We really wanted to find a platform that would create that extra layer of security. We’ve had video visits from 44 states and 12 different countries. Incarcerated people have something to look forward to with these [free] video visits. I can even see it helping with disciplinary issues internally and potentially shifting our culture. I think it gives people hope.
Beth Skinner, Director, DOC
20,000+
Users served
Facilities
9
$100,000+
Cost savings / month
In 2021, Iowa replaced Google Meets with Ameelio’s video communication platform. Iowa has now expanded to using Ameelio’s entire communication suite, including: electronic messaging, and voice calls. Loved ones can now communicate with any incarcerated person in Iowa completely free of charge, saving them millions annually. Our system enables correctional staff to easily manage visitation requests, monitor calls, access recordings, and more. Ameelio’s platform not only democratizes access to free communication but also saves departments an abundance of labor costs.
In 2022, Iowa began using Ameelio’s legal communication platform to enable their incarcerated population to safely communicate with their attorneys. Unlike our competitors our platform is built to protect attorney-client privilege, and enable document sharing. work collaboration, and more. Iowa attorneys have championed this innovation.
In 2021, Iowa approached Ameelio to build an in-person visitation scheduling feature into our communication suite. Before launching the feature, visitation scheduling was inefficient and very time consuming for both correctional staff and families. Now, staff are able to manage all visitation both virtual and in-person in one easy-to-use.
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While Ameelio’s software can work on any hardware, including existing DOC-owned computers and tablets, we also provide DOCs the option to purchase Ameelio’s proprietary ruggedized tablets. Iowa has deployed Ameelio tablets inside its prisons, enabling their population to easily make calls, send e-messages, learn, access entertainment and much more.
The Connecticut Department of Corrections is the unified state agency that is responsible for all correctional facilities in the State of Connecticut, incarcerating approximately 9,000 people, in both pre and post trial custody. Connecticut does allow for state revenue to be generated from commissions. As required by Public Act No. 21-54, the Department must provide free voice communications to all incarcerated adults and children beginning on October 1st, 2022. Following October 1st, 2022, the Department may not collect any commissions from communications, and if the Department also provides video communications and electronic mail services, then those must also be provided to incarcerated people and their families for free. The Department has renewed its contract of voice communications and tablets with the legacy provider, Securus.
A deep dive -- comparing the state of communications in state prisons and major metropolitan jails.
State
Iowa (Ameelio)
New Jersey (Securus)
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
California (GTL)
Phone Call
Iowa (Ameelio)
$0.00
New Jersey (Securus)
$0.66
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
$0.75
California (GTL)
$0.375
Video Call
Iowa (Ameelio)
$0.00
New Jersey (Securus)
$9.95/30m
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
$7.95/30m
California (GTL)
$3.00
E-Message
Iowa (Ameelio)
$0.00
New Jersey (Securus)
$0.35
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
$0.5
California (GTL)
$0.05
Counties
Dallas
Harris
Bexar
Travis
Sub 1
Dallas
$0.00
Harris
$0.00
Bexar
$0.00
Travis
$0.00
Sub 2
Iowa (Ameelio)
$0.00
New Jersey (Securus)
$9.95/30m
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
$7.95/30m
California (GTL)
$3.00
Sub 3
Iowa (Ameelio)
$0.00
New Jersey (Securus)
$0.35
Missouri (Securus, JPay)
$0.5
California (GTL)
$0.05
Since Connecticut is a unified state system, all individuals - regardless of their trial status - are held in state custody at state facilities. Because of the unified system, which is also present in Alaska, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Delaware, and Vermont, the cost of communications is no different between individuals pre or post trial. Prior to October 2022, the Department generates $1,000,000 in commissions per year from the sale of communications services. Beginning on October 1st of 2022, prison communication would be free and the state Department of Corrections will receive no commission revenue. While all phone calls are required to be free, incarcerated individuals will not be able to have more than 90 minutes in voice calls per day.
See more
Our
Connecticut
campaigns
Connecticut is the first no-kickback free communications state in the country. However, the state is continuing to bundle its services in contracts that limit the number of vendors that can compete. While communications are free for the incarcerated users and their families, the state continues to contract with the legacy vendor, Securus, and allow the vendor to own network infrastructure in the facilities. Ameelio is continuing to campaign for publicly owned broadband, independent education technology contracts, and de-bundling in Connecticut.
As both an advocate and a provider, Ameelio is able to provide immediate relief and support to incarcerated people and their families in Connecticut. Below you can find a petition addressed to the Connecticut Department of Corrections, the Office of the Connecticut Governor, and the Connecticut Legislature to address the high cost of communications for incarcerated people and allow Ameelio to provide free communications to incarcerated people and their families in the state.
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