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The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) recently completed an investigation into the Cost of Connections in Minnesota jails. This report discusses the importance of affordable communication for incarcerated people and their families. Research has shown that better connections leads to lower rates of recidivism, better outcomes, and safer communities.
OBFC research shows that communication options available in most Minnesota jails are unnecessarily costly and confusing. Additionally, oversight and regulation for communications’ companies is inadequate.
Based on these findings, the OBFC recommends the legislature provide no-cost calls. While working towards resourcing no-cost calls, recommendations for more affordable and equitable connection are as follows:
- Encourage no-fee services.
- Require no-fee calling when in-person visitation is unavailable.
- Protect in-person visiting.
- Address high phone rates for in-state calling to stabilize temporary rules from the FCC.
- Expressly clarify Public Utilities Commission (PUC) jurisdiction over non-voice services.
Read the full report at https://mn.gov/obfc/reports/
Have you or your loved ones been affected by expensive and confusing phone calls, video calls, and messaging? Here are two opportunities to share your experience:
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