Important Notice Regarding Future Communications With Idaho Prisoners

On 4-5-2022, the Idaho Department of Correction delivered the following message to their resident population.


MESSAGE FROM THE IDOC

Dear IDOC Resident,

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has announced that he will end his declaration of the public health emergency related to COVID on April 15, 2022. Effective May 1, 2022, the IDOC, in connection with ICSolutions, will end the promotional items that have been extended during the COVID pandemic.

Sincerely

Idaho Department of Correction

What this means is, as of May 1, the following will no longer be offered to Idaho prisoners, their friends and their families: one (1) free monthly video connect session, two (2) free JPay stamps, Free Reply Wednesdays, two (2) free weekly phone calls, and reasonably priced JPay e-stamp packages.

The price of the JPay stamps used to send emails are expected to be raised back to the exorbitant amount of approximately $.40 apiece, when purchasing 50 or more at time.

Some of you may remember that IDOC worked with JPay prior to the pandemic to prevent people from purchasing stamp packages at the rate negotiated by Washington State Department of Corrections. While Washington State Corrections has always offered stamp packages at a fraction of the price IDOC has negotiated, it was implied by the Department at the time that seeking to communicate with loved ones imprisoned at an affordable rate is a manipulative act.

Others may remember the following excerpt from the message Director Josh Tewalt issued on September 9, 2020:

Costs for Calls/JPay: Speaking of rates, I’ve had some folks asking if the cost reductions were about to expire soon and the answer to that is no. We negotiated a permanent rate reduction.

Out of concern that the information provided by Director Tewalt was unreliable, we asked an IDOC contract manager this week if JPay stamps will return to their previous prices. Associate #D40 responded: “Yes. I am working to see if anything can be done. Please stay tuned…”

Those that wish to play it safe are encouraged to stock up on e-stamps at the current price of 60 for $10.

As of May 1, should IDOC fail in their alleged attempt to renegotiate with JPay, prices are expected to jump to 50 for $20.

It is currently unclear if phone prices will return to pre-pandemic levels as well (a 33% increase). An answer to this question will be posted below as soon as possible.

Click here to learn more on how the Idaho Department of Correction allows prison profiteers to charge their prisoners’ loved ones at the highest rate in the nation.

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