IDOC, JPAY AND TELEPHONE CONTRACTOR ICSOLUTIONS DISCONTINUE FREE TELEPHONE CALLS AND ESTAMPS TO PRISONERS

On April 5, 2022, the IDOC sent an email to Idaho inmates (now "residents") stating that JPay (now Securus) and telephone contractor ICSolutions will discontinue providing Idaho prisoners with the 2 free estamps and two (15 minute) telephone calls per week that were provided during the pandemic as of May 1, 2022.

The IDOC email stated the reason the "promotional items" were being discontinued was that Idaho Gov. Brad Little had announced the end of his declaration of the public health emergency related to COVID as of April 15, 2022.

In researching the matter, it is clear that in addition to the free calls and estamps being discontinued, it is probable the free (15 minute) video visits and "Free Reply Wednesdays" will end, and prices for estamps may again increase. Also, it's possible that prisoner telephone (per minute) rates will be increased starting May 1.

In closing their email, the IDOC invites prisoners to "look forward to other promotional items from ICSolutions and their partner Securus (JPay) as we return to a new normal." That's a scary thought.