Federal Inmate Text Messaging

As technology is becoming a regular aspect of our lives, prisons and jails have begun to embrace new ways to communicate with family and friends. Inmate texting in the federal prison is one such innovation. Inmates can send messages to their loved ones using a specific device that looks like an unrefined cellphone. It costs 10 cents per message and has a 160-character limit. The device is easy to use for loved ones who want to contact incarcerated relatives.

The devices, also called chirping devices, do not permit inmates to take pictures or download apps to make phone calls or search the internet. They also can't use emojis or stickers. The device doesn't need pre-approval or phone minutes.

On the federal inmate text messages ConnectNetwork site, users are able to buy credits to send messages. The prices for the messages differ by state and facility. Sign into ConnectNetwork to view the current rates. Go to the messaging page of the person you want to reach.

Inmates can respond to the messages by sending an unwritten response or responding electronically. The device can be used to purchase books. Corbot has an Amazon feature that allows inmates to search for books by title or author, and then look-up an all-text version of the book.

While the ability to text can be useful but it is important to keep in mind that federal inmates are subject to strict security measures. Those who use the service should always remain conscious of their surroundings and should not share anything too personal like an address or a phone number that they have with inmates. They should also stay away from inmates who have not approved to participate in the program.