Federal inmates can now remain connected with loved ones via text messaging services that are both cost-effective and discreet, offering emotional support throughout their incarceration.
However, integrating prisons with inmate messaging apps comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, including privacy and security issues that must be resolved to ensure their effective use.
Cost-effective
Federal inmate text services offer an economical and discreet means for prisoners to remain connected with loved ones outside prison walls. Such services help prisoners form positive outlooks while developing positive reintegration skills into society after release; however they should be carefully monitored so as to avoid abuse and ensure security within prison environments.
While certain prisons may restrict public messaging services, others don’t impose such limitations; these apps allow inmates to send and receive text, photos, videos, eCards and other items with ease. They’re also useful in keeping informed of legal cases, prison activities and any important news updates.
Many providers of inmate communication services utilize bulk-pricing strategies, which penalize those living on low income the most by requiring customers to prepay for large packages of messages in advance. This can place undue strain on families and friends as well as discourage people from keeping in contact with loved ones in prison.
Avoid paying exorbitant long distance rates by calling local numbers instead. PrisonConnect gives you access to phone numbers nearby the facility where your loved one resides so they only pay local rates when calling back – saving $10+ each time they make contact!
Discreet
Text messaging services for federal inmates offer an efficient and cost-effective alternative to expensive phone calls and letters. Not only can these technologies promote positive attitudes during incarceration but they can also aid reintegration back into society upon release from incarceration. They must however be closely monitored in accordance with prison protocols to ensure their use adheres to them correctly.
Inmates use this technology to stay in contact with family and friends, sharing updates, encouraging words of hope and asking for emotional support. Inmates may even request educational resources that will aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into society. Using it also serves to defuse inmate-on-inmate conflicts as well as prevent potential disciplinary incidents from escalating further.
Families and friends don’t face any restrictions when emailing an inmate through TRULINCS, unlike phone calls. Families can save money by not having to purchase stamps, papers and photo printers; and avoid visits to post offices and money order shops altogether.
However, many Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities impose 30 minute or 1-hour time limits for public messaging. When an inmate exceeds this limit, their system automatically logs them off and requires them to wait thirty minutes before being allowed back on. Furthermore, each message sent and received by an inmate may only contain 13,000 characters or 2,000 words; their composition screen displays a countdown timer to remind them of this restriction.
If an inmate requests that outside contacts forward messages for them, disciplinary incident reports and possible loss of public messaging privilege may result. Such action must never be taken lightly.
Privacy
Communicating with loved ones incarcerated can be a formidable task for families, as traditional methods like phone calls or letters can be expensive and time consuming. But inmate texting services offer a great alternative that not only connects families but allows inmates to maintain important relationships outside prison, which has proven vital for emotional well-being and reintegrating back into society.
Although text messaging offers benefits to inmates, privacy and security issues still arise. Companies providing electronic messaging services at correctional facilities should disclose how they store and protect data, as well as inform incarcerated people how they can protect themselves and protect their own. Correctional facilities should allow competing e-messaging providers to use the same tablet platform; this will bring down prices while improving functionality.
Most Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities impose a thirty-minute or one-hour limit on public messaging for prisoners, who must log off when this time has elapsed. If they were midway through typing when this occurred, it will be saved into their drafts folder so they can return later if needed. Certain forms of content (sexually explicit messages and related topics) can also be banned based on strict standards set by prison administrators.
While the censorship process may not be ideal, it remains an effective first step to ensuring inmates have access to communications they require. Furthermore, this technology helps ensure all messages comply with regulations and help prevent contraband smuggling by mandating all communication be reviewed by staff members before being sent through to an inmate.
Security
Communication and connectivity have become integral parts of daily life for most, yet some communities lack access to them. Federal prisoners have long struggled to stay connected to family and friends outside incarceration. Thanks to new technologies, inmates now have easier access to text messaging as a safe, cost-effective solution that supports rehabilitation while building positive perspectives of life behind bars as well as strengthening reintegration efforts upon release from incarceration.
CorrLinks (known as TRULICS to federal inmates) provides an efficient and secure means for inmates to communicate with loved ones outside. Unlike the old email system, this new texting option does not require subscription fees or pre-purchased minutes – messages arrive directly on an inmate’s phone! Keeping in touch with loved ones won’t require logins into websites or worrying about privacy concerns; now everyone can stay in contact and stay safe!
To initiate communication through ConnectNetwork’s new texting service, sign in to your ConnectNetwork account and add them as a Contact. After doing this, compose and purchase credits for inmate replies – rates vary by facility so make sure to double-check details prior to sending a message!