If you have a friend or loved one in a Canadian jail, maintaining contact with them is very difficult. You should know the ins and outs of contacting an inmate in prison so that communication can be easier.
FedPhoneLine is the best way to receive inmate jail calls on your cellphone, and it has been in business for more than a decade.
Understanding the Canadian Prison System: Key Things to Know
The prison system in Canada is managed at both federal and provincial levels and is overseen by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Federal prisons hold inmates whose sentences are for two years or more. Provincial institutions manage shorter sentences (less than 2 years) and people who have been recently arrested (pretrial detainees).
Canadian correctional facilities have a mandate to try and rehabilitate inmates while keeping the community safe, meaning strict guidelines on communication outside of the facility are strictly enacted. Generally, inmates can communicate in the following ways:
- Phone Calls: Inmates can make (but cannot receive) phone calls. In some jails, they can call anyone they wish, in other facilities the inmate must submit a list of phone numbers they wish to call which will be approved by the institution.
- Mailing Letters: Inmates and their friends and family can freely send letters back and forth, it may take anywhere from one week to one month for the inmate to receive/send letters through the mail depending on how far away they are from you.
- In-person/Video Visits: Each facility has its own rules regarding these interactions, some have visits behind a glass, and some have video visits. It is best to contact the Institutions and ask about their visitation options. communication.
Inmate phone calls are a necessary lifeline to maintaining relationships, but the cost can be a lot! Using smart services like FedPhoneLine can save you a lot of money while keeping you connected. FedPhoneLine is the best way to stay connected with your incarcerated loved ones. Making calls from jail is expensive, but FedPhoneLine makes it easier and cheaper.
How to Find an Inmate in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the location of an inmate in Canada is challenging. If someone has been recently arrested, you will need to contact the nearest Provincial Institution and ask if the inmate is located.
For an inmate that is already sentenced in a federal prison, The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) does not disclose an inmate’s location for privacy reasons. However, you can try these options:
- Send mail: If you don’t know the inmate’s penitentiary, you can send mail to a regional headquarters. Include the inmate’s first and last name on the envelope. You can find the addresses for regional headquarters in the National facility directory.
- Conduct a criminal record check: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) can conduct a name-based criminal record check. This check searches the National Repository of Criminal Records, as well as other national and local databases.
You can find more information about finding an inmate here.
Ways to Connect with an Individual in Jail: Calls, Letters, and Visits
Three main ways one can stay in touch with an individual in jail in Canada include phone calls, letters, and visits. Each one is governed strictly by correctional policies to help ensure security and order within facilities. Knowing how these methods operate will help you stay in constant contact and even communicate meaningfully.
Receiving Inmate Calls from Jails/Prisons in Canada:
What You Should Know Is Receiving inmate phone calls really can be frustrating and overwhelming. Most modern smartphones cannot receive collect calls from jail. This causes a lot of issues in jail as inmates need to be able to contact their families and lawyers. When you register with FedPhoneLine, you will be provided with a phone number that can receive collect calls. You provide the FedPhoneLine number to your friend or loved one, when they call the FedPhoneLine number, your cell phone will ring, and you can receive the collect call on your iPhone or Android smartphone. See more information about receiving inmate calls here.
Writing/Receiving Letters: Writing letters is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with an inmate in Canada. It allows you to provide emotional support and maintain a bond. However, ensuring your letters comply with prison regulations is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
When writing to an inmate, always include his full name and, if provided, his inmate number; the address on the envelope must be accurate to the facility where he is incarcerated. Do not use nicknames, as the mail may never be delivered, or incomplete information about the individual being written to. Keep the message respectful, with no obscene language, no discussion of criminal activities, or encoded messages.
Prison facilities are examining all mail items coming and leaving the correctional facility to monitor security. There will be items considered prohibited such as sending cash or greeting cards with perfume or glitter on them. See more information about writing letters here.
