Heroux seeks to limit inmate calls due to cost, security concerns

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) — Inmates in Massachusetts are currently allowed to make free unlimited calls.

But Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux is expressing concern over the costly service.

The Massachusetts Department of Corrections said that allowing inmates to maintain connections with their loved ones improves their outcomes and reduces recidivism.

While Heroux supports the service as a whole, he believes limitations should be put in place.

“It is essential for inmates to stay connected and receive family support as they reintegrate,” Heroux said. “But a need for reasonableness, balance and compromise is crucial when it comes to unlimited inmate calls.”

Inmates at the Bristol County jail are currently allowed to make phone calls between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Heroux said the calls cost 8 cents per minute. The calls may cost the jail $5 million annually, which is half of what the state has allocated for the overall service.

Though most inmates call loved ones, others have tried to deal drugs, intimidate witnesses or harass victims, according to Heroux.

“We know these issues occur because we screen all inmate calls and messages,” Heroux said.

Bristol County jail has hired three additional analysts to monitor inmate calls as a result of the increased call volume.

In a statement to 12 News, a DOC spokesperson said the state is “committed to ensuring this program receives the funding and resources it needs to be successful.”

Heroux said he’s concerned that when people see the cost of the service, it could get scrapped in the future. He thinks the issue should be tackled by not allowing inmates to have unlimited calls.

“For instance, setting a limit of 20 minutes a day, or 35 minutes every other day might be more practical,” he explained.

Heroux is also looking into whether he can negotiate with the communications company the jail uses to lower the cost of the calls. He said inmate calls cost 2 cents per minute in another Massachusetts county.

“Advocates for inmate calls need to be willing to compromise,” Heroux said. “If they insist on unlimited calls at taxpayers’ expense, there will be increasing pressure on the state legislature to reconsider the law. Calls to families are important, but they do not need to be unlimited.”

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