State of Alabama

Alabama Department of Corrections
Research and Planning
P. O. Box 301501
Montgomery, AL 36130-1501

B OB RILEY
GOVERNOR

D ONAL CAMPBELL
COMMISSIONER

October 31, 2005

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION
NUMBER
431

OPR: OPERATIONS

INMATE TELEPHONE SYSTEM

I.

GENERAL
This Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Administrative Regulation (AR)
establishes the responsibilities, policies, and procedures to authorize the use of an
institutional inmate telephone system.

II.

POLICY
It is the policy of the ADOC to provide an inmate telephone system at each institution to
maintain constructive family and community ties, and for controlling unauthorized use of
the telephones by inmates.

III.

DEFINITIONS
A.

Inmate Telephone System. A system which monitors, records, and controls the
use of telephones utilized by the inmates at all institutions.

B.

Telephone Monitor. Personnel designated by the Warden to input data to
establish an authorized inmate telephone list and/or monitor the computer system.

C.

Personal Identification Number (PIN): For the purpose of this AR, the inmate
AIS number shall function as the PIN.

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AR 431 – October 31, 2005

IV.

RESPONSIBILITIES
A.

V.

The Warden is responsible:
1.

For developing their institutional/divisional Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs), as necessary, to implement AR 431, Inmate Phone
System.

2.

For designating Telephone Monitors.

3.

For making accommodations for the deaf or hearing impaired inmates as
required by AR 705, Hearing Impaired Inmates.

B.

The Telephone Monitor is responsible for entering data and monitoring inmate
telephone data.

C.

The inmate is responsible for submitting ADOC Form 431, Inmate Telephone
List, and complying with this AR.

PROCEDURES
A.

Each institution will distribute the ADOC Form 431 to each inmate when received
into their institution. ADOC Form 431 will be available to the inmate population
to request changes.

B.

Restrictions of inmate telephone privilege by the Warden/designee will be
provided to the Telephone Monitor on a daily basis to be entered into the
computer as soon as possible.

C.

Upon arrival at an institution the Telephone Monitor will check the inmate’s
institutional file for their current approved telephone list. If the inmate is eligible
for a change, they will be allowed to do so at this time.

D.

The Telephone Monitor should enter the inmate’s telephone list into the telephone
computer within 72 hours of receiving the inmate, excluding weekends and
holidays. A copy will be provided for the inmate’s institutional file.

E.

Each inmate’s telephone list will be entered into the telephone computer by
Personal Identification Number (PIN) and name.

F.

An inmate will be allowed to change their telephone list:
1.

Once every six (6) months, in conjunction with the time of their regular
visiting/funds list change.

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AR 431 – October 31, 2005

2.

The inmate’s six month period will begin at the reception center with the
first list (telephone/visitation/funds) entered.

3.

If an inmate’s immediate family member moves prior to the six (6) month
change, the inmate can submit a copy of the old telephone bill and a copy
of the new telephone bill as documentation with the new telephone
number.

4.

Prior to the six month change, an attorney’s telephone number may be
changed or a new number added, provided a letter is submitted on the
attorney’s letter head requesting the change.

G.

All telephone calls, except those involving attorney-client privileges, are subject
to being recorded and investigated where necessary to maintain institutional
security.

H.

Recorded conversations may be used as evidence at a disciplinary hearing or freeworld court where there is a violation of a State or Federal law.

I.

An inmate’s call may be terminated for being abusive or threatening, and the
telephone number may be deleted from the inmate’s telephone list with the
approval of the Warden. The Telephone Monitor will complete an ADOC Form
302-A, Incident Report.

J.

All 3-way telephone calls are prohibited on the inmate telephone system. If the
Telephone Monitor determines through monitoring a telephone call that the
inmate is involved in a 3-way call, the call will be terminated and the inmate
subjected to disciplinary action. The Telephone Monitor will complete an ADOC
Form 302-A, Incident Report.

K.

The Warden/designee will establish a telephone schedule that will coincide in
accordance with the following:
1.

General Population inmates: Telephones will operate from approximately
8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Telephones will
operate from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday. Duration of call will be 15 minutes. Honor Dorm/Faith Based
Programs may be allowed extra time as determined by the
Warden/designee.

2.

Death Row inmates: Telephones will operate from approximately 8:00
a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Duration of call will be 25 minutes.

3.

Protective Custody inmates: Inmates in this status will be afforded the
same telephone privileges as general population inmates as directed by AR
435, Protective Custody.
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AR 431 – October 31, 2005

VI.

4.

Administrative Segregation: Inmates in this status will receive an inprocessing telephone call of five (5) minutes to inform family of their
whereabouts. Thereafter, the inmate will receive one telephone call per
month as directed by AR 433, Administrative Segregation and Housing
for Close or Maximum Custody, except for emergencies or attorney calls.

5.

Disciplinary Segregation: Inmates in this status will receive an inprocessing telephone call of five (5) minutes to inform family of their
whereabouts. No other telephone calls are authorized while and inmate is
in this status, except for emergencies or attorney calls as directed by AR
434, Disciplinary Segregation.

6.

Calls by deaf or hearing impaired inmates using TDD/TTY equipment
shall be allowed four times the duration allowed for voice telephone calls
as directed by AR 705, Hearing Impaired.

7.

In the case of a verified emergency, an inmate may be allowed a telephone
call to immediate family members. This call should be placed by the
institutional chaplain or if not available the shift supervisor. Emergency
telephone calls placed and completed should be documented in the
institutional shift log.

DISPOSITION
Any forms used will be disposed of and retained according to the Departmental Records
Disposition Authority (RDA).

VII.

FORMS
ADOC Form 431, Inmate Telephone List.

VIII. SUPERCEDES
This regulation supersedes Administrative Regulation 431, dated November 27, 1995.
IX.

PERFORMANCE
American Correctional Association, Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions, 4th
Edition: 4 – 4271; 4 – 4272; 4 –4497.

______________________________
Donal Campbell, Commissioner

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AR 431 – October 31, 2005

STATE OF ALABAMA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Inmate Telephone List
Date:

Institution transferred from:
Date Transferred:

Inmate Name:
Inmate Bed and Dorm Assignment:
A.I.S. #
PLEASE PRINT PLAINLY AND CLEARLY, IF WE CAN NOT READ IT WE WILL NOT ENTER IT.

Telephone Numbers Requested
Area
Code

Telephone
Number

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2.

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3.

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4.

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5.

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6.

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7.

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10.

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NAME
(FIRST AND LAST)

RELATIONSHIP

ADOC Form 431 – October 31, 2005