How to Text an Inmate A new messaging program lets prisoners communicate with friends and family from inside their cell. The program isn't without its risks. Prisoners are able to use the tablet for messaging However, they can't access social media sites or emojis and their messages are monitored. The tablet can also be searched for specific words or phrases. Texting Jail from the Cell There are many guidelines that define how inmates are able to communicate with people outside of the prison. Prisoners can use email to send messages inmate texting using secure systems like JPay or CorrLinks. However, staff members monitor the messages, so they may not remain private. Inmates can also use electronic messages through the same institutions. Prisoners are charged per message. These systems are run by private companies. The services offered can price from 50 cents per message up to $1.25 per text message, contingent upon the particular facility as well as the specific system of messaging utilized by that facility. A message will cost a fee that is charged by the sender using the credits they've bought on the ConnectNetwork Account. This can be done via credit card or debit card. The inmate then views the message on their laptop or tablet and can respond electronically to the message sender, or write a letter, dependent on the particular facility. The cost for a message can vary by facility and can be found in the Messaging Rates section of their website. Signing into ConnectNetwork and visiting the page to send messages for your prisoner that you would like to communicate with will permit users to review the most current rates for messaging. The Prisoner Texts Staying in contact with your incarcerated loved one through messaging or email is never easier. Simply sign up and start messaging your loved one! SMS Texting Program can only be used if your facility allows for it as well as if you already are already a member of an email messaging Account. Messages will be delivered to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. Prisoners will review them and respond within 24-hours. Your message will be delivered to the inmates through the app available to inmates, or a kiosk they can use from their mobile. Important to remember that electronic communications are subject to monitoring searches, reviews as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities as well as other authorized personnel. Similar rules apply to information that is stored in a device. PPI is worried regarding privacy and security, since it is easy to imagine how companies like Securus as well as JPay would monetize electronic messages through the sale of the data to lawyers, family members, or the judges. Although prisons and jails may offer a variety of electronic messaging systems however, there are usually restrictions on what is allowed to be sent. Some prisons have banned messages between prisoners as part of the Prisoner Communications Act. Furthermore, the technology often comes with restrictions on the number of characters that hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication a challenge. Texting Prisoners Prisoners can use a number of different methods to communicate with their loved ones or pen pals. Prisons typically have email systems as well as kiosks so that prisoners are able to access messages that have been sent to them from relatives and friends on the outside. Additionally, prisoners are able to get photo cards as well as letters. In some prisons, inmates are allowed to text each other However, this is typically not allowed by the prison's administration, and messages will likely be being monitored. JPay is a system utilized by numerous correctional institutions. This allows penpals and loved ones to send incarcerated individuals pictures, messages or videograms. Each message will cost an "stamp" as well as additional stamps are required for attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be bought online or at select stores. Private companies, such as GettingOut, have developed apps that allow incarcerated people to communicate with their loved ones via tablets supplied by the firm. Inmates are glued to their tablet throughout the day, much as teens are waiting to receive DMs from friends. The profiles they create on TikTok, and prison pen-pal websites provide tips on how to use a tablet. Inmates also can receive messages from relatives who do not possess JPay accounts using the mail system in the facility. The inmate can choose to not print some messages or even open them. Each electronic message is subject to a similar review similar to mail received. Making Text Messages to Family members Families see inmate texting as an excellent tool. Family members cited the emotional connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as key advantages. Others found that the security functions were a hindrance for family communication as they made it more difficult for family members and relatives to be in touch. "Our family text message is fantastic to organize things, however the group can get out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it requires lots of time to manage the message stream. ".