How to Text an Inmate A new messaging program lets prisoners communicate with friends and family from within their prison cell. However, it's not without dangers. Inmates can use the specialized tablet for messaging however they are not able to use social media, emojis or other emoticons, and their messages are monitored. The tablet can also be searched for certain words or phrases. The texting of Jail There are many guidelines that define how inmates may contact outside the confines. Inmates are able to send email using secure systems like JPay and CorrLinks. But, the staff members monitor the messages and they are able to determine whether or not the messages will be private. The inmates also have access to electronic messages through the same institutions. Prisoners are charged per message. The systems that are proprietary to them operate by private businesses. The price of these options can range from 50 cents for each message, up to $1.25 per message, based on which facility you are using and what messaging system they employ. The fee for a message is paid by the person who sends it to the prisoner using credit bought through the ConnectNetwork account, either by credit or debit card. Prisoners can read the message via their computer or tablet, and then reply either electronically or by writing depending on the location in which they're housed. The cost of a message is determined by the facility, and can be found in the facility's Messaging Rates section of their website. Users can check the current relevant rates by logging into their ConnectNetwork account and then going to the message page of the prisoner they want to contact. In prison, texting Being in touch with an loved one in jail through messaging or email has never been simpler. Register now to communicate with your inmate. SMS Texting Program is only available if your facility allows for it and if you are already a member of an email messaging Account. Your inmate will receive your messages on his or her mobile phone. Prisoners will review them and then respond within 24 hours. Your message will be distributed to the inmates through an app designed for prisoners or a kiosk they can access from their cell. Note that correctional institutions or employees with authority may be able to inspect, monitor, search, approve and disclose electronic messages. It's also the case for information stored on your device. PPI is worried regarding privacy and security, since it can easily imagine that companies like Securus and JPay will make money off electronic messages by selling the data to lawyers, family members, or even courts. The prisons and jails can provide a range of electronic message systems however, there are usually limits on what messages can be sent. Certain prisons have prohibited inmate-to -inmate communications under the Prisoner Communications Act. Technology is usually only limited to a certain number of characters which makes it hard to keep any recorded communication. Texting Inmates Prisoners have access to a variety of ways to connect with family members or pen-pals. Inmates are able to receive messages from friends and family members on the outside via the internet and through kiosks. Additionally, prisoners are able to federal inmate text app get photo cards as well as letters. In certain prisons, prisoners may text one another. However, this practice is not permitted by most prison administrators and texts could be scrutinized. A lot of correctional facilities offer a JPay system, where pen pals, family members and friends can make payments for photos, messages as well as videograms to imprisoned people. Every message is worth the equivalent of a "stamp" as well as additional stamps are required to send attachments as well as VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased online or at select stores. GettingOut as well as other private businesses have created apps to allow people in prison to contact their loved ones via tablets provided by these companies. Incarcerated people obsessively log in to their tablet all day long, just as teens are waiting for DMs from their crushes. TikTok is the place where they post ads, while prison pen pal websites give guidelines on using tablets. Inmates also can receive letters from loved ones who do not have JPay accounts through the system for mail at the facility. All electronic messages must be reviewed similar to that of incoming postal mail. The prisoner may decide to not print or read some emails. SMSing Family members Family members see texting inmates as a powerful tool. Families cited the benefits of emotional connection, convenience and ease-of-use. Some also found the added security feature a negative barrier because it hampered 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 the conversation can get too busy at times," one participant shared. It can be a challenge to keep in the loop with all messages. ".