What Time Do Prisoners Get Phone Calls?

When a loved one is in prison, communication becomes a crucial way to maintain relationships and provide emotional support. One of the most common concerns for families and friends is understanding when prisoners can make phone calls and how the system works.

Maintaining contact with family and friends is vital for prisoners' well-being and rehabilitation. In the UK, prisoners are allowed to make phone calls, but the timing and duration of these calls are subject to specific regulations and prison routines.

What Time Can Prisoners Make Calls?

The specific time prisoners can make phone calls varies between prisons, but general guidelines apply across most UK prisons. We would always recommend planning ahead and contacting the specific prison. You can find contact details for all UK prisons here:

Weekdays and Weekends:
Prisoners can usually make calls between 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM, depending on their specific prison’s regime. It's best to plan ahead and organize a mutual time that works for both the callers and recipient.

During Free Time:
Calls are allowed during designated free periods, such as before or after work, education programs, or meals.

Wing-Specific Schedules:
Some prisons assign different wings specific time slots to reduce congestion on shared telephones.

Remand vs. Sentenced Prisoners:
Inmates on remand may have slightly more flexibility in call times compared to sentenced prisoners, as they do not follow the same structured daily schedule.

Access to phones is generally provided during association periods and other times deemed 'reasonably practicable and appropriate' by the prison authorities. Prisoners are typically allowed to use the telephones for a period of two hours each day.

Understanding Prison Phone Call Rules

The UK prison system follows strict guidelines for inmate communication, including the use of telephones. Prisoners cannot receive calls from the outside; they can only make outbound calls to approved numbers. These restrictions ensure security and control over communication.

Each prisoner is given a personal PIN number to use the phone system. Calls are typically monitored and recorded, except for conversations with legal representatives. To make a call, inmates need credit on their account, which can be topped up through personal funds or family contributions.

Setting Up Phone Access

Upon arrival at a prison, inmates are typically allowed to make a phone call within 24 hours. To make subsequent calls, prisoners must use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) system. They are required to submit a list of approved contacts, which is vetted by prison staff. Prisoners must also add credit to their PIN account to make calls, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Before a prisoner can make a call, they must submit a list of numbers for approval by prison staff. This process can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the institution.

‍Family Members:
Immediate family members such as parents, siblings, children, and spouses are usually approved without issue.

‍Friends:
Friends can be added, but approval may take longer, and staff may review the nature of the relationship.

‍Legal Representatives:
Calls to solicitors and legal advisors are usually granted quickly and remain confidential.

‍Support Services:
Some organizations provide emotional and practical support to prisoners. These numbers may require special approval.

‍International Numbers:
These take longer to approve and may be denied if security concerns arise.

The prison has the right to reject numbers they believe could pose a risk, including those linked to past criminal activity or individuals who have requested no contact from the prisoner.

Call Monitoring And Privacy

All phone calls made by prisoners are recorded and may be monitored by prison staff, except for calls to legal advisors or certain approved organizations. This monitoring is in place to maintain security and prevent misuse of the phone system.

Access To Phones In Prison

Prisoners in the UK can make phone calls using designated telephones within the prison. These phones are typically located in communal areas, such as wings or shared spaces. Some prisons have also installed phones in cells, allowing for more flexible access during permitted hours. All calls are monitored and recorded, except for those to legal advisors or certain approved organizations.

How Much Do Calls From Prison Cost?

Phone call costs in UK prisons have been a major concern for inmates and their families. While prices have dropped in recent years, they can still be expensive compared to standard phone rates.

When your loved one calls a mobile number directly from prison, the cost can be quite high typically around 13p to 25p per minute, depending on the prison's phone system.  That means 100 minutes could cost them up to £25, which explains why the time runs out so fast.

‍With Prison Call, we provide you with a UK landline number that connects to your mobile. This way, your loved one is only charged the landline rate, which is significantly cheaper often around 6p to 8p per minute.  This can stretch their phone credit much further, allowing for longer and more frequent conversations.

‍Additionally, our Saver Package offers 3,000 minutes per month, which is one of the highest allowances available. This generous fair usage policy ensures you can stay connected without constantly worrying about running out of minutes.

See how much we can help you save with our savings calculator

Can Prisoners Make Emergency Calls?

In special circumstances, prison staff may allow an inmate to make an emergency call outside of standard hours. These situations are rare and usually involve urgent family matters, such as a serious illness or bereavement. Requests for emergency calls are typically handled by the prison governor or duty offi

What Are Prisoners Calling Restricitions?

Prison calls are monitored, and certain rules apply:

‍No Third-Party Calls:
Prisoners cannot transfer calls or make conference calls.
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‍No Unapproved Numbers:
Only pre-approved numbers can be dialed.
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‍No Abusive or Criminal Conversations:
Calls that breach prison security or involve threats may lead to disciplinary action or further restrictions.

All phone calls made by prisoners are recorded and may be monitored by prison staff, except for calls to legal advisors or certain approved organisations. This monitoring is in place to maintain security and prevent misuse of the phone system.

Do Prisons Offer Video Calling?

Yes, some UK prisons now provide video call options through secure platforms such as Purple Visits. These are pre-scheduled and require approval, similar to in-person visits. Video calls provide an alternative for families who cannot travel to the prison regularly.

Phone access in UK prisons is structured to balance the need for security with the importance of maintaining family and social connections. While the exact times and durations of calls can vary based on several factors, prisoners generally have opportunities to make phone calls daily within the established guidelines.

If you have specific questions about phone access in a particular prison, we'd advise to contact the Prison or institution directly.