Sheriff touts inmate-funded education program
Cleburne Times-Review – May 31, 2020
When asked to predict inmate interest in a soon-to-launch initiative providing educational opportunities, Johnson County Sheriff Adam King spoke of stepping off in faith in hopes of making a difference. “When I took office I started looking at ways to try to get these inmates doing something productive while they’re in jail,” King said. “I wanted to provide some kind of GED and vocational training for them so that when they get out they hopefully find a job, not come back to jail.” Continue Reading
Miami jail inmates get free video calls with family as COVID-19 keeps visits off limits
Miami Herald – May 13, 2020
With Miami-Dade jails still off limits because of the coronavirus, relatives will soon be able to visit inmates behind bars via free video chats. The county corrections department announced Tuesday that it will unveil a program that allows anyone, including defense lawyers, to schedule free 15-minute video chats with inmates. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis through this county-run website. Continue Reading
Mental Illness Affects 1 in 5 People, Incarcerated Individuals Included – How Correctional Facilities Can Provide Beneficial Resources
The Central Virginian – May 13, 2020
GTL, a leader in transformative corrections technology that improves outcomes for inmates and facilities, today announced its support for Mental Health Awareness Month. For over 70 years, Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized in May by organizations such as Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and many others. Continue Reading
No coronavirus cases at Dauphin County Prison, spokeswoman confirms; video visitation extended
Press & Journal – May 3, 2020
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Dauphin County Prison, county press secretary Amy Richards told the Press & Journal on Sunday. However, Dauphin County Prison is extending its service of free video visitation for inmates and their loved ones during the pandemic. The service started in March. Continue Reading
Isolation in isolation: Inmates, jails face new challenges due to COVID-19
Fosters.com – April 4, 2020
Twenty-two hours. As millions of people across the world struggle with loneliness amid COVID-19 social distancing, that isolation-drenched reality is playing out at extreme levels for William Barrett and other local residents locked within a small cell for 22 hours a day. Barrett is one of 323 people, as of Friday, being held inside the Strafford County House of Corrections in Dover. The entire 495-bed facility has been in precautionary lockdown since March 23 while it continues to house local, state, federal and immigration detainees during the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading
California inmates granted free calls following halted visitations amid coronavirus fears
KTLA 5 – April 1, 2020
Inmates will be able to connect with their families through free phone calls after visitations were temporarily banned last week to curb spread of the novel coronavirus, officials announced Wednesday. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will implement the measure, which also includes reduced prices for electronic messaging services, according to Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, whose district includes parts of South Los Angeles. Continue Reading
Dept. of Corrections Implements New COVID-19 Protection Measures
Sierra News Online – March 31, 2020
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on Tuesday introduced additional measures to protect staff and inmates at the state’s institutions from the spread of COVID-19. The measures will increase both capacity and physical space at the state’s prisons, which will allow the department to increase physical distancing, and assist it with isolation and quarantine efforts for suspected or positive COVID-19 cases. Continue Reading
CDCR, GTL, JPay expand communication access
March 30, 2020
As CDCR and CCHCS work around the clock to combat COVID-19, we have asked those in our care to make great sacrifices. We have stopped programs, we have limited movement, and we are no longer allowing volunteers and program providers to come into our institutions. We value these positive rehabilitative programs, as they provide a sense of normality and humanity inside while giving incarcerated people opportunities for successful returns home. Suspending programs was not a decision made lightly – it was done to protect the people who live and work in our institutions. Continue Reading
County Detention Center Enables Free Connections for Inmates
March 20, 2020
The Doña Ana County Detention Center negotiated two free 10-minute calls and one free 30-minute remote video visitation per week, per inmate. As the Center is suspending in-person family visits, to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 in the community, management proactively sought a way to help keep families connected. Continue Reading
Department of Corrections negotiates free calls and reduced digital costs for incarcerated
KBKW – March 23, 2020
