Frequent Questions

Inmate Telephone/Messaging Access
 

Note: You can access the applicable DOC policies by clicking on Policies under the About Us tab.

1.5.D.4  Inmate Access to Telephones and Tablets

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/messaging list. Inmates are allowed to have twenty (20) numbers on their approved calling/messaging list. Inmates are not allowed to use the PIN of another inmate or share their PIN with another inmate. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Inmates can access telephones or make calls from their tablets, subject to the rules of that facility.

Access to telephones/tablets 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 Inmates must abide by institutional rules on phone usage or their privilege may be withdrawn at any time.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.


What type of calls are inmates allowed/not allowed to make?

Inmates may place local and long distance collect calls or debit calls. Debit calling capability was activated 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.

If a family member or friend on an approved calling list sets up an account specific to their phone number, then that account will be charged for the calls at the debit call rates.


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.

 

What is a debit phone account and how is it different than the collect only system?

Beginning in September 2002, a debit phone account was added for each inmate. Previously, inmates only had the option of making collect calls to family and friends.

With the inmate debit phone account, family and friends can pre-pay for phone calls from inmates.

Family and friends can send in money to GTL AdvancePay Service via options noted below for deposit in the inmate's debit phone account.

When an inmate places a debit call using their Personal Identification Number (PIN), a message will inform the inmate of how much money is available in their phone account. The call will be made with the inmate’s phone account debited for the cost of the call. The call recipient will not be charged for a call on their monthly phone bill under the debit system.

 

Inmate Calling Rate Schedule for State of South Dakota
as of March 17, 2021

How do I send in payments for an inmate to make telephone calls?

The South Dakota Department of Corrections will not accept deposits for the inmate telephone accounts at the adult facilities. Any deposits received marked "Phone Account" will be deposited in to the account of the inmate and subject to the inmate accounts policy. GTL AdvancePay Service will be handling the deposits to the Phone Debit accounts and Prepaid Collect accounts of the inmate. If you wish to set up an account specific to your phone number, Prepaid Collect, you may do so by contacting AdvancePay Service.
Deposits to accounts can be made in several ways:

For friends/family to put funds on the Phone Debit account:
1) Mailing a money order: Pay to: GTL
SD-DOC Debit
c/o GTL
PO Box 2827
Mobile, AL 36652
(must include inmate name and ID# on Money Order)

2) Online at www.ConnectNetwork.com
Cannot put $ on debit by phone at this time.

For friends/family to put funds on Prepaid Collect account:

1) Mailing a money order: Pay to: GTL
GTL Advance Pay
PO Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722
(must include phone number on Money Order)

2) Online at www.ConnectNetwork.com

3) Phone 866-230-7761