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FREQUENT QUESTIONS
INMATE TELEPHONE ACCESS
How does an inmate get access to telephones while in prison?
During Admissions and Orientation (A&O), inmates are provided with information on how to obtain a
Personal Identification Number (PIN) and how to establish a calling list. Inmates are allowed to have
up to fifteen (15) separate numbers (excluding in-state attorneys) on their calling list. Inmates are not
allowed to use another inmate's PIN or share their PIN with another inmate. Violators are subject to
disciplinary action.
Inmates can access telephones at the facility they are housed at to make calls, subject to the rules of
that facility. In some cases, pay phones are available in the inmate housing units. These phones may
only be used for purposes designated by Unit Staff.
Access to telephones is a privilege. Inmates must abide by institutional rules on phone usage or their
privilege may be withdrawn at any time. Restrictions on phone use will be imposed on inmates whose
status would make it contrary to the disciplined operation of the institution.
Inmates typically have access to pay phones in their housing units and in other designated areas of
the facility.
What type of calls are inmates allowed/not allowed to make?
Inmates may place local and long distance collect calls or debit calls. A debit phone account was
established in September 2002.
Third party phone calls are not permitted.
How do I know if an inmate is calling me?
A recorded message may be inserted to let the person being called know that they are receiving a call
from an inmate. Periodic recorded messages may be inserted during the call advising the receiving
party they are talking to an inmate.
Who pays for the calls?
If the inmate makes a debit call, his phone account is debited for the cost of the call.
If an inmate makes a collect call, the person accepting a collect call from an inmate will pay for the cost
of the call. The recipient must accept the collect call charges.
What if I don't want an inmate to call me?
Contact the institution where the inmate is being housed and request that a block be put on your
phone number.
Are inmate phone calls monitored?
Yes. Outgoing phone calls from inmates may be monitored and recorded, unless the call is to an
attorney or an organization known to provide legal services. Notices are posted near inmate
telephones advising the inmate that their call may be monitored and/or recorded. It is the responsibility

of an inmate to request or arrange for the use of a non-monitored phone for confidential attorney/client
matters.
Can inmates receive incoming calls?
No. Inmates are not allowed to receive phone calls unless it is an emergency situation and/or
permission has been granted by the Warden.
©2008 All rights reserved. Department of Corrections State of South Dakota.

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