In an era defined by instant communication and ubiquitous connectivity, the isolation imposed by incarceration can be particularly devastating. For inmates and their loved ones, maintaining contact is crucial for emotional well-being, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society. Securus Technologies, a leading provider of communication services within correctional facilities, offers a suite of tools designed to bridge this gap. Among these, Securus Mobile stands out as a potentially powerful, albeit often controversial, application for facilitating communication between inmates and their approved contacts. This essay will delve into the functionalities of Securus Mobile, exploring its features, benefits, drawbacks, and ultimately providing a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize the platform while navigating its inherent limitations and ethical considerations.
Securus Mobile is more than just a phone app; it's a portal to a range of communication services designed to connect inmates with their families and friends. The core functionalities revolve around facilitating phone calls, video visits, messaging, and photo sharing, all within the controlled environment of the correctional system. Understanding each of these features is crucial for maximizing the app's potential and mitigating potential frustrations.
The primary function of Securus Mobile is enabling phone calls between inmates and their approved contacts. This feature allows users to receive calls from inmates, manage call settings, and fund inmate accounts for call time. The process begins with creating an account on the Securus Mobile app or website and adding the inmate to your contact list. This requires knowing the inmate's name, facility, and inmate ID number. Once the inmate is added, you can accept calls from them.
However, the phone call system is far from straightforward. Several factors influence the availability and quality of calls. Firstly, all calls are subject to monitoring and recording by the correctional facility. This is a non-negotiable aspect of the system and users must be aware that any conversation can be reviewed by authorities. Secondly, call schedules are dictated by the facility's rules and regulations, meaning inmates have limited windows of opportunity to make calls. Thirdly, the cost of calls can be prohibitively expensive, often significantly higher than standard phone rates. This financial burden disproportionately affects low-income families who are already struggling to cope with the challenges of incarceration.
To effectively utilize the phone call feature, users should:
- Understand the Facility's Rules: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the correctional facility regarding phone calls, including call schedules, duration limits, and prohibited topics.
- Manage Call Settings: Customize your call settings within the app to manage notifications, block unwanted calls, and set up call forwarding (if available).
- Fund Inmate Accounts: Regularly fund the inmate's account to ensure they have sufficient funds to make calls. Explore different funding options, such as online payments, phone payments, or money orders, and choose the most convenient and cost-effective method.
- Be Prepared for Monitoring: Remember that all calls are monitored and avoid discussing sensitive topics that could jeopardize the inmate's safety or legal standing.
- Communicate Clearly: Speak clearly and concisely, as call quality can sometimes be affected by network issues or the facility's infrastructure.
Video visits offer a more personal and engaging way to connect with incarcerated loved ones. This feature allows users to schedule and participate in virtual visits using their smartphones or tablets. Video visits provide a visual connection that phone calls lack, allowing families to see each other's faces and share moments of joy, sorrow, and everyday life.
However, video visits are also subject to strict regulations and limitations. Scheduling a visit requires pre-approval from the correctional facility, and visit times are often limited and highly competitive. Technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity or malfunctioning equipment, can also disrupt or cancel visits. Furthermore, video visits are typically more expensive than phone calls, adding to the financial strain on families.
To maximize the benefits of video visits, users should:
Schedule Visits in Advance: Book video visits well in advance, as slots are often limited and fill up quickly.
Ensure Technical Readiness: Test your internet connection and device compatibility before the scheduled visit to avoid technical issues.
Adhere to Dress Code and Conduct Guidelines: Follow the facility's dress code and conduct guidelines during the video visit to avoid termination of the session.
Create a Positive and Supportive Environment: Use the video visit as an opportunity to provide emotional support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to the inmate.
Be Patient and Understanding: Be prepared for potential technical issues or scheduling conflicts and remain patient and understanding throughout the process.
Securus Mobile also offers a messaging feature that allows users to send and receive text-based messages with inmates. This feature provides a convenient way to stay in touch between phone calls and video visits, allowing for quick updates, reminders, and expressions of support.
