How to Text an Inmate A new texting program allows prisoners to stay in touch with family and friends from inside their cell. It's not without potential pitfalls. Prisoners can utilize the specially-designed tablet for messaging, but they cannot access social media sites or Emojis, and messages are monitored. The tablet can also be searched for certain words or phrases. In Jail, texting It's not easy to text inside prison due to the strict guidelines and rules concerning how inmates can interact with those outside. Prisoners can use email to send messages using secure systems like JPay and CorrLinks. However, staff monitors the messages, so they may not be secure. The inmates also have access to electronic messages through the same institutions. They are private systems operated by companies who cost inmates and their families the cost of each message they send. These services can range in cost from 50 cents for each message up to $1.25 for a single text message, contingent on the location and the specific system of messaging utilized by that facility. A message costs a fee that is charged by the sender using the credits they have purchased on the ConnectNetwork Account. It can be paid by debit or credit card. Prisoners can read the message on their computer or tablet. They can also respond to it either electronically or by writing depending on where they're living. The cost of sending messages vary by facility. These are available in the site's messaging rates section. Logging into ConnectNetwork and visiting the messaging page of your prisoner that you would like to reach will enable users to inmate texting review the most current rates for messaging. The Prisoner Texting There's never been a simpler way to maintain contact through messaging or email with a loved one in prison. Sign up to start communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program is only available if your facility allows for it and if you have an existing email Messaging Account. Your prisoner will be notified of your messages via his or her mobile phone. The inmates will be able to read the messages and respond within the 24 hours. Your message will be distributed to inmates via the app available to inmates, or via a kiosk that they access from their cell. Be aware that correctional institutions and authorized personnel may inspect, monitor, search, approve and disclose electronic messages. This also applies to the data stored on your device. It raises privacy issues for PPI as well, and the company points out that it's easy to think of companies such as Securus or JPay that are monetizing messaging services through the sale of access to prison users' private messages to relatives attorneys, courts and lawyers. The prisons and jails have various electronic messaging services. However, there are often restrictions as to what messages can be shared. For instance, inmate-to-inmate communications which are regulated by certain prisons under the Prisoner Communications Act. Furthermore, the technology often comes with limitations on character counts that hinder the preservation of any kind of written communication problematic. Texting to Inmates Prisoners can use a number of ways to connect with family members or pen pals. Inmates can receive messages from their friends and relatives on the other side via email and kiosks. Also, inmates are able to receive photo cards and letters. In some prisons, inmates are allowed to communicate via text messages, but this is usually forbidden by the prison's administration, and messages are likely monitored. JPay is a payment system that is used by many correctional institutions. Penpals can use the system to allow loved ones to send incarcerated individuals pictures, messages as well as videograms. Each message will cost a "stamp" as well as additional stamps are needed for attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be bought on the internet or in select shops. GettingOut and a few other companies have created apps to allow people in prison to contact their loved ones using the tablets provided by these businesses. Inmates are glued to their tablets throughout the day, much as teenagers wait for DMs from their crushes. TikTok is where they promote Pen pals from prison websites provide tips on how to use tablets. The system for mail at the facility lets inmates receive messages from loved ones without JPay accounts. Inmates are able to choose whether or not print some messages or even open them. All electronic messages are subject to a similar review similar to mail received. SMSing Family members Inmate texting is seen by families as a great tool. Families and friends cited feelings of connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as the main advantages. Other users found that the security options were an obstacle in family communications, since they made it more difficult for family members and loved ones to communicate. One participant said "Our group text is great for logistics but can sometimes be out of control." It can be a challenge to keep in the loop with all messages. ".