What type of inmates is allowed to make three calls each week at department expense?

The correct answer is based on policies regarding the rights and privileges of inmates within the correctional system. Sentenced inmates are typically afforded certain privileges, including the opportunity to make three phone calls each week, which are paid for by the department. This policy is designed to maintain communication with their families and legal representatives, which can be vital for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In contrast, detainee inmates, who are usually awaiting trial and have not been convicted of a crime, may have different protocols regarding communication, often tailored to their pre-trial status. Pre-trial inmates may not be granted the same level of access to phone calls as sentenced inmates due to considerations around ongoing legal matters. Likewise, the term "minor inmates" typically refers to juvenile offenders, who are often governed by different regulations and practices that may not allow for the same entitlements regarding phone calls.

Thus, the specific allowance for sentenced inmates to make three calls each week at departmental expense is rooted in the policies aimed at supporting their social connections while serving their sentences.