However, the messaging feature is also subject to limitations. Messages are typically reviewed by correctional staff before being delivered, and certain types of content, such as explicit language or references to illegal activities, are prohibited. Furthermore, inmates may have limited access to messaging services, depending on the facility's policies.
To effectively utilize the messaging feature, users should:
- Keep Messages Brief and Concise: Focus on conveying essential information and avoid lengthy or complex messages.
- Avoid Prohibited Content: Refrain from sending messages that contain explicit language, references to illegal activities, or any other content that violates the facility's rules.
- Be Mindful of Monitoring: Remember that all messages are monitored and avoid discussing sensitive topics that could jeopardize the inmate's safety or legal standing.
- Use Messages for Positive Communication: Focus on sending messages of support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
- Understand Delivery Delays: Be aware that messages may not be delivered immediately due to review processes and other factors
The photo sharing feature allows users to send and receive photos with inmates, providing a visual connection to the outside world. This feature can be particularly meaningful for inmates who are separated from their families and friends, allowing them to see pictures of loved ones, special events, and everyday life.
However, photo sharing is also subject to restrictions. Photos are typically reviewed by correctional staff before being delivered, and certain types of content, such as explicit images or photos that depict violence or illegal activities, are prohibited. Furthermore, inmates may have limited storage space for photos, depending on the facility's policies.
To effectively utilize the photo sharing feature, users should:
Choose Appropriate Photos: Select photos that are positive, uplifting, and appropriate for the correctional environment.
- Avoid Prohibited Content: Refrain from sending photos that contain explicit images, depictions of violence or illegal activities, or any other content that violates the facility's rules.
- Be Mindful of Monitoring: Remember that all photos are monitored and avoid sending photos that could jeopardize the inmate's safety or legal standing.
- Send Photos Regularly: Send photos regularly to provide a consistent visual connection to the outside world.
- Consider Photo Quality: Ensure that photos are clear and well-lit to maximize their impact.
While Securus Mobile offers a valuable service by facilitating communication between inmates and their loved ones, it is not without its ethical considerations and criticisms. The high cost of calls, video visits, and messaging services places a significant financial burden on families, particularly those who are already struggling with the economic consequences of incarceration. This raises concerns about accessibility and equity, as low-income families may be unable to afford the services necessary to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones.
Furthermore, the monitoring and recording of all communications raise privacy concerns. While security is undoubtedly a priority within correctional facilities, the extent of surveillance raises questions about the balance between security and individual rights. The potential for abuse of this data, such as sharing it with law enforcement agencies or using it for purposes other than security, is a legitimate concern.
Finally, the monopolistic nature of the prison communication industry, dominated by companies like Securus Technologies, has been criticized for exploiting vulnerable populations. The lack of competition allows these companies to charge exorbitant rates and impose restrictive terms of service, further exacerbating the financial burden on families.
Securus Mobile offers a valuable, albeit imperfect, tool for maintaining communication between inmates and their loved ones. By understanding the app's functionalities, limitations, and ethical considerations, users can maximize its potential while mitigating potential frustrations and financial burdens. Effective utilization requires careful planning, adherence to facility rules, and a commitment to positive and supportive communication.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent complexities and ethical dilemmas associated with the platform. The high cost of services, the pervasive monitoring, and the monopolistic nature of the industry raise legitimate concerns about accessibility, privacy, and equity. Advocacy for fairer pricing, greater transparency, and increased competition is essential to ensure that communication services within correctional facilities are truly serving the needs of inmates and their families.
Ultimately, Securus Mobile is a tool that can be used for good, but it requires a critical and informed approach. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, users can navigate the complexities of connection and maintain vital relationships during a challenging time. The key lies in utilizing the platform responsibly, advocating for ethical practices, and remembering that human connection, even within the confines of incarceration, is a fundamental human need.
