How to Text an Inmate The new software for texting allows prisoners to stay connected with their family and friends from within the confines of jail. It's not without dangers. Inmates can use the specialized tablet for messaging, but they cannot access social media or emoticons, and their messages are monitored. Search for keywords or phrases. Texting from Jail It's tough to communicate via text in prison, as there are specific rules and guidelines regarding how prisoners communicate with those outside. Inmates are able to send email using secure systems like JPay as well as CorrLinks. However, staff monitors the messages, so they may not be secure. The inmates also have access to electronic messages through the same institutions. These are systems that are owned by companies which charge inmates and their families the cost of each message that is sent. The price of these services can vary from 50 cents for each message up to $1.25 per text, depending on which facility you are employing and the messaging platform they use. The message is charged a cost, which is charged by the sender using the credits they've bought on their ConnectNetwork Account. The payment can be made via credit card or debit card. Inmates can view the message on their computer or tablet. They can also respond to it electronically or in writing, depending on the location in which they're housed. The cost of sending a message is determined by the facility, and can be found in the facility's Messaging Rates section of their website. Signing into ConnectNetwork and visiting the page to send messages for the prisoner you want to contact will allow users to review the latest messaging rates. Texting From Prison Keeping in touch with an family member in prison via email or messaging is never easier. Sign up to start communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program is only available if your facility allows for it, and you also have an existing Email Messaging Account. The inmate you sent your messages on his or his mobile phone. The messages will be read by and responded to within 24 hours of the date you sent them. The message will be sent to inmates via an app designed for prisoners or a kiosk they can connect to from their phone. Important to remember that electronic messages can be monitored and review. They are also subject to search, approval and disclosure by correctional facilities and any other personnel authorized. The same applies to data that is stored in a device. PPI is worried with privacy as you can easily imagine that companies such as Securus as well as JPay will make money off electronic messages, selling the data to lawyers, family members or judges. The prisons and jails have various electronic messaging services. There is often a restriction on which messages are allowed to be sent. Prisons may have imposed restrictions on communication between inmates pursuant to the Prisoner Communications Act. The technology is often limited in character count which makes it hard to keep any recorded communication. Texting inmates Inmates can communicate with friends and family via a range of ways. Inmates can receive messages from their friends or families on the outside through electronic mail and kiosks. Inmates can also receive letters and photo cards. In some prisons, inmates are allowed to communicate via text messages however this is generally forbidden by the prison authorities and texts are likely being monitored. JPay is a payment system that is used by many correctional institutions. This allows penpals and family members to send imprisoned individuals pictures, messages or videograms. Each message costs the equivalent of a "stamp" along with additional stamps are needed for attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased online or at select stores. Private companies, such as GettingOut and GettingOut, have created apps that allow incarcerated people to message their partners using tablets provided by the business. As with teens, prisoners obsessively check their tablets throughout the day. TikTok is where they promote and pen pals in prison websites give suggestions on how to make use of tablets. The system for mail at the facility lets inmates receive mail from family members without JPay inmate texting accounts. Every electronic mail message has to go through a review process similar to that of incoming postal mail. The individual may opt to ignore or not open some emails. Making Text Messages to Family members Inmate texting is seen by families as a powerful instrument. Families and friends cited feelings of connection as well as convenience and accessibility as the main benefits. Others also found the security features a disadvantage because it hampered conveniences and reduced family engagement by creating additional steps for sending a text message. One person said "Our group text works well in terms of logistics, however it is sometimes a problem to be out of control." "And it can take an enormous amount of time keep up with the messages. ".