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Telephones

Interview with Kathy, Cameron, Norm, Arturo and Isidra

JM: Did you have regular access to telephones?
Kathy: yes we do have at least 1 phone in our cell
Cameron: yes I did there are phones on the dorm
Norm: Yes phones were available 8am-10pm and there was one phone for every 4 inmates.
Arturo: no I did not have access
Isidra: If regular is every minute then no. But I suppose ee did. The only time we couldnt use the phone is when we were locked in or going to court. Or off property.

JM: What types of charges applied for calling people? How much money would you guess the average inmate spends per week on phone calls?
Kathy: you have to make a collect call no other way, and as for what it would costI am guessing from my phone bill a flat rate of $10.00 per call
Cameron: I know that I spent at lease 5 dollars for a half an hour I never made collect calls
Norm: Each call cost 1.75 to connect and then 10 cents per minute. Phone cards were sold in 5 dollar amounts and most inmates spend about 20 dollars per week with many spending much more. The average inmate would use each phone card for one 30 minute call. Collect calls and debt accounts could also be set up depending on the number with the same costs applied.
Arturo: charges were 1.85 to connect and 10 cents a minute after the first minute I saw people spend 60 to 80 per week
Isidra: The most a inmste can personally spend on phone time is 90 $ and those cost $5 for 15 min. And for your loved ones its 3.00 for a 15 min. Phone call. Don't include the extra too many dollars that have to be spent on unnesscary charges but whatever.

JM: Did you need to buy phone cards to call out?
Kathy: no I did not buy any, and I do not believe there was any to buy
Cameron: yes you had to buy phone time
Norm: Yes phone cards were one option. The other option was to make a debit call in which the number called could setup an account specific for that number to be used instead of the phone cards.
Arturo: you have to have money put on an account
Isidra: The only time you really need to buy a phone card is if nobody out there has money on their phone. Or if you want to call who you want on your own expense

JM: Did the jail screen your calls?
Kathy: yes they do, there is always someone that sreeens your calls
Cameron: as far as I know they did
Norm: Yes, each call was recorded and monitored. Many examples of the jail listening and acting on things discussed over the phone. Only legal calls in designated separate assigned room were private.
Arturo: yes they monitored the calls
Isidra: Im not too sure but before each call they say our calls may be recorded and im positive they are dince I attended a trial where the D.A. no my mistake the complaintants lawyer had phone records and recordings as a closing remark

Read about how inmates pass the time in the Erie County Jail