How to Text an Inmate A new texting program lets prisoners communicate with their family and friends within their prison cell. The program isn't without its risks. Inmates can make use of the tablet to send messages, but they are not able to access social media, emojis or other options. Their messages are also watched. You can search for words or phrases. Texting from Jail It's tough to communicate via text in prison because there are specific rules and guidelines concerning how inmates can interact with outsiders. Most prisons have secure email system, such as JPay or CorrLinks which allow prisoners the ability to send messages to family and friends, however, they are supervised by staff and may not be as secure as an individual's own email service. These facilities also offer electronic messaging services to inmates. These are systems that are owned by companies that require inmates as well as their families to pay an amount for every message sent. The services offered can price from 50 cents per message up to $1.25 for one text message, contingent on the location and the specific system of messaging utilized by that facility. The cost for sending the message is borne by the person who sends it to the inmate using credits that they have purchased from their ConnectNetwork account, which can be done through credit or debit card. Prisoners can read the message using their laptop or tablet, and then respond to it either electronically or by writing depending on where they're located. The cost of sending a message is determined by the facility, and is listed on text inmate the Messaging Rates section of their website. Signing into ConnectNetwork and visiting the message page for the prisoner you want to communicate with will permit users to check out the current messaging rates. Texting From Prison Being in touch with an incarcerated loved one by email or via messaging is never easier. Sign up now and begin messaging your loved one! SMS Texting Program is available only when your facilities allow it and if you have an existing email Messaging Account. Your inmate will receive the messages you send on her mobile phone. They will be read and answered within 24 hours of the date you sent them. The message will be sent to inmates via an app designed for prisoners or through a kiosk which they use from their mobile. It's important to note that messages sent electronically can be subject to surveillance, search, review acceptance and disclosure by correctional facilities or any other personnel authorized. The same applies to data which is saved in a device. This raises privacy concerns for PPI as well, and the company points out that it's not difficult to envision companies like Securus or JPay monetizing electronic messaging through the sale of access to prison individuals' messages to their family members attorneys, courts and lawyers. Although prisons and jails might offer various electronic messaging systems, they often come with restrictions on what can be sent. Some prisons have banned communication between inmates as part of the Prisoner Communications Act. In addition, the technology is often accompanied by restrictions on the number of characters that hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication problematic. Texting inmates Prisoners can stay in touch with their loved ones and pen pals through a variety of methods. Prisons typically have email systems and kiosks where incarcerated people can read messages to them by their friends and family who live outside. Prisoners can also get letters and photo cards. In some prisons, inmates are allowed to send messages between themselves, but this is usually prohibited by prison authorities and texts are likely monitored. JPay is a payment system that is used by many correctional institutions. This allows penpals and relatives to send individuals pictures, messages as well as videograms. Each message costs the equivalent of a "stamp" as well as additional stamps are required to send attachments as well as VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased on the internet or in select shops. Private companies, such as GettingOut, have developed apps that allow incarcerated people to communicate with their loved ones with tablets offered by the company. Inmates are glued to their tablets throughout the day, much as teens are waiting for DMs from crushes. The profiles they create on TikTok as well as prison penpal websites feature tips about how to use a tablet. Inmates also can receive letters from loved ones who do not have JPay accounts by using the system for mail at the facility. Every electronic mail message has to be reviewed like that of postal mail. The inmate may choose to ignore or not open some emails. Sending texts to family members The use of text messages by inmates is seen as a positive facilitator for families. The benefits for families are connections with loved ones, the convenience of it and ease-of-use. Some users felt that security functions were a hindrance to family communication, as they made it more difficult for them and their family members to talk. "Our family text is great for planning, but the conversation can get out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it requires an enormous amount of time manage the message stream. ".