DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) — Inmates in Massachusetts are currently allowed to make free unlimited calls.
But Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux is expressing concern over the costly service.
The Massachusetts Department of Corrections said that allowing inmates to maintain connections with their loved ones improves their outcomes and reduces recidivism.
While Heroux supports the service as a whole, he believes limitations should be put in place.
RELATED: Bristol County has made strides in hiring correctional officers
“It is essential for inmates to stay connected and receive family support as they reintegrate,” Heroux said. “But a need for reasonableness, balance and compromise is crucial when it comes to unlimited inmate calls.”
Inmates at the Bristol County jail are currently allowed to make phone calls between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Heroux said the calls cost 8 cents per minute. The calls may cost the jail $5 million annually, which is half of what the state has allocated for the overall service.