How to Text an Inmate A new texting program allows inmates to keep in touch with family and friends from within the confines of jail. There are risks to using the program. Prisoners can utilize the specially-designed tablet for messaging, but they cannot access social media or Emojis, and messages are monitored. The tablet can also be searched for specific words or phrases. Texting from Jail There are numerous rules that govern how inmates may contact outside within the confines of their prison. Prisoners can use email to send messages via secure platforms like JPay as well as CorrLinks. But, the staff monitors the messages and they are able to determine whether or not the messages will be private. Additionally, inmates are able to use electronic communication through these institutions. These are systems that are owned by companies which cost inmates and their families an amount for every message that is sent. Prices for these options can range from 50 cents to $1.25 per message, up to $1.25 per text, depending the facility you're using as well as the type of messaging system they use. The charge for a message is paid by the person sending it to the prisoner using credit bought through the ConnectNetwork account, which can be done through debit or credit card. The inmates are able to view the message on their computer or tablet and reply either electronically or by writing depending on where they are housed. The cost for a message varies by facility and is listed in the section on Messaging Rates for each facility of their website. Connecting to ConnectNetwork text inmate and then visiting the page to send messages for the prisoner you wish to contact will allow users to review the latest messaging rates. Texting from Prison Being in touch with an family member in prison via email or messaging has never been easier. Sign up to start communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program is available only in the event that your institution allows it, and you also have an existing Email Messaging Account. The inmate you sent the messages you send on their mobile phone. Prisoners will review them and respond within 24-hours. The message will be sent to inmates via an app for inmates or through a kiosk which they connect to from their phone. It is important to keep in mind that electronic communications are subject to monitoring searches, reviews as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities as well as other authorized personnel. This also applies to the files saved on your device. It raises privacy issues for PPI as well, and the company points out that it's easy to think of companies such as Securus or JPay making money from electronic messages by selling access to imprisoned users' private messages to relatives, lawyers and courts. Although prisons and jails may offer a variety of electronic messaging systems but they usually have limits on what messages is allowed to be sent. This includes inmate-to-inmate messages, which are regulated by certain prisons under the Prisoner Communications Act. In addition, the technology is often accompanied by limits on characters, which hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication problematic. Texting to Inmates Inmates can communicate with friends and family through a variety of methods. Inmates can receive messages from their friends or family members on the outside via email and kiosks. Inmates can also receive letters and photo cards. Certain prisons allow prisoners to text each other However, this is typically not allowed by the prison authorities and texts will likely be to be monitored. JPay is a system utilized by numerous correctional institutions. It allows penpals as well as relatives to send individuals messages, pictures as well as videograms. Each message requires a stamp is required. Additional stamps may be needed to send attachments or VideoGrams. Stamps are available through the web or from select retailers. GettingOut and other private companies have developed apps that allow prisoners to connect with their family members using tablets offered by these businesses. People in prison are addicted to their tablet throughout the day, much as teenagers wait to receive DMs from friends. TikTok is the place where they post ads, while prison pen pal websites offer tips on how to use tablets. Inmates can also receive letters from family members that don't have JPay accounts using the mail system in the facility. Inmates are able to choose whether or not print some messages or open other messages. All electronic messages are susceptible to the same review like mail that is received. Sending Texts to the Family Inmate text messaging is viewed as a beneficial facilitator to families. Families and friends cited feelings of connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as the main advantages. Some users felt that security features were a barrier to family communication, as they made it more difficult for them and their relatives to be in touch. "Our family text message is fantastic for logistical stuff, but it can become out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it requires lots of time to maintain the conversations. ".