Federal Inmate Text Messaging

As technology is becoming a regular part of our lives, even prisons and jails have begun to explore new ways to communicate with family and friends. Inmate texting is a great example of this. Inmates can send messages to loved ones using a specific device that resembles an unrefined cellphone. It costs 10 cents for each message and has a limit of 160 characters. It is easy to use by loved ones who wish to communicate with relatives who are in prison.

The devices, referred to as chirping devices (or chirping devices) do not permit prisoners to download apps, take photographs, make phone or internet calls or access the internet. Also, they can't use stickers or Emojis. The device doesn't require any phone minutes or pre-approvals.

On the ConnectNetwork site, users are able to buy credits to send messages. Prices for messages vary by state and facility. To view the current rates, sign into ConnectNetwork and go to the messaging page for the person in custody you wish to talk to.

Prisoners can respond to messages by sending with a handwritten reply or responding electronically. Corbot can be used to purchase books. Corbot comes with an Amazon feature that allows inmates to search for books based on title or author, and then look-up an all-text version of the book.

While the capability to text is beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that federal inmates are subject to strict security measures. Users of the service are advised to remain aware of their surroundings throughout the day and to not disclose any personal information, like the number of a phone or address, to federal inmate text messages an inmate. They should also stay away from inmates who have not approved to participate in the program.