NCJ Number
242643
Date Published
September 2012
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper develops the argument that State-sanctioned monopolies for phone companies that service prisons encourage exorbitant phone rates for incarcerated persons and their families, and it recommends government regulation of this industry as the best solution.
Abstract
High prison and jail phone rates reduce communication between incarcerated persons and their families. This undermines inmate contacts with family members, which research has shown to be important in reducing an offender's risk of reoffending. This finding, which should encourage corrections policymakers to facilitate phone conversations between inmates and their families, has not persuaded prison phone corporations or State prison systems to find ways to lower rates. This paper recommends that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set price caps on prison phone rates by approving the Wright Petition, which is still pending before the FCC. It petitions the FCC to enact regulations that would introduce competition into the prison phone market, so as to lower prison phone rates by breaking up the monopolistic prison phone industry. Specifically, the petition asks the FCC to impose price caps or benchmark rates of $0.20 - $0.25 per minute for interstate long-distance rates. The rates requested by the Wright Petition would be more affordable while still permitting phone companies to earn profits. The FCC already has consumer protection capabilities that enable it to address consumer complaints and resolve disputes with phone companies without the time and costs associated with litigation. 35 notes