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| Prisoner phone rates increased |
| By michigancitizen.com |
| Published: 07/08/2011 |
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DETROIT—Under a new contract, prisoners pay almost double the amount to make phone calls. The increase means more money to Department of Corrections at great cost to prison families, inmates say. July 1, local calls went from 12 cents per minute to 20 cents per minute. Interstate calls went from 15 cents per minute to 23 cents per minute. Public Communications Services (PCS) recently acquired the contract for Prisoner Telephone Services. PCS promotes itself as a nationwide Inmate Communications Service provider with “affordable calling options” that are approved by the correctional facilities. Michigan Department of Corrections spokesperson John Cordell said the price increases reflect the cost of new telecommunications equipment, safety and security features. “Embarq, which had the contract for 10 years, had not made upgrades. Out-of-date technology equipment had to be replaced,” Cordell said. “The cost of installation of equipment that can detect cell phone usage was also built into the contract.” Not so, according to a letter received from Dennis Boatwright, imprisoned at Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility. “A Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) memorandum showed that the PCS phone company only charges inmates 3 cents a call,” Boatwright writes. “At the same time, this memo reveals that the MDOC is receiving up to 15 cents a minute kickback.” According to Cordell, the technology will enhance security and increase the safety of staff, prisoners, visitors and citizens of the state of Michigan. “The equipment was not available in the past because of the high cost associated with installation,” Cordell said. “The increases in rates will offset that cost and allow the department to implement this much needed security enhancement.” When the cost of installation is recouped, the phone rates will be reduced, Cordell said. Security is a false issue, according to Boatwright. Court evidence has revealed prison staff smuggle in cell phones for bribes, Boatwright says. Furthermore, there are no incident reports of cell phones being brought in by visitors through the visiting rooms. Read More. |
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It really upsets me that you have raised the rates for inmate calls .. the families of the inmates are the ones paying for these calls ..We worry about our children that are in prison and want to hear from them , But the rates you charge Ridiculous !!! The rates before weren't that bad .. So you raise them . I truly don't understand why you do this ..You change companies and we get the higher rates..it has gotten to the point where I can not afford to let my son call home because of this.. Thanks for nothing !!