Item Description:
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Amd 8 to Agmt A153963 with Securus Technologies, LLC to provide resident phone and video visitation services at the Sheriff’s Adult Detention Center, and the Department of Community Corrections Adult Correctional Facility and Juvenile Detention Center, ext end date to 12/31/26, incr NTE by $556,631
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 8 to Agreement A153963 with Securus Technologies, LLC to provide resident telephone and video visitation services for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Adult Detention Center and the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation's Adult Correctional Facility, and video visitation services at the Juvenile Detention Center, extending the contract period through December 31, 2026 and increasing the not to exceed amount by $556,631 for a new total not to exceed amount of $1,500,000 and be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the County and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) and the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCCR) have provided resident access to the Securus Technologies, LLC telephone system at the Adult Detention Center (ADC) and the Adult Corrections Facility (ACF) since 2015.
Over the last five years, the original agreement for phone services has been amended to add remote video visitation at the ADC, the ACF and the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC), and to provide free call services and lower call prices during COVID. Since 2020, residents at the facilities have received a minimum of two free phone calls and one free remote video visitation session each week. Phone charges have been fourteen cents per minute and remote video visitation sessions are four dollars for a twenty-minute session. On-site video visitation, phone calls with attorneys, social workers and probation officers are provided without charge at the facilities. Remote video visitation at the JDC is also provided without charge. Earlier this year, DOCCR began providing unlimited free phone calls to ACF residents, at an approximate cost of $12,000 per month.
The industry that provides phone and video visitation services at jails and corrections institutions is regulated by the federal government. Recently announced federal changes, expected to be implemented in 2025, aims to reduce the cost of those services to incarcerated individuals. This amendment includes language that will automatically align the phone/video visitation pricing to federal standards.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval