Secure Phone Billing
The Secure Phone Billing module gives jail administrators complete control over inmate telephone account management, prepaid balance tracking, and per-call rate configuration. Staff can review transaction histories, apply deposits, set calling restrictions, and generate billing reports — all from a single centralized interface designed for correctional environments.
Prepaid Account Management
Track inmate prepaid balances in real time with a full deposit and debit ledger for every account.
Per-Call Rate Configuration
Set local, long-distance, and in-network per-minute rates with 40% markup applied automatically at the billing layer.
Transaction History & Reports
Pull detailed billing statements by inmate, date range, or call type for audit and compliance reporting.
Calling Restrictions
Block or restrict outbound calling on individual accounts based on classification, disciplinary status, or court orders.
Step-by-Step: Secure Phone Billing
Navigate to Secure Phone Billing
From the Fortress JMS main menu, select Inmate Phone System then click Secure Phone Billing in the submenu. The dashboard loads a list of all active inmate phone accounts with current balances.
Search or Select an Inmate Account
Use the Search bar at the top of the account list to locate an inmate by name, booking number, or cell block. Click the inmate’s row to open their phone billing profile.
Review Account Balance and Transaction History
The profile page displays the inmate’s current Prepaid Balance, a chronological Transaction Ledger, and a summary of calls placed within the current billing cycle. Use the Date Range filter to narrow the ledger view.
Apply a Manual Deposit
To add funds, click Add Deposit, enter the dollar amount in the Amount field, select a Payment Method (cash, money order, or kiosk transfer), and click Confirm Deposit. The balance updates immediately and the transaction is logged.
Configure Calling Restrictions
To restrict outbound calling, click the Restrictions tab on the inmate profile. Toggle Block All Outbound Calls for a full hold, or use the Allowed Numbers list to permit only pre-approved contacts. Save changes with the Update Restrictions button.
Set or Adjust Per-Minute Rates
Administrators can manage global rate tables under Billing Settings. Select a call type (local, long-distance, or in-network), enter the Per-Minute Rate, and click Save Rate. Rates take effect on the next call and are automatically marked up per facility policy.
Generate a Billing Report
Click Reports in the top toolbar, choose a report type (Account Summary, Call Detail Record, or Revenue Report), set your date range, and click Generate Report. Reports can be exported as PDF or CSV for audit and compliance submission.
💡 Pro Tips
- Set a low-balance alert threshold on inmate accounts so staff are notified before a balance drops to zero — preventing unexpected call interruptions during approved contact windows.
- Use the Date Range filter in the transaction ledger when preparing documentation for court hearings or classification reviews that require a specific call history period.
- In-network calls between verified approved contacts consume prepaid minutes at the in-network rate, which is typically lower — remind families to register through the approved contact portal to reduce inmate calling costs.