Securus to Provide Telecommunications Services to Jefferson County Detention Center

By Tracey E. Schelmetic, TMCnet Contributor

Securus Technologies, Inc., a provider of what's known as “inmate communications services,” announced last week that the Jefferson County Detention Center of Waurika, Okla., awarded Securus a new contract as its inmate telephone system and communications services provider.

According to Yahoo News, the Detention Center evaluated several communications providers but ultimately chose Securus for its inmate calling and investigative system called Secure Call Platform (SCP). The Securus communications solution is expected to enable multiple streams of revenue for the Detention Center while simultaneously reducing the need for correctional facility manpower. These revenue streams come in the form of a commission paid back to the facility via several media, including:”

A prepaid card kiosk that allows an inmate's friends and family members to purchase calling cards for their incarcerated loved ones from a self-service kiosk located in the lobby of the correctional facility. Because the kiosk is self-service, customers can purchase cards without assistance from the facility's staff.

Voice mail, which provides a two-way communication solution that allows friends and family members to leave secure voice mail messages for their incarcerated loved one. For facilities, the product increases revenue opportunities with no capital investment, and helps grow constituent support by providing them with more convenient and affordable communications options.

Finally, a commissary order by phone (COBP), which allows an inmate to order commissary goods through the inmate telephones. For facilities, COBP generates an additional stream of revenue with no capital investment, while reducing the manpower needed to manually process orders.

“Our decision to go with Securus came down to the overall package,” said Wayne Smith, chief administrator of Jefferson County Detention Center, in a press release. “We needed a provider that could help us limit physical labor while maximizing revenue opportunities. Securus' package was the best.” Smith added, “Also, everybody I talked to was helpful, informative, and did what they said they'd do.”

Recently, Securus Technologies, Inc., a provider of inmate communications services, revealed that its Field Services organization has consistently achieved exceptional scores in customer satisfaction throughout 2010.  

(source: http://telecommunications.tmcnet.com/topics/telecommunications/articles/131253-securus-provide-telecommunications-services-jefferson-county-detention-center.htm)