ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) \u2014 New York will soon make phone calls free in its state prisons, officials said Tuesday.
People who are incarcerated in the state\u2019s prisons currently receive three free, 15-minute phone calls a week. After that, the calls cost 2.4 cents a minute.<\/p>\n
The state corrections department will begin to lift that charge starting Aug. 1, releasing a statement that said \u201cimproved family connection reduces tension and conflict inside facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstanding the value of family ties while in prison is crucial \u2014 not only for emotional support, but for improving an individual\u2019s outcomes while incarcerated and when returning to society, thus reducing recidivism,\u201d said Daniel Martuscello, commissioner of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.<\/p>\n
New York City jails have offered free phone calls since 2019. Connecticut was the first to implement the policy statewide and a handful of other states have since set up similar models.<\/p>\n
The New York state corrections department said the cost of the policy is included in its operating budget.<\/p>\n