How to Text an Inmate A new texting program allows inmates to remain in contact with family and friends from within the prison. It's not without potential pitfalls. Prisoners can utilize the specially-designed tablet for sending messages However, they can't access social media sites or Emojis, and messages are checked. It is also possible to search to find specific phrases or words. Texting Jail from the Cell There are many regulations that regulate how prisoners may contact outside within the confines of their prison. Prisoners can use email to send messages using secure systems like JPay and CorrLinks. However, staff members monitor the messages and they are able to determine whether or not the messages will be private. Additionally, inmates are able to use electronic communication through these institutions. These are systems that are owned by companies who require inmates as well as their families to pay the cost of each message that is sent. The services offered can price from 50 cents per message up to $1.25 for a single text message, depending on the facility and the specific system of messaging used by that facility. The cost for sending messages is paid by the person who sends it to an inmate with credits bought through their ConnectNetwork account, which can be done through credit or debit card. The person receiving the message then sees the message on their device or laptop screen. They may respond to it electronically message sender, or write an email, based upon the service. The cost of a message varies by facility and is listed on the section on Messaging Rates for each facility of their website. Signing into ConnectNetwork and going to the message page for the prisoner you wish to contact will allow users to check out the most current rates for messaging. In prison, texting Staying in contact with your incarcerated loved one through messaging or email has never been easier. Sign up now and begin talking to your prisoner! SMS Texting Program is only available when your facilities allow it and if you are already a member of an email messaging Account. The messages will be sent to your inmate's cell phone or tablet. Inmates will read them and reply within the 24 hours. Prisoners will get your message in an inmate messaging app or through a kiosk that can be accessed from their prison cell. Important to remember that electronic messages can be subject to surveillance searches, reviews as well as disclosure and approval by correctional facilities as well as any other personnel authorized. It's also the case for files that is stored on your device. It raises privacy issues for PPI and PPI, who point out that it's not difficult to imagine companies like Securus or JPay monetizing electronic messaging by selling access to imprisoned people's messages to family members as well as lawyers and courts. While the jails and prisons can provide a range of electronic message systems however, there are usually limits on what messages can be transmitted. Inmate-to-inmate communication is one of them, which are banned by some prisons under the Prisoner Communications Act. Technology is usually restricted in terms of character limit and makes it difficult to keep any recorded communication. Texting Inmates Prisoners are able to use a range of ways to connect with loved ones, or pen-pals. Prisoners can get messages from their friends or family members on the outside via email and kiosks. The inmates also have access to photographs and letters. In some prisons, inmates are able to text each other. But, this method isn't permitted by the majority of prison administrators and texts are likely to be monitored. Many correctional facilities have the JPay program, which allows loved ones and pen pals can send messages, photos or videos to detained individuals. Each message costs the equivalent of a "stamp", and additional stamps are needed for attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be purchased online or at select stores. GettingOut and other private companies have created apps to allow incarcerated individuals to communicate with their loved ones using the tablets provided by these firms. As with teens, prisoners obsessively check their tablets every day. TikTok is the place where they post ads, while prison pen pal websites give guidelines on using tablets. The system for mail at the facility permits inmates to get messages from loved ones without JPay accounts. Inmates can decide to not print specific messages or to open others. Every electronic message is susceptible to the same review similar to mail received. Texting to Family Family members see texting inmates as a great device. Family members cite the advantages of connections with loved ones, the convenience of it as well as ease of use. Some also found the added security features a disadvantage in that text inmate it undermined the conveniences of family communication and reduced engagement through the addition of additional steps to communicate. "Our family text message is fantastic for planning, but the group can get out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. It takes time to stay in the loop with all messages. ".