Phone & Video Calls in Massachusetts (MA DOC)
How calls and video visits work in Massachusetts prisons — phone, Securus Video Connect, and electronic messaging have all been free statewide since December 2023 — and how families set up a Securus account to connect.
Free calls and video
Massachusetts made prison and jail communications free effective December 1, 2023. That covers phone calls, Securus Video Connect (video visits), Securus Text Connect (messaging), electronic cards, VideoGrams, and photo attachments — there is no per-minute or per-message charge. (Older DOC web pages that mention a per-minute rate or a per-message cost predate this change.)
Setting up Securus
Phone, video, and messaging run through Securus Technologies. A family member sets up a free Securus account at securustechnologies.com or by phone at 1-800-844-6591, adds the incarcerated person, and can then receive calls, schedule Securus Video Connect visits, and exchange messages. Tablets used by incarcerated people are also provided through Securus.
The incarcerated person places phone calls — a person on the outside cannot call into the prison. Calls are generally monitored and recorded, except properly designated privileged legal calls.
Video visits
Video visits run on Securus Video Connect and are scheduled in advance (and free). The visitor must be on the incarcerated person’s approved visitor list, the same as for an in-person visit (see Visiting in Massachusetts). Attorney video visits are arranged separately. Confirm the specific facility’s video-visit scheduling.
Messaging and money
Electronic messaging is free through Securus Text Connect and through Corrlinks (see Mail & Packages). Money for the person’s canteen account is separate from communications and is sent through Access Corrections (see Sending Money).
Verify Before Acting
Sources
This page is compiled from the following publicly available sources. Policies change without notice — confirm current details with the facility before relying on them.