call happens when the person has no calling funds, the call may be briefly free so they can tell you where they are and explain how calls work.
- For onsite video visits, prepare your log-in code. If your visit uses the onsite video stations described by ICSolutions, you will need a confirmation code made from the phone number on the ICSolutions account plus the 4-digit PIN you chose when registering.
Warning: Before you enter sensitive personal or payment information into a messaging or phone vendor account, take a minute to read their security notices. Telmate has publicly stated that in August 2020, personal information of Telmate users was exposed and accessed by unknown attackers.
Common Questions
Q
What is the confirmation code for onsite video visits and how is it formed?
For the onsite video visitation stations described by ICSolutions, the confirmation code is your ICSolutions account phone number plus the 4-digit PIN you chose when registering. You enter that code to log on at the facility station and connect to the visit.
Q
Are tablet messaging services available in Oregon DOC, and should I be concerned about security?
Oregon DOC reported that Telmate completed tablet installation so tablet services were available across all ODOC facilities, and it highlighted tablet messaging as another way to connect. Security is worth paying attention to: Telmate has publicly stated that in August 2020, some Telmate users’ personal information was exposed and accessed by unknown attackers. Before you create or fund an account, read the vendor’s security notice and decide what information you’re comfortable providing.
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