How to Text an Inmate A new texting program allows prisoners to stay in touch with family and friends from inside their jail cell. The program isn't without its risks. Prisoners are able to use the tablet for sending messages, but they cannot access social media sites or Emojis, and messages are being monitored. Search for keywords or phrases. Texting Jail from the Cell It's not easy to text in prison, as there are strict rules and regulations for how prisoners can communicate with those outside. Many prisons have secure electronic platforms, such as JPay or CorrLinks that permit inmates the ability to send messages to family members, however they are supervised by prison staff, so they may not be as private as an individual's personal mail service. The same facilities also provide electronic messages to prisoners. These are systems that are owned by companies that cost inmates and their families a fee for each message sent. The services offered can the price of 50 cents per message up to $1.25 per text message, depending on the location and the specific messaging system used by that facility. The cost for sending a message is paid by the person sending it to the inmate using credits purchased through their ConnectNetwork account, whether by credit or debit card. The person receiving the message then sees the message on a device or laptop screen. They is able to respond electronically to the person who sent the message or via writing a letter, depending on the facility. Costs to send a message vary by the facility. The costs are posted in the site's messaging rates section. Users can check the current rates for messaging by logging to your ConnectNetwork account and navigating to the message page of the prisoner they want to communicate with. Texting from Prison It's never been simpler to maintain contact through message or email with a loved one who is incarcerated. Sign up to start communicating with the inmate. SMS Texting Program is available only in the event that your institution allows it and if you have an existing Email Messaging Account. Your inmate will receive your messages via his or her mobile phone. The inmates will be able to read the messages and then respond within the 24 hours. Your message will be delivered to the inmates through an app designed for prisoners or via a kiosk that they connect to from their phone. Important to remember that electronic messages are subject to monitoring, search, review, approval and disclosure by correctional facilities and any other personnel authorized. It's also the case for data that is stored on the device. PPI is worried about privacy, as it is easy to imagine how companies such as Securus and JPay will make money off electronic messages through the sale of these to family members, lawyers members, or even judges. Prisons and jails provide different electronic messaging systems. However, there are often restrictions as to which messages are allowed to be shared. For instance, inmate-to-inmate communications which are banned by some prisons as per the Prisoner Communications Act. Technology is usually restricted in terms of character limit which makes it hard to archive any written communications. Texting Inmates Prisoners have access to a variety of different methods to communicate with family members or pen-pals. Prisoners can get messages from their friends or families on the outside through electronic mail and kiosks. Inmates also have the option to receive photos and letters. In some prisons, inmates are allowed to text each other however this is generally not allowed by the prison authorities and texts are likely being monitored. JPay is a service used by many correctional institutions. Penpals can use the federal inmate text app system to allow relatives to send individuals messages, pictures, and videograms. Every message is worth the equivalent of a "stamp", and additional stamps are needed for attachments and VideoGrams. Stamps can be bought through the web or from select retailers. GettingOut as well as other private businesses have created apps to allow prisoners to connect with their loved ones using the tablets that are provided by these businesses. Inmates are glued to their devices all day long, just like teens wait for DMs from their crushes. TikTok is where they promote, while prison pen pal websites provide tips on how to use tablets. The system for mail at the facility lets inmates receive letters sent by loved ones with no JPay accounts. All electronic messages must undergo a screening process identical to the process used for incoming postage, and the prisoner may decide to ignore or not open certain emails. SMSing Family members Families see inmate texting as a powerful instrument. Family members cited the emotional connection as well as convenience and accessibility as key advantages. Some also found the added security function a hindrance in that it undermined the conveniences of family communication and reduced engagement with additional steps needed to send a message. "Our text messages are great for logistical stuff, but the group can get out of hand sometimes," one participant shared. It can be a challenge to keep in the loop with all messages. ".