How to Text an Inmate A brand new program for text messaging allows prisoners to stay in touch with friends and family from within their prison cell. But it's not without its potential pitfalls. Inmates can use the tablet for sending messages but are not allowed to use social media, emojis, or other features. They can also have their messages checked. It is also possible to search for specific words or phrases. Texting from Jail There are numerous rules that govern how inmates may contact outside the confines. Inmates are able to send email using secure systems like JPay as well as CorrLinks. However, personnel monitors messages sent by prisoners therefore, they might not be secure. Additionally, inmates are able to use electronic messages through the same institutions. They are private systems operated by companies which cost inmates and their families a fee for each message sent. These services range between 50 cents per message to $1.25 per text, contingent on the institution you're using as well as the type of messaging system they are using. A message costs a fee that is charged to the person sending the message using credits that they've purchased from the ConnectNetwork Account. The payment can be made by debit or credit card. Prisoners can read the message on their computer or tablet and reply electronically or in writing, depending on where they're located. Costs for sending a message differ by location. These are available on the website's Messaging rates section. You can find the most rates for messaging by logging into their ConnectNetwork account, then navigating to the message page of the prisoner they want to communicate with. The Prisoner Texts It's never been easier to stay in contact via message or email with your loved ones that is in jail. Sign up to start communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program can only be used if your facility allows for it, and you also are already a member of an email messaging Account. Your inmate will receive your messages on his or her cell phone. The messages will be read by and responded to within 24 hours after the send date. The inmates will be notified via an app for inmate communication or via kiosks that is accessible from the prison cell. It is important to note that correctional facilities or authorized personnel may be able to monitor, look up, review, approve and disclose electronic messages. The same applies to data saved on your device. Privacy concerns are raised by PPI as well, and the company points out that it's easy to imagine companies like Securus or JPay that are monetizing messaging services by selling access to incarcerated people's messages to family members, lawyers and courts. While the jails and prisons may offer a variety of electronic messaging systems, they often come with limits on what messages can be transmitted. For instance, inmate-to-inmate communications that are prohibited by certain prisons under the Prisoner Communications Act. Additionally, this technology often comes with restrictions on the number of characters that make preserving any type of written communication difficult. Texting inmates Inmates can communicate with friends and family through a variety of methods. Inmates can receive messages from their friends or family members on the outside via email and kiosks. Inmates also have the option to receive photos and letters. In certain prisons, prisoners can text one another. But, this method is not permitted by inmate texting most prison authorities and text messages could be scrutinized. JPay is a service used by many correctional institutions. Penpals can use the system to allow relatives to send people messages, photos as well as videograms. To send a message, you must stamp it. Additional stamps may be required to send attachments or VideoGrams. Online or in select retail stores Stamps are readily available. GettingOut and a few other companies have designed apps that permit people in prison to contact their loved ones using the tablets provided by these businesses. As with teens, prisoners are prone to checking their tablet every day. TikTok is where they advertise and pen pals in prison websites provide suggestions on how to make use of tablets. Inmates can also receive messages from relatives who don't have JPay accounts using the postal system at the facility. Inmates are able to choose whether or not print specific messages or even open them. Every electronic message is reviewed in the same way similar to mail received. Sending Texts to the Family Families see inmate texting as a powerful instrument. Family members cited the emotional connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as major benefits. Some users felt that security options were an obstacle to family communication, as they made it difficult for family members to talk. A participant stated "Our group texting system works great in terms of logistics, however it is sometimes a problem to be out of control." "And it requires an enormous amount of time keep up with the messages. ".