How to Text an Inmate New texting software allows inmates to stay connected with their relatives and friends within the confines of jail. But it's not without its potential pitfalls. The inmates are able to utilize the tablet to send messages, but they are not text inmate able to access social media, emojis or other options. Their messages are also monitored. It is also possible to search for specific words or phrases. In Jail, texting There are many guidelines that define how inmates are able to communicate with people outside of the prison. Many prisons have secure electronic system, such as JPay or CorrLinks that permit inmates to send emails to loved ones, but the emails are monitored by the staff, and might not be as private like an individual's mail service. Inmates can also use electronic messages through the same institutions. These are systems that are owned by companies who cost inmates and their families the cost of each message that is sent. The price of these options can range from 50 cents for each message to $1.25 per text, depending on the institution you're using as well as the type of messaging system they are using. The fee for messages is paid by the person who is sending the message to the prisoner using credit purchased through the ConnectNetwork account, which can be done through credit or debit card. The inmate then views the message on their device or laptop screen. They can respond electronically to the sender or by writing a letter, depending on the facility. Costs for sending a message are different for each facility. They are listed in the site's messaging rates section. The users can review the applicable Messaging Rates by signing to their ConnectNetwork account and then going to the message page of the inmate they wish to contact. The Prisoner Texting It's never been easier to stay in contact via messaging or email with your loved ones that is in jail. Join today to begin communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program can only be used if your facility allows for it as well as if you already have an existing Email Messaging Account. Your inmate will receive your messages via his or her mobile phone. Prisoners will review them and respond within 24 hours. Your message will be delivered to prisoners via an app for inmates or a kiosk they can connect to from their phone. It's important to note that electronic messages can be subject to surveillance searches, reviews, approval and disclosure by correctional facilities as well as any other personnel authorized. Similar rules apply to information that is stored in a device. This raises privacy concerns for PPI, who points out that it's easy to imagine companies like Securus or JPay that are monetizing messaging services through the sale of access to prison users' private messages to relatives, lawyers and courts. The prisons and jails may offer a variety of electronic message systems, they often come with restrictions on what can be sent. Some prisons have banned messages between prisoners pursuant to the Prisoner Communications Act. Furthermore, the technology often comes with limits on characters, which hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication problematic. Texting Prisoners Prisoners are able to communicate with friends and family via a range of ways. Prisoners can get messages from friends and family members on the outside via the internet and through kiosks. Inmates can also receive photographs and letters. In certain prisons, prisoners are able to text each other. However, this practice is not permitted by most prison administrators and texts will likely be viewed closely. Many correctional facilities have facilities that have a JPay system where family members, loved ones and pen pals are able to send photos, messages as well as videograms to imprisoned people. For each message, a stamp is required. Additional stamps may be needed for attachments, or VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased on the internet or in select shops. Other private companies, like GettingOut has developed applications that permit prisoners to message their partners with tablets offered by the company. Just like teens, prisoners obsessively check their tablets every day. Their profiles are advertised on TikTok, and prison pen-pal websites provide tips on the best way to use tablets. Inmates also can receive letters from family members who don't have JPay accounts using the postal system at their prison. Every electronic mail message has to be reviewed like that of postal mail. The inmate may choose to ignore or not open the emails of certain people. The Family Texts: Sending messages to them Families see inmate texting as a great instrument. The benefits for families are connections with loved ones, the convenience of it and user-friendliness. Many also considered the security features a disadvantage because it hampered ease of use and decreased family involvement through the addition of additional steps to send a message. "Our family text message is fantastic to organize things, however it can become overly busy," one participant shared. It can be a challenge to keep in the loop with all messages. ".