Visiting a Loved One in a Canadian Prison: Rules and Tips
Visiting a loved one in a Canadian prison is an important way of keeping in touch, but it is carefully prepared to comply with quite strict regulations. Every correctional facility has its own rules and procedures that are to be followed for visitations, mainly for maintaining safety and security.
In Federal facilities, you would need to apply to be added to the inmate’s approved visitor list. Usually, this involves some personal information and identification and sometimes proof of relationship with the inmate. After this, you will be allowed to visit at set visitation times.
For Provincial facilities, you may need to call ahead and reserve a visitation time with the institution.
It is important to arrive prepared. Bring valid government-issued identification and dress in accordance with the facility’s code, which includes no revealing or inappropriate clothing. Do not bring unauthorized items like electronics or food. Depending on the level of security and the privileges that the inmates are given, the facilities may allow contact or non-contact visits. Contact visits include physical interaction while non-contact visits occur through a glass partition.
It is important to check the visitation policies of the facility beforehand, as they may differ. See more information about visitation here.
Common Challenges When Contacting Inmates in Canada and How to Overcome Them
Contacting inmates in Canadian prisons often comes with challenges, ranging from administrative hurdles to communication restrictions. Understanding these issues and how to address them can make staying in touch with a loved one much easier.
Probably, one common problem is delay upon approval for phone calls, letters, or visits. Some prison facilities demand an extensive verification process to ensure all security measures are taken.
Each facility has its unique set of communication rules, for example, limits on call duration, prohibited mail content, or visitation schedules. Reviewing the specific policies of the facility beforehand is important.
Mail rejection is another common issue, which generally results from the non-compliance with the requirements. Letters get rejected for several reasons including:
- Anything written in code
- Drugs
- Tobacco and all related products (ie., pipes, lighters, matches, etc.)
- Weapons
- Any sort of electronics (ie., a camera, a mobile phone)
- Stickers, anything glued or taped on
- Revealing photos
- Musical cards (greeting cards that play music)
- Stamps, envelopes, pre-stamped envelopes, or writing paper
- Dried flowers, seeds, feathers, etc.
- Jewellery, charms, etc.
- Telephone calling cards, plastic cards, laminated cards
- Magnets
- Sexually explicit content, inappropriate content such as violence, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or obscene gestures
How FedPhOnline.com Can Ease Connecting with Canadian Inmates
Connecting with your loved one in prison in Canada is tough and gets quite cumbersome. FedPhoneLine is the ultimate way to maintain communication with an inmate. Calls from jail are pricey, but FedPhoneLine makes it cheap and convenient.
Here’s why families across Canada depend on FedPhoneLine for inmate phone calls:
Affordable Calling Solutions: FedPhoneLine gives customers local numbers that save money on long-distance inmate calls. You get to talk longer for less with a FedPhoneLine number.
Quick and Easy Setup: Setting up your account is fast and simple. You can register through the FedPhoneLine.com website or the user-friendly app. Within about 5 minutes, you will have a working FedPhoneLine number.
Staying Connected with Inmates in Canada: Do’s and Don’ts
Keeping in touch with inmates in Canada involves following strict rules and regulations. Knowing the do’s and don’ts will ensure that your connection remains strong while adhering to correctional facility policies.
Do’s:
- Follow Facility Guidelines: Always follow the rules on mail, phone calls, and visits. Check the specific policies of the inmate’s facility. And if you are unsure CALL the facility and double check. Here is the list of facilities.
- Provide Accurate Information: When applying for approved contact lists or scheduling visits, double-check that all details, such as names and addresses, are correct.
Keep It Respectful: In letters or calls, avoid discussing sensitive topics or using language that may raise concerns during monitoring. - Stay Organized: Track your communication history and keep a list of important dates, such as visitation schedules or prepaid account balances for calls.
Don’ts:
- Send Prohibited Items: Avoid including items like cash, scents, or anything not explicitly allowed by the facility.
- Break Security Rules: Do not attempt to bypass monitoring systems or send coded messages, as this could jeopardize communication privileges.