In response to the escalating threat of COVID-19, the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has had to limit visitation and programming across the prison system. Recognizing the importance of contact with friends and family, the Department announced this week it has collaborated with vendors to provide two free five-minute phone calls a week and free and reduced opportunities to use the JPay digital service. Continue Reading
Colorado DOC updates prevention plan for COVID-19
KOAA News – March 23, 2020
The Colorado Department of Corrections has been actively working to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the prison system and have updated their prevention plan, per release. Currently the department has tested 9 inmates, six of those tests were negative and the 3 other tests are still pending results. The department does have additional tests available that can be used if any inmate begins to show symptoms. Continue Reading
Phone rates lowered for Niagara County Jail inmates, families
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal – March 20, 2020
Rate reductions have been implemented at the Niagara County Jail to enable more frequent contact between inmates in the 504-bed facility and their family and friends. Continue Reading
At least three employees with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation test positive for COVID-19
KSBY News – March 21, 2020
At least three employees with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) have tested positive for COVID-19, according to officials. In a press release, a spokeswoman with the state department said one employee at California State Prison, Sacramento, and two employees at California Institution for Men have tested positive for COVID-19. Continue Reading
WV incarceration officials respond to pandemic by blocking visitations and providing limited free phone, video communication
Charleston Gazette-Mail – March 21, 2020
Inmates incarcerated in West Virginia have even less access to the outside world while the novel coronavirus pandemic spreads through the Mountain State. The Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has banned all visitors, except attorneys, from entering the state’s 10 regional jails and 13 prisons, where, in total more than 10,000 people were incarcerated on Thursday, according to data provided by division officials. Continue Reading
Dauphin County Prison offers 15-minute video visitation service for inmates and their families
Fox 43 – March 20, 2020
Dauphin County Prison has suspended all visits to inmates until further notice as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, but the facility announced Friday that it is providing a free video service so that inmates and their loved ones can remain in contact while visitation is suspended. Continue Reading
Department of Corrections negotiates free calls and reduced digital costs for incarcerated population
KNDO 23 – March 20, 2020
In response to the escalating threat of COVID-19, the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has had to limit visitation and programming across the prison system. Recognizing the importance of contact with friends and family, the Department announced this week it has collaborated with vendors to provide two free five-minute phone calls a week and free and reduced opportunities to use the JPay digital service. Continue Reading
Inmate visitation suspended
Hood County News – March 19, 2020
Effective immediately Inmate visitation has been suspended until further notice. This suspension of visitation is in accordance with continuous orders by the Office of the Governor to insure the safety of the public. This decision was not made lightly but our focus here at the Sheriff’s Office is to insure the safety of the public, inmates and our staff. Continue Reading
How Mississippi prisons are preparing for coronavirus
Mississippi Today – March 19, 2020
No COVID-19 cases have been reported in Mississippi prisons as of Thursday morning, but the state is taking precautions in light of the highly contagious virus, says the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Continue Reading
In-person visitation suspended at Brazos County Detention Center
KBTX-TV – March 19, 2020
In-person visitation is suspended at the Brazos County Detention Center until further notice, said the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office Thursday. The sheriff’s office said they stopped in-person visitation after Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration was issued. The sheriff has closed the visitation lobby at the jail. Continue Reading
Metropolitan Detention Center – Video Visits
March 20, 2020
People with a loved one in prison in Michigan are catching a slight break when it comes to paying for phone calls and emails while visitation is suspended in response to concerns about the coronavirus. Prisoners within the Michigan Department of Corrections were informed Monday that the agency’s vendor for phone services, Global Tel Link Corporation, is offering two free, five-minute phone calls to prisoners each week. Continue Reading
Coronavirus is changing life for Michigan prisoners, too. Here’s how.
