Bucks County Phone and Video Calls Through GTL

Step 1. Set Up a ConnectNetwork Account

Go to web.connectnetwork.com/facilities/bucks-county-pa/ or call 888-949-3303 to set up an account for phone calls. This is the same GTL platform used for video visitation, so one account can typically cover both.

Step 2. Know What’s Available

Beyond phone calls, GTL provides video visitation through gtlvisitme.com, using a tablet issued to every inmate. This can be a useful alternative to the county’s Saturday-only in-person visiting schedule, especially if you live far from Doylestown or have a scheduling conflict on Saturdays.

What Calls Cost

Bucks County doesn’t publish a specific per-minute rate on its official site. Confirm current pricing directly through ConnectNetwork or by calling 888-949-3303 before assuming a cost. GTL-serviced facilities typically charge per minute rather than a flat monthly rate, so budget accordingly until you confirm the exact figure.

Monitoring and Recording

Bucks County’s official pages don’t spell out a specific monitoring policy. Assume calls are monitored and recorded, which is standard for county jail phone systems, aside from privileged calls to an attorney, which are typically excluded from recording under standard practice.

How Calls Are Typically Structured

Most GTL systems route calls as outbound only, meaning the inmate calls you rather than you calling in directly. Getting your number approved usually requires the inmate adding you from their end first, so confirm with them that your number is on their approved contact list before expecting a call.

Troubleshooting a Failed Call

If calls or video visits aren’t connecting, check that your ConnectNetwork account has funds and that the inmate’s tablet or phone access hasn’t been restricted. Call 888-949-3303 for account-specific help. It’s also worth checking whether your own phone carrier is flagging correctional facility numbers as spam, since some carriers do this by default.

Setting Up Video Visitation

Video visits through gtlvisitme.com typically need to be scheduled in advance rather than happening on demand, and they draw from the same or a similar account balance as phone calls. Confirm the specific scheduling process and any time limits directly through ConnectNetwork.

Alternatives to a Phone Call

If a call isn’t possible, mail is a reliable alternative, though keep in mind Bucks County’s mail rules changed in 2024 (see the mail and photos guide). In-person visiting is also available Saturdays, and video visitation through gtlvisitme.com can bridge the gap between weekly visits.

Removing a Number From the Approved List

If you no longer want to receive calls, this typically has to be handled through the facility or the inmate’s own contact settings rather than blocking the number on your end, since blocking may not stop the call attempt from registering. Ask the facility or the inmate how to formally remove your number if this comes up.

What Happens to Your Account Balance If They’re Transferred

If the person is moved to a different facility, whether within Bucks County’s own campus or elsewhere, ask ConnectNetwork or the facility how any remaining phone account balance is handled. A transfer out of the county system, for example into PA DOC custody after sentencing, means a different phone system entirely, since state prisons don’t use GTL/ConnectNetwork the same way.

Funding Your Account for the First Time

If this is your first time setting up a ConnectNetwork account, have a valid debit or credit card ready along with the inmate’s name and Bucks County Corrections ID number. Keep your account login information somewhere accessible, since you’ll need it again to add funds or check your balance.