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Telephones

Interview with Lena, Janis and Anna

JM: Did you have regular access to telephones?
Lena: For the 3 hours we weren't in a cell we could.
Janis: If the unit wasn't on lockdown, yes.
Anna: Ah actually the only time they were assessable was during day room. Which was about an hour a day.

JM: What types of charges applied for calling people? How much money would you guess the average inmate spends per week on phone calls?
Lena: You had to call collect if you want to talk to someone on the outside.
Janis: It varied because the companies used for collect calls changed frequently, as did the rates. County jail calls were costly, maybe a $10 calling card would last two calls. The average inmate probably bought 2-3 phone cards each commissary order.
Anna: Credit card charges. I wouldn't really know. I'm assuming a lot of money was spent to make calls while being locked up. Maybe 100 bucks? 50?

JM: Did you need to buy phone cards to call out?
Lena: Someone on outside had to buy them for you. They didn't have them at the jail.
Janis: No. Not unless the number you dialed did not accept collect calls.
Anna: Nope I didn't need to use phone cards.

JM: Did the jail screen your calls?
Lena: Oh yeah, every time you make a call it is recorded.
Janis: I'm not sure about mine specifically, but they can listen in the tower or bubble if they suspected something or wanted to.
Anna: I was told by other inmates that our calls were screened. I don't actually know if they do that or not.

Read about how inmates pass the time in the West Valley Detention Center