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Bureau of Prisons Implements New Phone System Policies for 2025

Published on January 2, 2025, by InmateAid

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has announced significant changes to its phone and video communication policies, ending the program introduced during COVID-19 that allowed free monthly phone calls for adults in custody (AICs). During the pandemic, inmates were granted up to 500 minutes of free calls each month. However, with the pandemic officially declared over and increasing budgetary pressures, this program will cease effective January 1, 2025.

Return to Pre-Pandemic Operations with New Incentives

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) will revert to pre-pandemic phone and video service operations while implementing a phone incentive under the First Step Act (FSA) Program Incentives (P5220.01). As part of this initiative, inmates participating in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs will receive 300 free phone minutes per month. These minutes are offered as a reward to encourage program participation, with strict guidelines limiting usage to 30 minutes per day during the month’s validation cycle. Calls made as collect or prepaid collect calls will deduct from the 300-minute limit, with the charges passed on to the called party.

Proposed Expansion of Minutes for Program Participants

The BOP is exploring a potential increase in phone access for FSA incentive earners. This expansion could raise the total monthly allotment to 510 minutes, with 300 free minutes supplemented by 210 additional minutes at the inmate’s expense. However, this proposal remains contingent on addressing budgetary and resource challenges.

Importance of Communication in Rehabilitation

Maintaining contact with family and friends is widely regarded as a cornerstone of successful rehabilitation, fostering emotional support and connections vital for reintegration into society. Advocates for prison reform, including Rabbi Moshe Margaretten of the Tzedek Association, have expressed mixed reactions to the policy changes. While praising the inclusion of 300 free minutes, Margaretten criticized the new structure, arguing it falls short of the 510-minute incentive Congress intended under the FSA. He emphasized the importance of robust communication access, particularly for inmates with limited funds or young children who benefit from staying connected.

Financial Responsibility for Non-Participants

Inmates who do not participate in EBRR programming will bear the full cost of phone and video communications. Domestic calls will cost $0.06 per minute, with international rates governed by Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations. Families unable to receive collect calls or those wishing to establish prepaid accounts can contact ICSolutions at 1-888-506-8407 for assistance.

Budgetary Considerations and Fee Reductions

The decision to link free calls to program participation aligns with the BOP's broader strategy to allocate resources toward critical needs such as programming, staffing, and contraband interdiction. The FCC has mandated significant reductions in per-minute fees for AICs, effective January 1, 2025, to offset the financial impact on non-participating inmates. Domestic audio calls will now cost $0.06 per minute, while video calls will cost $0.16 per minute.

Stakeholder Concerns and Advocacy

The changes have sparked concern among stakeholders, including families of inmates and prison reform advocates, who argue the new policy could create additional hardships for those unable to participate in programming. While the updated policies aim to balance budget constraints with the need for effective rehabilitation, many view the decision as a step back from the enhanced communication access provided during the pandemic.

These developments mark a notable shift in the BOP's approach to communication services, underscoring the ongoing challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates.

FAQs on the Bureau of Prisons' Updated Phone System Policies

1. What changes are being made to the Bureau of Prisons' phone system in 2025?
Starting January 1, 2025, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will end the pandemic-era policy of providing free monthly phone minutes to all adults in custody (AICs). Instead, 300 free phone minutes will be offered each month as an incentive to those participating in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs under the First Step Act (FSA).

2. How does the phone incentive work for inmates participating in EBRR programs?
Inmates enrolled in EBRR programs receive 300 free phone minutes per month. The minutes are valid for one month and are limited to 30 minutes per day. Collect or prepaid collect calls deduct from the 300-minute allotment, with the receiving party responsible for the charges.

3. Will inmates not participating in EBRR programs still have access to phone services?
Yes, inmates not participating in EBRR programs can still make phone calls, but they will be responsible for the costs. Domestic calls are charged at $0.06 per minute, and international rates comply with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations.

4. Are there plans to increase the number of minutes available to inmates?
The BOP is considering expanding phone minutes for FSA incentive earners to 510 minutes per month. This would include 300 free minutes and an additional 210 minutes available for purchase by the inmate, subject to budget and resource considerations.

5. How do the new phone policies affect families of inmates?
Families may face increased financial responsibility if their incarcerated loved ones are not eligible for free minutes. To ease this burden, the FCC has reduced domestic call rates to $0.06 per minute and video call rates to $0.16 per minute, effective January 1, 2025.

6. Why is the BOP linking free phone minutes to programming participation?
The BOP aims to incentivize participation in EBRR programs to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. Additionally, reallocating resources to critical needs such as staffing and contraband interdiction aligns with the BOP’s budgetary goals.

Conclusion

The Bureau of Prisons’ new phone system policies mark a significant shift in its approach to inmate communication, balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with the importance of maintaining family connections. While the reallocation of free phone minutes to those participating in EBRR programs aims to incentivize rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, it has also raised concerns among families and advocacy groups about the accessibility and fairness of the changes. By reducing phone call rates and exploring potential expansions to the current program, the BOP demonstrates an ongoing commitment to refining its policies. However, as stakeholders continue to advocate for more robust communication options, the evolution of these policies will remain a focal point in the broader discussion of inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society.