What number shows up when someone calls from prison?

Staying in touch with a loved one in a UK prison can be both emotionally challenging and financially draining. With the rising cost of calls from prison and strict regulations, families often struggle to maintain regular communication. In this article we’ll break down how prison calls work, what to expect when receiving a call, and how a service like Prison Call can help you save money while staying connected to your family and friends.

When someone calls from a UK prison the process is slightly different from a regular phone call. The number that shows up on the recipient's phone may not be instantly recognisable. Understanding how prison phone systems work, what numbers are displayed, and the rules surrounding prison calls can make life easier for families and friends trying to stay connected with their loved ones.

How the prison phone system work?

UK prisons use regulated phone systems to control and monitor inmate communication. These systems are designed to ensure safety and security while allowing prisoners to maintain vital connections with the outside world. Calls are typically paid for using phone credits, which can be funded by family members or earned by prisoners through prison work schemes. Each inmate has a personal phone account linked to approved contacts.

Inmates cannot possess mobile phones and must use communal phones provided in designated areas. Calls can only be made to pre-approved numbers, such as those of family, friends, or legal representatives, which are registered beforehand. All calls, except those to legal representatives, are monitored by prison staff to ensure compliance with security protocols.

What number appears when someone calls from prison?

When a prisoner makes a call, the number displayed is often a generic or untraceable number, not tied directly to the prison or the prisoner. This is intentional to protect privacy and maintain security. Commonly, these numbers may have an 0300 or 0800 prefix, but this can vary depending on the phone provider used by the prison.

For first-time recipients, the appearance of an unknown or blocked number can lead to confusion. Some prisons use consistent numbers for outgoing calls, but they are typically not returnable. As a result, missed calls can create stress for both inmates and their families, who may struggle to reconnect.

Recognising a phone call from prison

For families and loved ones, staying in touch with someone in prison is crucial for maintaining emotional support and helping them cope with their sentence. Prison calls are one of the few ways that inmates can regularly communicate with people on the outside, especially since visitation is often limited and difficult to arrange.

However, the issue of not recognizing the number when someone calls from prison can lead to missed calls and added frustration. If a family member is unaware of the unique number that will display on their phone, they may ignore or block the call, assuming it’s spam or a telemarketer. This can be distressing for both the prisoner and their loved ones, as prison calls are limited and not always easy to reschedule.

How Prison Call can help

Prison Call offers an affordable solution for families and inmates looking to save money on phone calls. By providing virtual landline numbers, Prison Call reduces the cost of calling mobile phones significantly. This service allows families to save over £100 a month on average, giving them more opportunities to stay in touch without breaking the bank. Use our calculator today to find out how much we could help you save!

Cheaper call rates:
Calls to virtual landlines cost less than calls to mobile numbers.

‍Ease of use:
Families receive a dedicated number that’s easy to manage.

‍Increased connectivity:
More affordable rates mean inmates can speak to loved ones more often.

‍Peace of mind:
Families can answer calls confidently, knowing they won’t face unexpected costs.
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How to ensure you don’t miss a call from prison

One of the most important steps in staying connected with someone in prison is ensuring that you recognize when they are calling. Here are some tips to avoid missing important calls:

Know the number:
Ask your loved one if the prison has a standard number that displays when they call. Some prisons use the same number for all outgoing calls, which makes it easier to recognize.

‍Save the number:
Once you know the number that will appear when your loved one calls, you can save it in your contacts under a recognizable name like “Prison Call” or the inmate’s name. This way, you will know not to ignore it.

‍Set an alarm or alert:
If you have a phone with customisable ringtones or alerts, set a unique notification sound for the prison number. This will help you quickly identify when the call is coming from your loved one in jail.

‍Check your voicemail regularly:
Sometimes, inmates are allowed to leave brief voicemail messages. If you miss a call, be sure to check your voicemail promptly, as it could be from your loved one. Some prisons may allow voicemail functionality, depending on the system in place.

‍Use a service like prison call:
By using services like Prison Call, you can avoid the uncertainty of unknown or blocked numbers. The virtual landline setup ensures that you recognise the call and helps reduce the cost of staying in touch.

Prison phone call durations and restrictions

Phone calls from UK prisons are subject to time limits and restrictions. Inmates can only make calls during designated hours, and the length of the call is usually limited to 10 or 15 minutes at a time, depending on the prison’s policy. Calls are often cut off abruptly when the time limit is reached, which can be frustrating for both the prisoner and the person receiving the call.

There are also restrictions on how often prisoners can call. The number of calls they are allowed to make is usually determined by their behavior and prison regulations. Prisoners may earn more privileges, including phone time, by demonstrating good behavior through the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme.

Is regular communication is linked to rehabilitation?

Staying connected with loved ones during incarceration is essential for both emotional well-being and rehabilitation. Research shows that prisoners who maintain family contact are less likely to reoffend upon release. For children of prisoners, phone calls provide stability and reassurance, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Understanding the nuances of prison phone systems and using services like Prison Call can transform the way families stay connected with incarcerated loved ones. By recognising incoming calls, saving money through virtual landlines, and embracing consistent communication, families can bridge the gap more effectively.Staying connected doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can ensure that your loved one feels supported and valued, no matter the circumstances.