Issue | Background | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations | Responses | Attachments Jail Telephone Costs To Inmates

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  The Grand Jury found that the San Jose Mercury News August 22, 2004 article criticizing inflated phone costs to jail inmates in California was not applicable to San Mateo County. The Evercom rates are very competitive with SBC rates. In San Mateo County, the inmates are not being overcharged and benefit from the Welfare Fund that is funded by commissions paid by Evercom. The Grand Jury commends the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department for working diligently in negotiating a phone contract that keeps jail inmate telephone calls at reasonable, competitive rates, and contributes substantially to the Inmate Welfare Fund Trust. The Grand Jury also commends the Sheriff's Department for finding ways to save San Mateo County a substantial amount of dollars each year in telephone costs. Office of the Sheriff DON HORSLEY SHERIFF GREGORY MUNKS UNDERSHERIFF NTY OF SAN MATEO COL REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA 94063 TELEPHONE (650) 599-1664 400 COUNTY CENTER ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SHERIFF April 28, 2005 Hon. Norman J. Gatzert Judge of the Superior Court Hall of Justice 400 County Center, 2nd Floor Redwood City, CA 94063-1655 Grand Jury Report: Jail Telephone Costs to Inmates Re: Dear Judge Gatzert: We are pleased to agree with the Grand Jury's conclusion that inmates are not being overcharged for phone service. The revenue received from inmate telephones primarily supports a variety of important services and programs provided to inmates. Being commended for our efforts is especially gratifying. As noted, we have diligently negotiated with our service provider to ensure rates are competitive, reasonable, and continue to contribute to the Inmate Welfare Trust Fund and thus maximize the level of services to San Mateo County inmates. It remains our intention to continue aggressively pursuing the best services possible while ensuring revenue levels which support the inmates' needs in our correctional facilities. As a footnote to the report, since the Grand Jury conducted their study our service provider, Evercom, was purchased and merged with T-Netix. The resulting merger has created a new company, Securus, which now provides the inmate telephone services. The change in name has not affected our agreement and the transition has been seamless. Sincerely, Don Horsley, Sheriff Grand Jury Copy: Board of Supervisors File

No Responses Found 2

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