INMATE PHONE SERVICES

OVERVIEW 

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) supports and embraces family, friends, and loved ones of those who have been incarcerated to maintain contact. DPSCS permits and encourages an inmate to correspond with family, friends, and loved ones with minimum interference and consistent with the legitimate security needs of the facility. 

INMATE PHONE SERVICES (CALLING AN INMATE)

The most common communication method between inmates and friends, family, and loved ones is the use of phone calls. 

ConnectNetwork™ is DPSCS’s authorized deposit and account management portal. With several different deposit methods available, ConnectNetwork™ is the quickest and most convenient option to fund a correctional account. 

DPSCS is not in charge of setting up phone accounts, ConnectNetwork™ creates all phone accounts. ConnectNetwork™ should be contacted with any concerns about phone accounts at (877) 650-4249 or by clicking here.

The two (2) current ConnectNetwork™ services DPSCS utilizes are:

1. ADVANCEPAY® ACCOUNTS

ConnectNetwork™AdvancePay® is the fastest and most convenient phone service connecting friends, family members, and loved ones to inmates.

When you create an AdvancePay® account, you’re creating a prepaid collect calling service that allows an inmate to call your phone number using deposited funds.

Multiple AdvancePay® accounts are allowed to be established if you have inmates in separate facilities and wish to have calls directed to different phone numbers.

After setting up an AdvancePay® account, you can start adding money and receiving phone calls. As long as there is a balance for at least a one-minute call in your account, you can receive a call at any time.

To ensure you don’t miss any calls, you can sign up to be notified via text messages when your balance is low, or also sign up for auto reload to automatically replenish your account.

FEATURES

• Only your phone number can be called with the funds in your account.
• You control expenses and call acceptance.
• Options are available to securely store your credit card number and automatically reload your account when your account balance is low.
• Helpful alerts by text, email, or automated phone call can remind you to fund your account when your balance is low.
• It is easy and quick to make mobile deposits via the ConnectNetwork™  mobile app.

HOW IT WORKS

Once you establish an account, which becomes active as soon as you fund it, you can receive calls from an inmate. You always have the option to accept or reject a call and the value of each completed call is immediately deducted from your account.

If an inmate is expected to be released shortly after intake (e.g., within 24 to 48 hours) or you do not have sufficient credit card funds for a minimum deposit, there is a variation of AdvancePay that allows you to pay for just one call.

Refunds are available if the inmate who calls you is released, or you no longer need an AdvancePay® account.

WAYS TO PAY

While making a deposit online in your ConnectNetwork account or over the phone at (800) 483-8314 is the easiest and fastest way to make a deposit, there are several different payment options available for AdvancePay®.

2. PIN DEBIT ACCOUNTS

Inmates with PIN Debit prepaid phone accounts can pay for their own phone calls and call any phone numbers allowed by their facility. Many facilities allow friends and family to make deposits directly into the inmate’s PIN Debit account. Inmates can also fund this phone account from their commissary/trust account.

Unused funds in a PIN Debit account are refunded upon release, but otherwise cannot be used for any other purpose than paying for phone calls.

FEATURES

• Offers the ability for inmates to reach those friends or family members who may not be able to pay for calls.
• Multiple convenient ways for friends and family members to make deposits.
• Limits use of funds by inmates to just phone calls.

HOW IT WORKS

To fund an inmate’s PIN Debit account, you’ll first need to create a ConnectNetwork account. During that process, you’ll be asked to select a facility and add an inmate for whom you wish to make a deposit. Once you have set this up, you’ll be able to begin making deposits. Please remember that money deposited becomes the inmate’s property.

Note: If you choose to make a PIN Debit deposit via the automated phone system, you may need to provide the facility’s “Site ID” (located on each facility page), if necessary.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Step 1: Check PIN Debit service availability at a facility.
Step 2: Sign in or create an account to make a deposit.