Detroit Free Press – March 17, 2020
People with a loved one in prison in Michigan are catching a slight break when it comes to paying for phone calls and emails while visitation is suspended in response to concerns about the coronavirus. Prisoners within the Michigan Department of Corrections were informed Monday that the agency’s vendor for phone services, Global Tel Link Corporation, is offering two free, five-minute phone calls to prisoners each week. Continue Reading
ODOC: Oklahoma inmates provided free calls during COVID-19 pandemic
KFOR – March 17, 2020
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections and telecommunications company GTL have established an agreement to provide the state’s inmates with free calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, ODOC suspended all visitation and volunteer access to facilities to prevent the introduction and spread of the coronavirus. Continue Reading
Phone service providing Miss. inmates with free calls during coronavirus pandemic
WLBT – March 16, 2020
A phone service is providing Mississippi inmates with free calls to keep in contact with loved ones during the coronavirus outbreak. Starting Tuesday, March 17th, incarcerated persons using the GTL phone service will be able to make two free phone calls of up to five minutes each per week. Continue Reading
Coronavirus: Santa Clara Sheriff Suspends Social Jail Visits
March 16, 2020
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily suspended all social visits to inmates at the Main Jail in San Jose and the Elmwood Correctional Complex in Milpitas. All scheduled social visits have been cancelled during a three-week shelter-in-place order issued by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in an effort to contain the new coronavirus. Continue Reading
Winnebago County Jail restricts visits over COVID-19
Rockford Register Star – March 17, 2020
The Winnebago County Jail is suspending all personal visits to inmates until further notice in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Jail Superintendent Bob Redmond said the decision was made to comply with local health officials’ directive to limit gatherings to 25 or fewer people. Continue Reading
Two corrections center inmates tested for COVID-19
The Daily Memphian – March 18, 2020
Results are expected back in five days for two inmates at the Shelby County Division of Corrections who have been isolated and tested for COVID-19, or the coronavirus, said Anthony Alexander, the director of the facility. Continue Reading
Major changes coming to California prisons amid coronavirus concerns
The Sun – March 17, 2020
The California state prison system is suspending rehabilitation programs, postponing parole hearings, and halting all out-of-state transfers, the latest in a slew of restrictions that have come in response to concerns over COVID-19. Starting on Tuesday, the prisons stopped classes, rehabilitation programs, and group events, such as anger management, and barred anyone who helps provide these programs from entering prison ground. The move affects all 33 prisons in California. Continue Reading
Jail gives inmates 2 free calls per week in wake of no visitation
The Courier – March 18, 2020
The Black Hawk County Jail announced Wednesday it was allowing two free phone calls per inmate per week after it suspended all visitors to the facility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
Prison measures aim to keep inmate population virus-free
The Daily Sentinel – March 17, 2020
As of Monday, no state prison inmate in Colorado had tested positive COVID-19, and measures recently implemented by the state Department of Corrections are aiming to keep it that way. Continue Reading
Delaware DOC Suspends In-Person Prisoner Visitation, Free Phone Calls Added
1st State Update – March 16, 2020
The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) is offering free inmate call time to facilitate community support during coronavirus response. Effective today, the DOC and GTL, the Department’s vendor that provides inmate phone and video visitation services, are providing two free five-minute phone calls per week to all inmates at every Level V prison and Level IV Violation of Probation and Work Release facility. Continue Reading
Company offers limited free calls to state inmates
ABC 11 – March 16, 2020
Starting Tuesday, Mar. 17, incarcerated persons using the GTL phone service will be able to make two free phone calls of up to five minutes each per week. GTL, the state’s phone service provider, is providing the two free calls through April 13. Continue Reading
Vermont Department of Corrections Suspends In-Person Visitation
Barton Chronicle – March 16, 2020
The Vermont Department of Corrections will be cancelling in-person visitations services at all six Vermont correctional facilities. Given the current concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Department is taking all necessary precautions to limit any potential exposure to this virus. Continue Reading
York County Prison to stop inmate visits, has new rules in wake of coronavirus
York Dispatch – March 15, 2020
York County Prison is halting inmate visits and has new guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. All volunteer and professional programs were suspended as of Friday. Continue Reading
SCDC bars families, volunteers from visiting prisons amid coronavirus spread
FOX Carolina – March 13, 2020
The South Carolina Department of Corrections is taking steps to reduce the possible impact of the coronavirus on inmates and others. Continue Reading
Lucas Co. sheriff implements visitation restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak
WTOL 11 – March 12, 2020
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is implementing changes to the visitation schedule in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Continue Reading
Voting behind bars: Winnebago County turns to tablets to let inmates know their voting rights
Rockford Register Star – March 10, 2020
A new icon was added last month to the electronic tablets used by Winnebago County Jail inmates to order snacks from the commissary, purchase books and music and make phone calls. It reads simply, “voting request.” The addition to the jail-issued tablets and the kiosks in the main housing units was made to comply with a new law meant to safeguard the voting rights of pretrial detainees. Continue Reading
Tompkins County Jail Reduces Cost of Inmate Phone Calls, Renegotiates Contract to Provide iPads for Inmates
Cornell Daily Sun – March 3, 2020
Once one of the most expensive jails in New York for inmates to place calls from, the Tompkins County Jail has cut the cost of inmate phone calls by more than half the price as of Feb. 28. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, Tompkins County Jail inmates pay $9.95 to make a 15-minute phone call as of November 2018. However, a renegotiation of the contract between the jail and Global Tel Link Corporation — the company that provides the jail’s phone services — has reduced the cost of calls from 32 cents per minute to 15 cents. Continue Reading
