Securus vs Access Corrections in NY State & County Jails: Key Differences, Usage Guide & Free Calls 2026

Short Summary: Securus Technologies dominates NY state prisons (DOCCS) with free calls since Aug 2025 (1.5¢/min state-paid) via tablets/phones, plus video visits and tablets for messaging/education. Access Corrections (GTL/ViaPath) serves many county jails with paid calls (e.g., $2.25-$9.95/15min) and tablets; NYC jails use free calls, but legacy systems differ. Usage: Create a Securus account online/app; fund Access accounts via kiosks/website.

phone an inmate

Securus vs Access Corrections in NY State & County Jails: Key Differences, Usage Guide & Free Calls 2026

Securus Technologies in NY Jails & Prisons

Securus (now Aventiv) provides core telecom for NY state prisons (DOCCS) and many county facilities like Westchester, Albany, Suffolk.

- State Prisons (DOCCS):

- Free calls since Aug 1, 2025 (state pays Securus 1.5¢/min, ~$9M/year);

- 3 free 15-min calls/week;

- Tablets with WiFi for calls, e-messaging, education, reentry tools—reduces violence 20-22%.

- County Jails:

- Video visitation (web-based, no travel);

- Tablets reduce infractions by 22% and enable secure messaging/videos/pics; high legacy rates like $7.50/15min (86% kickback to counties).

- Features:

- Phone, video visits, tablets (education, legal, jobs), monitoring for contraband/safety.

Access Corrections (GTL/ViaPath) in NY County Jails

Here’s the information converted to bullet points:

Access Corrections (GTL) Overview

- Serves: County jails like Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga (not statewide).

- Paid Calls:

- $2.25-$9.95 per 15 minutes (44-80% kickbacks); no free calls like DOCCS.

- Tablets/Services:

- Similar to Securus—offers messaging and entertainment (10-20% commissions); used where Securus is not available.

- NYC Jails:

- Free calls since 2019 (not specified for Access/Securus), but counties vary by provider.

Key Differences: Securus vs. Access in NY Facilities

- Calls:

- Securus: Free in DOCCS (from Aug 2025); paid in counties ($7.50/15min legacy).

- Access/GTL: Paid ($2.25-$9.95/15min).

- Facilities:

- Securus: DOCCS statewide, including Westchester, Albany, Niagara.

- Access/GTL: Broome, Cattaraugus, etc.

- Tablets:

- Securus: WiFi-enabled, education/reentry, 22% infraction drop.

- Access/GTL: Messaging/entertainment.

- Video:

- Securus: Web-based from home.

- Access/GTL: Limited/not specified.

- Cost Model:

- Securus: State-funded free; county kickbacks.

- Access/GTL: High commissions (44-80%).

Free calls expand family ties and cut recidivism/violence.

How to Use Securus in NY State/County Jails

For State Prisons (DOCCS):

- Inmates: Use facility tablets/phones—dial US/Canada numbers (no 1-800/third-party).

- Visitors: Accept free calls automatically; block via Securus app if needed (e.g., victims, staff).

For Video Visitation (Counties like Westchester):

1. Create free Securus account at visitor.securustech.net.

2. Register with facility, accept terms.

3. Use computer with webcam/internet/email.

4. Schedule visits—show government ID (name/address/photo).

5. Follow rules (no driving, drugs, >3 people, nudity).

Tablets:

- Inmates access via facility assignment—e-messaging, education.

How to Use Access Corrections in County Jails

General Process (GTL/Access):

1. Create account at accesscorrections.com or app.

2. Fund inmate account via kiosk/website (credit card).

3. Accept calls/messages—rates apply.

4. Tablets: Inmates use for approved content.

NYC Note: Free calls—no funding needed, check nyc.gov/doc.

Pro Tips & Restrictions

- Monitoring: All calls recorded; misconduct ends access.

- Blocks: Automatically for victims/staff; request via facility.

- Reforms: Free calls reduce burdens, improve safety/reentry.

- Contact Prisoners' Legal Services for issues.

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References & Links

1. Westchester Video Visitation (https://correction.westchestercountyny.gov/about-us/video-visitation

2. Niagara Securus Tablets (https://www.aventiv.com/content/niagara-county-correctional-facility-partners-with-securus-technologies-to-revolutionize-facility-with-secure-tablets

3. NY Free Prison Calls (https://davisvanguard.org/2025/07/ny-state-prison-phone-reform/

4. NY Securus Deal (https://broadbandbreakfast.com/new-york-reaches-deal-with-securus-to-end-prison-phone-fees/

5. NY Jail Phone Costs (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2021/03/23/ny-jail-phones/

6. DOCCS Phone Info (https://doccs.ny.gov/telephone-calls