How to Text an Inmate The new software for texting allows prisoners to keep in touch with families and friends outside of the prison. There are risks to using the program. 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. Search for keywords 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 those outside. The majority of prisons have secure email system, such as JPay or CorrLinks which allow prisoners to write emails to their loved ones, but these emails are monitored by staff and may not be as secure as an individual's own mail service. Those same facilities also offer electronic messages to prisoners. The inmates pay per text message. The systems that are proprietary to them operate by private businesses. They can cost from 50 cents for each message, up to $1.25 per text message, based on the location and the particular messaging platform utilized by that facility. The charge for messages is paid by the person who sends it to the inmate using credits that they have purchased from their ConnectNetwork account, either by debit or credit card. Inmates then view the message on a device or laptop screen. They may respond to it electronically sender or by writing a letter, depending on the facility. The cost for a message is determined by the facility, and is listed on the Messaging Rates section on their site. The users can review the rates for messaging by logging to their ConnectNetwork account, then navigating to the messaging page for the person they would like to contact. Texting from Prison It's never been easier to maintain contact through message or email to a family member who is incarcerated. Sign up to start communicating with your inmate. SMS Texting Program is only available when the establishment you're in allows it, as well as if you have an account for email messages. The message will be sent to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. The inmates will be able to read the messages and then respond within 24 hours. Your message will be distributed to the inmates through the app available to inmates, or via a kiosk that they use from their mobile. Note that correctional institutions or authorized personnel may monitor, search, examine, approve and disclose electronic messages. The same applies to information that is stored on your device. It raises privacy issues for PPI as well, and the company points out that it's not difficult to think of companies such as Securus or JPay that are monetizing messaging services through the sale of access to prison people's messages to family members as well as lawyers and courts. The jails and prisons offer diverse electronic communication systems. But, there is often a restriction on what messages can be transmitted. Prisons may have imposed restrictions on messages between prisoners as part of the Prisoner Communications Act. This technology can be limited in character count, making it difficult to archive any written communications. Texting inmates Prisoners are able to use a range of ways to connect with loved ones, or pen pals. Inmates are able to receive messages from friends and families on the outside through email and kiosks. Also, inmates are able to get photo cards as well as letters. In certain prisons, prisoners are able to text each other. But, this method isn't permitted by the majority of prison officials and messages are likely to be monitored. JPay text inmate is a system used by many correctional institutions. This allows penpals and loved ones to send incarcerated individuals messages, pictures, and videograms. Each message requires the recipient must be stamped. Stamps are needed to send attachments or VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased through the web or from select retailers. GettingOut and other private companies have designed apps that permit people in prison to contact their loved ones using the tablets that are provided by these firms. Incarcerated people obsessively log in to their tablets all day long, just as teens are waiting to receive DMs from crushes. TikTok is where they advertise Pen pals from prison websites give suggestions on how to make use of tablets. The mail system at the facility lets inmates receive messages from loved ones with no JPay accounts. The inmate can choose to not print some messages or to open others. Each electronic message is subject to a similar review like mail that is received. SMSing Family members Families see inmate texting as a great instrument. The benefits for families are connections with loved ones, the convenience of it as well as ease of use. Others also found the security feature a negative barrier in that it undermined ease of use and decreased family involvement through the addition of additional steps to communicate. "Our text messages are great for planning, but the group can get overly busy," one participant shared. It can be a challenge to keep on top of the messages. ".