A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for providing electrical charge to residents of a controlled-environment facility. In an embodiment, a charging station may be provided in an area accessible to an inmate to allow charging of in an inmate smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In an embodiment, a portable charger may be provided to an inmate for charging a smart device.

A method for testing a communication interface connected to an analog telephone line including two electrical wires, the method including the following steps: if it is detected that the communication interface switches into an off-hook state, collecting measurements acquired by the communication interface; if the measurements have nominal values, implementing a processing operation. During the processing operation, if it is detected that the communication interface is maintained in the off-hook state for a predefined duration, ordering a complementary test on the telephone line; if the test reveals a fault in the analog telephone network, issuing an alarm, and otherwise repeating the processing operation.

A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for providing electrical charge to residents of a controlled-environment facility. In an embodiment, a charging station may be provided in an area accessible to an inmate to allow charging of in an inmate smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In an embodiment, a portable charger may be provided to an inmate for charging a smart device.