Phone calls, video visits, and messaging: how Tennessee county jails commonly handle communications
In Tennessee county jails, phone contact is typically set up so your loved one calls you, not the other way around. One jail's published rules state that inmates can only make outgoing calls and that they can make collect calls unless they have money on their phone account. That same facility points families to CPC (Combined Public Communication) for inmate telephone service and also mentions a "Chirper" device inmates can use to text family and friends.
Other counties use different vendors and setup options, so you'll want to match your account to the facility. Maury County, for example, states its inmate phone system is serviced through NCIC and says you can set it up by telephone, online, or at a lobby kiosk. NCIC also notes that to receive calls, video visits, and messages, you'll need to add funds to your NCIC account.
Tip: Some jails publish an automated phone line that reads out inmate and facility details like charges, bond, court information, visitation times, projected release dates, and phone account funding. If your county offers this, it can save you time when you need quick answers.
Common Questions
Q
Can an incarcerated person receive incoming calls from family?
In at least some Tennessee county jails, no, inmates cannot receive incoming calls from family. The jail’s published rules may state that inmates can only make outgoing calls, and calls may be collect unless the inmate has money on their phone account.
Q
How do I add money for phone time or commissary?
Follow the jail’s posted vendor instructions, because the vendor can vary by county. Some facilities use NCIC accounts for receiving calls, video visits, and messages, while others direct families to SmartDeposit, and some jails also offer lobby kiosks for funding trust or commissary.
Q
What happens if a visitor or inmate breaks visitation or video rules?
Privileges can be suspended. One Tennessee jail’s published video visitation information states you must agree to the visitation rules when scheduling, and it warns that if visit rules are broken, video visitation privileges may be suspended, possibly indefinitely.
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