ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – New York is set to make phone calls free for individuals incarcerated in its state prisons, as announced by officials on Tuesday. Currently, incarcerated individuals are allowed three free 15-minute phone calls each week. Beyond this allocation, calls come at a cost of $0.024 per minute.

Starting August 1, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will eliminate these charges. The department released a statement emphasizing that improved family connections help to reduce tension and conflict within the facilities. The recognition of the importance of maintaining family ties during incarceration is crucial not just for emotional support, but also for enhancing individual outcomes both durante incarceration and upon re-entering society, which can lead to lower rates of recidivism.

Daniel Martuscello, the commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, highlighted the transformative potential of familial support. He stated, “Understanding the value of family ties while in prison is crucial— not only for emotional support, but for improving an individual’s outcomes while incarcerated and when returning to society, thus reducing recidivism.”

Notably, New York City jails have provided free phone calls since 2019, setting a precedent for this new state-level policy. Connecticut was the pioneer in implementing a statewide free phone call policy, followed by several other states that have since adopted similar measures.

The financial implications of this policy change have been addressed, with the New York state corrections department indicating that the costs associated with the implementation will be absorbed within its operating budget. This approach demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for incarcerated individuals while acknowledging the significant role that family communication plays in rehabilitation efforts.