How to Text an Inmate A brand new program for text messaging lets prisoners communicate with friends and family from inside their jail cell. But it's not without its pitfalls. Prisoners are allowed to make use of the tablet to send messages but cannot access social media, emojis or other features. Their messages are also watched. Search for keywords and phrases. Texting from Jail It's not easy to text inside prison due to the strict guidelines and rules regarding how prisoners communicate with those outside. The majority of prisons have secure email systems, like JPay or CorrLinks, that allow inmates the ability to send messages to family members, however they are supervised by prison staff, so they may not be as private as an individual's own mail service. The inmates also have access to electronic communication through these institutions. They are private systems operated by companies which require inmates as well as their families to pay an amount for every message that is sent. These options can range between 50 cents per message, up to $1.25 per text, contingent on which facility you are using as well as the type of messaging system they use. A message costs a fee and is billed by the sender using the credits they've bought on the ConnectNetwork Account. The payment can be made by debit or credit card. Inmates then view the message on a tablet or computer screen and may respond to it electronically message sender, or write an email, based upon the service. The cost of sending messages differ by location. They are listed in the site's messaging rates section. Users can check the current relevant rates by logging into their ConnectNetwork account and navigating to the message page for the person they would like to communicate with. The Prisoner Texting There's never been a simpler way to stay in contact via messages or emails to a family member that is in jail. Register now to communicate with the prisoner. SMS Texting Program can only be used when your facilities allow it as well as if you already have an existing email Messaging Account. The messages will be sent to the phone number of your mate or tablet. Inmates will read them and respond within 24-hours. The inmates will be notified through an inmate-specific messaging application or through a kiosk that is accessible from their prison cell. It's important to note that messages sent electronically can be subject to surveillance and review. They are also subject to search as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities and other authorized personnel. Similar rules apply to information that are stored in a device. PPI is worried about privacy, as it can easily imagine that companies like Securus and JPay could make money from electronic messages, selling these to family members, lawyers members or judges. The prisons and jails have diverse electronic communication systems. However, there are often restrictions as to what messages can be sent. This includes inmate-to-inmate messages, that are prohibited by certain prisons as per the Prisoner Communications Act. The technology is often restricted in terms of character limit and makes it difficult to archive any written communications. Texting inmates Prisoners are able to communicate with friends and family through a variety of methods. Prisoners can get messages from their friends and family members on the outside via the internet and through kiosks. Prisoners can also get photographs and letters. In some prisons, inmates can text one another. However, this practice isn't permitted by the majority of prison officials and messages will likely be viewed closely. Most correctional institutions have facilities that have a JPay program, which allows pen pals, family members and friends are able to send photos, messages or videos to detained people. Each message requires the recipient must be stamped. Additional stamps may be required to send attachments or VideoGrams. Stamps can be bought through the web or from select retailers. GettingOut and a few other companies have developed apps that allow people in prison to contact their loved ones using the tablets that are provided by these firms. Just like teens, prisoners constantly check their devices throughout the day. Their profiles are advertised on TikTok as well as prison penpal websites offer tips on the best way to use tablets. The mail system at the facility permits inmates to get mail from family members who do not have 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 the emails of certain people. Texting to Family Inmate text messaging is viewed as a positive facilitator for families. Families cited the benefits of connections with loved ones, the convenience of text inmate it and ease-of-use. Other users found that the security functions were a hindrance in family communications, since they made it harder for family members to talk. One person said "Our group text is great to manage logistics, but it can become out of hand." It can be a challenge to keep on top of the messages. ".