How to Text an Inmate A new messaging program has allowed inmates to communicate with their family and friends inside their cell. The program isn't without its risks. Prisoners are able to use the tablet to send messages However, they can't use social media, emojis or other emojis and their messages are being monitored. They can also be searched for certain words or phrases. The texting of Jail It's difficult to use text messages inside prison due to the strict guidelines and rules concerning how inmates can interact with people on the outside. Prisoners can use email to send messages through secure methods such as JPay as well as CorrLinks. But, the personnel monitors messages sent by prisoners, so they may not be private. Those same facilities also offer electronic message services for inmates. They are private systems operated by companies that charge inmates and their families the cost of each message that is sent. Prices for these options can range between 50 cents per message to $1.25 per text, contingent the facility you're using as well as the type of messaging system they use. The fee for the message is borne by the person sending it to the inmate using credits that they have purchased from the ConnectNetwork account, whether by 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 living. The cost of a message varies by facility and is listed on the facility's inmate texting Messaging Rates section on their site. The users can review the applicable Messaging Rates by signing to your ConnectNetwork account and then going to the page for messaging for the person they would like to communicate with. The Prisoner Texting Staying in contact with your incarcerated loved one through messaging or email is never easier. Simply sign up and start talking to your prisoner! SMS Texting Program is only available when your facilities allow it, and you also have an existing Email Messaging Account. Your prisoner will be notified of the messages you send on her cellphone. Prisoners will review them and reply within 24-hours. Your message will be distributed to prisoners via an app for inmates or through a kiosk which they use from their mobile. Note that correctional institutions or authorized personnel can inspect, monitor, search, approve and disclose electronic messages. The same applies to data which is saved on a device. PPI is worried regarding privacy and security, since it could easily envision that businesses like Securus and JPay could make money from electronic messages by selling these to family members, lawyers members, or even courts. Prisons and jails provide different electronic messaging systems. However, there are often restrictions as to the types of messages that can be shared. Some prisons have banned inmate-to -inmate communications under the Prisoner Communications Act. The technology is often only limited to a certain number of characters and makes it difficult to archive any written communications. Texting prisoners Prisoners are able to communicate with loved ones and pen pals by a myriad of means. Prisons typically have email systems and kiosks where incarcerated people can read messages to them by their families and friends who live who live outside. Inmates can also receive photos and letters. In certain prisons, prisoners can text one another. But, this method isn't allowed by most prison administrators and texts will likely be scrutinized. Many correctional facilities have the JPay system where family members, loved ones and pen pals can make payments for photos, messages as well as videograms to imprisoned prisoners. Every message is worth the equivalent of a "stamp" along with additional stamps are needed for attachments as well as VideoGrams. Stamps are available on the internet or in select shops. GettingOut and other private companies have designed apps that permit prisoners to connect with their loved ones using the tablets offered by these firms. Just like teens, prisoners are prone to checking their tablet throughout the day. TikTok is the place where they post ads, while prison pen pal websites provide suggestions on how to make use of tablets. The facility's mail system facility allows inmates to receive letters sent by loved ones with no JPay accounts. Inmates are able to choose whether or not print specific messages or even open them. All electronic messages are reviewed in the same way similar to mail received. Sending Texts to the Family Families see inmate texting as a great device. The benefits for families are connections with loved ones, the convenience of it as well as ease of use. Others found that the security options were an obstacle to family communication, as they made it more difficult for family members and relatives to be in touch. "Our family text message is fantastic for planning, but the group can get out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it requires a lot of time to keep up with the messages. ".