How to Text an Inmate The new software for texting allows prisoners to keep in touch with relatives and friends within the jail. It's not without potential pitfalls. Inmates can use the specialized tablet to send messages however they are not able to access social media sites or emojis and their messages are checked. It is possible to search for specific words or phrases. Texting from Jail There are numerous guidelines that define how inmates are able to communicate with people outside of the prison. Many prisons have secure electronic systems, like JPay or CorrLinks that permit inmates to send emails to family and friends, however, the emails are monitored by staff and may not be as private like an individual's mail service. The inmates also have access to electronic communication through these institutions. These are systems that are owned by companies which cost inmates and their families an amount for every message they send. They can cost from 50 cents for each message up to $1.25 for a single text message, contingent on the facility and the particular messaging platform utilized by that facility. The cost for sending a message is paid by the person sending it to the prisoner using credit bought through their ConnectNetwork account, which can be done through debit or credit card. Inmates can view the message via their computer or tablet and respond to it by writing or electronically, depending on where they're located. Costs to send a message are different for each location. They are listed on the website's Messaging rates section. Users can check the current rates for messaging by logging to your ConnectNetwork account, then navigating to the page for messaging of the prisoner they want to contact. Texting From Prison It's never been simpler to stay in contact via message or email with a loved one in prison. federal inmate text app Sign up to start communicating with the prisoner. SMS Texting Program is only available if the facility you are in allows it, and also if you have an account for email messages. The messages will be sent to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. The message will be read and responded to within 24 hours of the date of sending. Prisoners will get your message in an inmate messaging app or through a kiosk that is accessible from the prison cell. Important to remember that electronic messages can be monitored and review. They are also subject to search as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities or any other personnel authorized. This is also true for data that are stored in a device. It raises privacy issues for PPI and PPI, who point out that it's not difficult to envision companies like Securus or JPay making money from electronic messages by selling access to incarcerated people's messages to family members attorneys, courts and lawyers. Prisons and jails provide different electronic messaging systems. However, there are usually restrictions on what messages can be transmitted. Prisons may have imposed restrictions on messages between prisoners as part of the Prisoner Communications Act. In addition, the technology is often accompanied by limitations on character counts that hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication a challenge. Texting to Inmates Prisoners are able to communicate with friends and family by a myriad of means. Inmates can receive messages from their friends and family members on the outside via email and kiosks. Inmates also have the option to get photo cards as well as letters. Certain prisons allow prisoners to communicate via text messages however this is generally prohibited by prison's administration, and messages are likely being monitored. A lot of correctional facilities offer the JPay program, which allows pen pals, family members and friends can make payments for photos, messages, and VideoGrams to incarcerated individuals. Each message costs a "stamp" as well as additional stamps are required to send attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be bought through the web or from select retailers. Private companies, such as GettingOut has developed applications that allow incarcerated people to contact their friends using tablets provided by the company. Inmates are glued to their tablets during the day, as teens are waiting for DMs from their crushes. Their profiles are advertised on TikTok as well as prison penpal websites provide tips on the use of tablets. The facility's mail system facility allows inmates to receive mail from family members without JPay accounts. All electronic messages must undergo a screening process similar to that of incoming postage, and the prisoner may decide not to print or open some emails. Making Text Messages to Family members Inmate texting is seen by families as an excellent instrument. Loved ones cited emotional connectedness, convenience, and usability as major advantages. Others also found the security function a hindrance because it hampered conveniences and reduced family engagement by creating additional steps to send a message. A participant stated "Our group text is great to manage logistics, but it can become out of hand." It can be a challenge to keep up to date with messages. ".