King County Jail

Telephones

Interview with Jenna and Mel


JM: Did you have regular access to telephones?
Jenna: Yes there is a telephone in each block, but they are cut off at I believe 9 or 10 at night until 6am. The only thing is that the phone is in the same small quarters as the television, and you find it hard to hold a conversation. It's best to use it first thing in the morning, or just before lockdown.
Mel: Yes.

JM: What types of charges applied for calling people?
Jenna: Well you have to money on your phone account, I think it was like $2.00 for like 10-15 minutes (I don't really remember).
Mel: When you first attempt a call to someone, you get the first minute free. After that, the party must set up an account with PCS, so it is to your advantage to have the # ready to tell the person you're on the phone with that they have to establish an account or you will not be able to call them.

JM: Did you need to buy phone cards to call out?
Jenna: No. Money in your phone account, I think it had to be sent western union.
Mel: Yes.

JM: Did the jail screen your calls?
Jenna: I am sure they did, they screen mail.
Mel: yes.