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South Dakota Phone Calls

For approximate collect call rates for State Prisons, please visit http://www.etccampaign.com/rates.php . This is a third-party website and is NOT affiliated with SaveOnPrisonCalls.com.

See below for SD DOC rate chart

From the South Dakota DOC website: 

Inmate Debit Phone Account

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

With the debit phone account, family and friends can pre-pay for phone calls from inmates. Previously, inmates only had the option of making collect calls to family and friends.  Beginning in September 2002, a debit phone account was added for each inmate.  Now, family and friends can send in money to the inmate via a cashier's check or money order (no cash or personal checks accepted) and specify on the cashier's check or money order that the money go to the inmate's debit phone account. Work is underway to develop a system for inmates to make international calls via the debit system. 

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.

Is the cost of a debit call cheaper than that of a collect call?

Yes.  The Department of Corrections negotiated for a lower cost for both collect and debit calls prior to the debit system being established and again in 2008.

The price of a debit call is significantly less than the price of a collect call. See the chart below to compare the cost of a collect call versus the cost of a debit call.

 

INMATE CALLING RATE SCHEDULE

FOR STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA 

Inmate Telephone Access

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 list.  Inmates are allowed to have up to fifteen (15) separate numbers (excluding in-state attorneys) on their calling list.  Inmates are not allowed to use another inmate's PIN or share their PIN with another inmate.  Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Inmates can access telephones at the facility they are housed at to make calls, subject to the rules of that facility. In some cases, pay phones are available in the inmate housing units. These phones may only be used for purposes designated by Unit Staff.

Access to telephones 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.

Inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary have access to pay phones in their housing units. 

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

Inmates may place local and long distance collect calls or debit calls. A debit phone account was established 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. 

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.