How to Text an Inmate A new messaging program lets prisoners communicate with family and friends from inside their jail cell. But it's not without its potential pitfalls. Prisoners are allowed to use the tablet for sending messages but are not allowed to use social media, emojis, or other functions. Their messages are also checked. It is also possible to search for certain words or phrases. Texting from Jail It's not easy to text in prison, as there are strict rules and regulations concerning how inmates can interact with outsiders. Most prisons have secure email platforms, such as JPay or CorrLinks that permit inmates the ability to send messages to loved ones, but these emails are monitored by prison staff, so they may not be as secure as an individual's personal email account. The same facilities also provide electronic message services for inmates. The inmates pay per text message. These systems operate by private businesses. The price of these services range from 50 cents for each message, up to $1.25 per text, depending on the institution you're employing and the messaging platform they are using. The fee for the message is borne by the person who sends it to the inmate using credits bought through their ConnectNetwork account, whether by credit or debit card. The person receiving the message then sees the message on a laptop or tablet and can respond electronically to the message sender, or write an email, based on the particular facility. The cost of a message varies by facility and can be found in the section on Messaging Rates for each facility on their site. Signing into ConnectNetwork and going to the messaging page of the prisoner you wish to contact will allow users to review the current messaging rates. Texting from Prison It's never been simpler to stay in contact via messaging or email with your loved ones that is in jail. Just sign up to start messaging your loved one! SMS Texting Program can only be used if your facility allows for it as well as if you already are already a member of an email messaging Account. The messages will be sent to the cell phone of your friend or tablet. Prisoners will review them and respond within 24 hours. Your message will be distributed to the inmates through an app for inmates or through a kiosk which they connect to from their phone. Important to remember that electronic communications are subject to monitoring and review. They are also subject to search, approval and disclosure by correctional facilities and any other personnel authorized. This also applies to the files that is stored on the device. PPI is worried regarding privacy and security, since it is easy to imagine how companies such as Securus as well as JPay will make money off electronic messages, selling the data to lawyers, family members, or even courts. Prisons and jails provide various electronic messaging services. There are usually restrictions on what messages can be shared. Certain prisons have prohibited messages between prisoners as part of the Prisoner Communications Act. This technology can be restricted in terms of character limit and makes it difficult to preserve any written communication. Texting Prisoners Prisoners are inmate texting able to use a range of methods for communicating with loved ones, or pen pals. Prisons typically have email systems and kiosks that incarcerated individuals can read messages to them by their relatives and friends from outside. Additionally, prisoners are able to receive photo cards and letters. Some facilities allow inmates to text each other however this is generally prohibited by prison authorities and texts are likely to be monitored. JPay is a service that is used by a variety of correctional facilities. This allows penpals and loved ones to send incarcerated individuals messages, pictures, and videograms. Each message will cost a "stamp", and additional stamps are needed for attachments and VideoGrams. Online or in select retail stores Stamps are readily accessible. Some private firms, including GettingOut, have developed apps which allow prisoners to communicate with their loved ones via tablets supplied by the company. People in prison are addicted to their devices during the day, as teens are waiting to receive DMs from friends. Their profiles are advertised on TikTok as well as prison penpal websites provide tips on the use of tablets. Inmates can also receive messages from relatives who don't possess JPay accounts through the postal system at the facility. The inmate can choose to not print specific messages or open other messages. Every electronic message is subject to a similar review similar to mail received. Sending Texts to the Family Families see inmate texting as a powerful device. Family members cited the emotional connection ease of use, comfort, and convenience as key advantages. Some users felt that security functions were a hindrance for family communication as they made it harder for loved ones to communicate. "Our family text is great for logistical stuff, but the conversation can get too busy at times," one participant shared. "And it requires an enormous amount of time manage the message stream. ".