How to Text an Inmate New texting software allows inmates to remain in contact with families and friends outside of the prison. It's not without potential pitfalls. Prisoners are able to use the tablet to send messages, but they cannot access social media sites or emojis and their messages are being monitored. The tablet can also be searched to find specific phrases or words. Texting from Jail It's tough to communicate via text in prison because there are strict rules and regulations regarding how prisoners communicate with people on the outside. Most prisons have secure email platforms, such as JPay or CorrLinks, that allow inmates the ability to send messages to family and friends, however, they are supervised by the staff, and might not be as secure as an individual's own email service. Additionally, inmates are able to use electronic communication through these institutions. Prisoners are charged per text message. These systems are managed by private firms. The price of these options can range between 50 cents per message to $1.25 per text, depending the facility you're using as well as the type of messaging system they use. A message will cost a fee and is billed to the person sending the message using credits that they've purchased from their ConnectNetwork Account. The payment can be made via credit card or debit card. Inmates can view the message using their laptop or tablet and reply by writing or electronically, depending on where they are housed. The cost of sending messages differ by location. They are listed in the site's messaging rates section. Users can check the current rates for messaging by logging into their ConnectNetwork account and navigating to the message page of the inmate they wish to contact. In prison, texting Being in touch with an family member in prison via email or messaging is never easier. Register now to communicate with the prisoner. SMS Texting Program only works when the establishment you're within allows it and if there is an email account to send messages. Messages will be delivered to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. The messages will be read by and responded to within 24 hours from the date of sending. Prisoners will get your message via an app for inmate communication or through a kiosk that is accessible from the prison cell. Important to remember that electronic communications can be subject to surveillance and review. They are also subject to search acceptance and disclosure by correctional facilities as well as other authorized personnel. This also applies to the information stored on the device. PPI is concerned with privacy as you is easy to imagine how companies such as Securus and JPay would monetize electronic messages through the sale of the data to lawyers, family members, or even judges. The prisons and jails may offer a variety of messages via electronic means but they usually have limits on what messages can be sent. Inmate-to-inmate communication is one of them, which are banned by some prisons under the Prisoner Communications Act. The technology is often restricted in terms of character limit and makes it difficult to preserve any written communication. Texting prisoners Inmates can communicate with loved ones and pen pals by a myriad of means. Prisoners can get messages from their friends and relatives on the other side via the internet and through kiosks. Additionally, prisoners are able to receive photo cards and letters. Certain prisons allow prisoners to send messages between themselves however this is generally prohibited by prison authorities and texts will likely be being monitored. JPay is a service used by many correctional institutions. This allows penpals and relatives to send people messages, photos, and videograms. Each message costs a "stamp" as well as additional stamps are required for attachments as well as VideoGrams. Online or in select retailers, stamps are offered. GettingOut and other private companies have inmate texting designed apps that permit prisoners to connect with their family members using tablets that are provided by these firms. Just like teens, prisoners constantly check their devices all day long. The profiles they create on TikTok as well as prison penpal websites provide tips on the best way to use tablets. Prisoners can also get messages from relatives who do not possess JPay accounts by using the postal system at their facility. The inmate can choose to not print some messages or to open others. All electronic messages are reviewed in the same way as incoming mail. Texting to Family Families see inmate texting as a powerful tool. Families and friends cited feelings of connection as well as convenience and accessibility as major advantages. Some users felt that security options were an obstacle for family communication as they made it difficult for them and their loved ones to communicate. "Our family text message is fantastic for logistical stuff, but it can become out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it takes an enormous amount of time manage the message stream. ".