How to Text an Inmate The new software for texting allows prisoners to remain in contact with relatives and friends within the prison. But it's not without its dangers. Prisoners are able to use the tablet for messaging however they are not able to access social media sites or Emojis, and messages are monitored. It is possible to search for specific words and phrases. The texting of Jail It's difficult to use text messages inside prison due to the specific rules and guidelines regarding how prisoners communicate with people on the outside. Many prisons have secure electronic systems, like JPay or CorrLinks, that allow inmates the ability to send messages to family and friends, however, the emails are monitored by staff and may not be as private as an individual's own email service. The same facilities also provide electronic message services for inmates. Inmates are charged a fee per text message. These proprietary systems are run by private companies. They can the price of 50 cents per message to $1.25 for one text message, based upon the particular facility as well as the particular messaging platform used by that facility. The cost for sending messages is paid by the person who sends it to the inmate using credits bought through the ConnectNetwork account, whether by debit or credit card. The inmate then views the message on a laptop or tablet and is able to respond electronically to the person who sent the message or via writing a letter, dependent on the facility. The cost of sending a message can vary by facility and is listed in the Messaging Rates section on their site. Logging into ConnectNetwork and going to the messaging page of the prisoner you want to contact will allow users to check out the current messaging rates. The Prisoner Texts It's never been easier to keep in touch via message or email to a family member who is incarcerated. Just sign up to start talking to your prisoner! SMS Texting Program is available only when your facilities allow it and if you have an existing Email Messaging Account. Your prisoner will be notified of your messages via his or his cellphone. The messages will be read by and answered within 24 hours from the date you sent them. Your message will be distributed to the inmates through an app for inmates or via a kiosk that they use from their mobile. Important to remember that messages sent electronically are subject to monitoring searches, reviews as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities and other authorized personnel. The same applies to files saved on your device. It raises privacy issues for PPI, who points at the ease of imagine 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. The prisons and jails have different electronic messaging systems. But, there are usually restrictions on the types of messages that can be sent. Inmate-to-inmate communication is one of them, which are regulated by certain prisons in accordance with the Prisoner Communications Act. Furthermore, the technology is often accompanied by restrictions on the number of characters that make preserving any type of written communication a challenge. Texting prisoners Prisoners have access to a variety of ways to connect with their loved ones or pen pals. Prisons often provide email systems and kiosks where incarcerated people can read messages to them from relatives and friends who live outside. Additionally, prisoners are able to receive photo cards and letters. In certain prisons, prisoners may text one another. However, this practice is not permitted by most prison officials and messages could be monitored. JPay is a system that is used by a variety of correctional facilities. It allows penpals as well as relatives to send individuals pictures, messages as well as videograms. Each message costs the equivalent of a "stamp" along with additional stamps are required to send attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps are available on the internet or in select shops. Some private firms, including GettingOut and GettingOut, have created apps which allow prisoners to message their partners with tablets offered by the company. Like teens, incarcerated individuals constantly check their devices throughout the day. TikTok is the place where they post ads, while prison pen pal websites give suggestions on how to make use of tablets. The mail system at the facility permits inmates to get letters sent by loved ones without JPay accounts. Inmates can decide to not print certain messages, or even open them. Each electronic message is susceptible to the same review as incoming mail. SMSing Family members The use of text messages by inmates is seen as a beneficial facilitator to families. The benefits for families are emotional connection, convenience and user-friendliness. Others also found text inmate the security function a hindrance as it reduced the conveniences of family communication and reduced engagement through the addition of additional steps to send a message. "Our family text message is fantastic to organize things, however it can become out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. "And it takes an enormous amount of time keep up with the messages. ".