How to Text an Inmate A new texting program allows inmates to keep in touch with family and friends from within the prison. But it's not without its dangers. Prisoners can utilize the specially-designed tablet for messaging however they are not able to use social media, emojis or other emojis and their messages are checked. It is possible to search for specific words and phrases. Texting From Jail It's difficult to use text messages in prison because there are specific rules and guidelines concerning how inmates can interact with outsiders. Inmates can send emails through secure methods such as JPay or CorrLinks. However, staff monitors the messages therefore, they might not be private. These facilities also offer electronic messaging services to inmates. They are private systems operated by companies that cost inmates and their families the cost of each message they send. Prices for these services range from 50 cents for each message up to $1.25 per text, depending the facility you're using as well as the type of messaging system they are using. The fee for the message is borne by the person who is sending the message to the prisoner using credit purchased through the ConnectNetwork account, whether by debit or credit card. Prisoners can read the message via their computer or tablet, and then reply by writing or electronically, depending on where they are housed. Costs for sending a message vary by inmate texting location. The costs are posted on the website's Messaging rates section. You can find the most rates for messaging by logging into their ConnectNetwork account and navigating to the messaging page for the person they would like to communicate with. Texting from Prison It's never been easier to keep in touch via messages or emails with your loved ones in prison. Sign up to start communicating with your inmate. SMS Texting Program is only available when your facilities allow it as well as if you already have an existing Email Messaging Account. The message will be sent to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. The messages will be read by and responded to within 24 hours of the date you sent them. Inmates will receive your message in an inmate messaging app or via a kiosk which can be accessed from their prison cell. Note that correctional institutions or employees with authority may be able to inspect, monitor, search electronically-generated messages. This also applies to the data stored on the device. PPI is worried about privacy, as it could easily envision that businesses like Securus as well as JPay will make money off electronic messages by selling the data to lawyers, family members, or even justices. The prisons and jails may offer a variety of electronic message 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 in accordance with the Prisoner Communications Act. Additionally, this technology is often accompanied by restrictions on the number of characters that make preserving any type of written communication problematic. Texting to Inmates Prisoners can stay in touch with their friends and family via a range of ways. Prisons typically have email systems and kiosks where incarcerated people are able to access messages that have been sent to them by relatives and friends who live outside. Additionally, prisoners are able to receive photos and letters. In certain prisons, prisoners are able to text each other. But, this method is not permitted by most prison administrators and texts will likely be viewed closely. Most correctional institutions have a JPay system where family members, pen pals and loved ones can send messages, photos or videos to detained prisoners. To send a message, you must stamp it. Further stamps might be required to send attachments or VideoGrams. Online or in select retail stores there are stamps available. GettingOut and other private companies have developed apps that allow people in prison to contact their family members using tablets offered by these firms. Just like teens, prisoners constantly check their devices all day long. TikTok is where they advertise and pen pals in prison websites give suggestions on how to make use of tablets. The system for mail at the facility allows inmates to receive messages from loved ones without JPay accounts. Inmates can decide to not print some messages or open other messages. All electronic messages are reviewed in the same way as incoming mail. Sending texts to family members Families see inmate texting as a great tool. Families and friends cited feelings of connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as key benefits. Others also found the security features a disadvantage as it reduced conveniences and reduced family engagement with additional steps needed to communicate. One person said "Our group texting system works great in terms of logistics, however it is sometimes a problem to be out of control." "And it requires a lot of time to manage the message stream. ".