TELEPHONE CALLS TO THE FACILITY
This facility does not accept incoming messages for incarcerated individuals. All calls for inmates are out-going collect calls only. The only incoming phone calls that will be accepted are legal counsel and family emergency phone calls, such as a serious injury or death in the family. These calls will be passed on to the inmate through our Classification Office.
INMATE TELEPHONE SYSTEM
This facility has recently upgraded to a new web-based inmate telephone charge system by the company GTL. All phone calls outgoing from this facility will be recorded with the exception of phone calls that are privileged or restricted (for example - attorney calls).
GENERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION INFORMATION
Be wary of inmate calls that request you to dial *72 followed by a new ten-digit number. Completing this request will result in the forwarding of your telephone number to a number of the inmate´s choosing, and all calls to your true telephone number will be automatically forwarded to the new number without your knowledge. The only way to reverse the forwarding of calls to a new number is to dial *73.
Destination Prepay
A Service for Family and Friends
Family members and friends of inmates can set up an ADVANCEPAY® prepaid calling account for their respective telephone numbers using credit cards, money orders, checks or through Western Union. Calls that may otherwise be blocked can now be completed through GTL’s ADVANCEPAY® program.
Free Chat™ Feature
A first-time called-party can use the Free Chat™ feature with the inmate before the party is prompted to setup an ADVANCEPAY® account. The Free Chat™ service is provided only once per destination number. The automated operator´s opening message to the first-time called-party includes the standard branding announcement (that informs the party that the call is from an inmate at the correctional facility, naming both the inmate and the facility, and that the call may be monitored and recorded). Prior to being prompted to accept or reject that call, the party is informed that collect calls are not permitted to that number and the Free Chat™ and ADVANCEPAY® options are explained.
If the party accepts the call, GTL makes the final connection so the inmate and called-party can talk. After using Free Chat™, the automated operator breaks into the call and begins the set-up process for establishing an ADVANCEPAY® account so customers can accept future calls.
How Does It Work?
ADVANCEPAY® allows inmates to call your number without the restrictions of standard billing. When an inmate attempts to make a collect call to you and your number cannot accept collect call billing, the ADVANCEPAY® automated operator will provide you with the option of setting up a prepaid account with a Visa or MasterCard payment of either $25 or $50. If you do so at this time, you will be re-connected to the inmate and the cost of this call will be deducted from your newly established ADVANCEPAY® account. If you cannot establish an ADVANCEPAY® account at that time, the inmate will be disconnected and you can call 1-800-483-8314 to establish an ADVANCEPAY® account at a later time.
Benefits:
Customers can rest assured that collect call charges will not reach an excessive amount.
When your ADVANCEPAY® account reaches the point where it cannot cover the cost of a one minute call, the system will automatically provide you the option to add more money to your account.
All transactions occur in real time. When an inmate places a call to a number set up with an ADVANCEPAY® account, funds are deducted from the account as soon as the call is completed.
If you would like to close your ADVANCEPAY® account and request a refund of any remaining balance, you must notify GTL within 90 days of the accounts last use. An administrative fee of $5.00 will be deducted from the remaining balance before refund to cover the cost of the account closure. Accounts that remain inactive for more than 90 days are automatically dissolved.
For more information, click on the following
link
to go to GTL's website. Billing Questions:
Including: Paying your inmate telephone bill, blocking guidelines, etc.
Billing Inquiry Staff
Telephone: 877.650.4249
Fax: 251.473.4588
INMATE COMMISSARY
This facility now has computerized commissary ordering provided by Swanson Services Corporation. Inmates can order food items, clothing or personal hygiene items directly from Cobra Kiosk® stations in their housing units.
UPDATE!!!
Family and friends of incarcerated individuals can also now conveniently use credit or debit cards to directly and automatically place money into that inmate's commissary account. The phone # is 1-866-394-0490 and the web site is www.smartdeposit.com .
You can order from Smart Deposit at any time day or night. To place funds on a recipient account, follow these steps:
1. Log In or Register
2. Add inmate(s) to your recipient list
3. Select Deposit
4. Follow the prompts – depending on the selection made, you will follow different paths. Please read each prompt carefully.
What happens next?
INCOMING INMATE MAIL
All mail entering the Jefferson County Correctional Facility must go through the United Postal Service. No mail will be allowed to be passed through a third party or through the visitation room. Mail should be addressed as follows:
(Inmate's full legal name)
Jefferson County Correctional Facility
753 Waterman Drive
Watertown, NY 13601
No other marks, drawings, stickers or other adornments are to be placed on the envelope. All incoming mail will be opened, logged and inspected for the presence of contraband. It will not be read without just cause. Any mail received that contains drugs and/or contraband will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Only US Postal money orders delivered to the facility for an inmate will be deposited into a commissary account. A copy of the deposit receipt will be given to the inmate. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL. Personal checks will not be accepted.