San Diego County Jail

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Telephones

Interview with Tim and Bob

JM: Did you have regular access to telephones?
Tim: I was given one phone call, but I wouldn't say that we had regular access. They let us use the phone right before we were released to arrange transportation and pick-up for ourselves.
Bob: yes during dayroom hours

JM: What types of charges applied for calling people? How much money would you guess the average inmate spends per week on phone calls?
Tim: It actually was quite ridiculous. They only let you make a collect call and none of my friends take collect calls. Luckily, I got through when the answering machine clicked and the operator spilled over on to the message and my friend figured out where I was.
Bob: It can be pretty expensive

JM: Did you need to buy phone cards to call out?
Tim: Not at the time. They let us use and regular old pay phone that would only let you call the operator. The operator then would make your collect call.
Bob: Yes, but it is much cheaper if you call only one person on the outside for that person to call and set up a pre-paid collect account.

JM: Did the jail screen your calls?
Tim: Not that I know of, but it was possible. I would assume that if they were going to screen my calls they would have to tell me, but no one ever made such an announcement. I guess, they could have and not told us.
Bob: There is a sign saying calls are all recorded and an automated voice message plays every minute or so reminding you during phone conversations.