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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - As of Oct. 2006, the North Slave Correctional Centre began recording phone calls from inmates to the public.

Eric Kieken, warden of the jail, said the system is in place to prevent witnesses or victims from being harassed, or to monitor inmates suspected of bringing in contraband.

Staff sometimes get complaints from the public about an inmate bothering them and these calls may be monitored, Kieken said.

If the allegations are confirmed, phone privileges can be revoked.

Kieken said anybody called that is deemed to be privileged - like a priest or padre, a lawyer or legal aid, or an MLA or MP - are not part of the policy.

"None of that gets recorded," said Kieken.

"It's an automatic cutoff."Inmates are allowed five calls per day, twenty minutes per call and Kieken said each inmate has ten people he can call without needing permission.

He said some inmates questioned the legality of recording phone calls, but "providing (inmates) are made aware that this takes place," it's perfectly legal, said Kieken.

He added most jurisdictions do this.

There are signs above the phones that state phone calls may be recorded and it is mentioned in the inmate's handbook, said Kieken.

"A phone call is a privilege," he said.