Even though phone calls and letters remain primary forms of communication for federal inmates, some use text messaging apps as cheaper and more private forms of contact than traditional methods like phone calls.
However, unlike the Internet, these proprietary systems charge both inmates and their family per message sent – something Raher suggests should be regulated to protect all involved.
Secure Messaging
Federal inmates face many difficulties keeping in touch with family and friends outside prison, such as letters and phone calls which can be both costly and time consuming. Text messaging apps offer a safe and cost-effective solution that allows loved ones to remain connected by sending text, photo and video messages as well as making phone calls – improving overall mental wellbeing inmates.
Contrasting traditional mail, these inmate communication apps allow loved ones to receive real-time updates from inmates while reading emails in real time rather than waiting for printed copies to arrive by post. Furthermore, the top texting apps provide features which are reliable, secure, and cost-effective.
Current prison systems primarily rely on one of two private email messaging providers – ViaPath and Securus – for email messaging services, each holding a state monopoly and charging different fees per state (for example California families of incarcerated people pay $0.05 while Oregon families of inmates must pay $0.25). Unfortunately this pricing structure punishes inmates and their families for having lower literacy levels.
ConnectNetwork Messaging
ConnectNetwork is a one-stop resource that makes it easier for family and friends of individuals incarcerated to keep in contact. Compliant with prison regulations, ConnectNetwork provides both communication and payment services; messages sent through it are read by prison staff for approval before being delivered directly. Families or friends wishing to use this service must first deposit funds into their loved one’s trust account through ConnectNetwork or using its free mobile app GettingOut (gettingout).
Once approved, inmates’ messages can be seen on tablets and Kiosks throughout the facility. Inmates can also subscribe to subscription content and services for a fee; pricing varies depending on facility.
ConnectNetwork also offers photo and video attachments, making it possible to capture special moments such as a child’s first day back to school or other special times in life. These services are funded with message credits. Sending a photo or video attachment helps your loved ones remain connected with life outside the facility and stay positive during their time behind bars. Simply visit ConnectNetwork and select their profile or download the free ConnectNetwork app!
TextBehind
TextBehind provides inmates with a safe and monitored means to communicate with loved ones outside prison walls. Our high-security software enables correctional institutions to review and approve correspondence easily while adhering to stringent security protocols, helping reduce health and safety risks in prison mailrooms, messaging photos/videos to loved ones outside, affordably priced rates with guaranteed uptime – TextBehind offers inmates access to reliable communication outside. Our website and app make texting safe with affordable rates guaranteed uptime – text behind!
The system also features an attorney portal to allow attorneys and public officials to send legal mail with Attorney-Client privilege and protection in mind, while giving organizations and educators access to send educational or inspirational content directly to those incarcerated individuals.
This platform is available nationwide and costs nothing to use, saving families money by eliminating the need to buy envelopes, stamps and paper from shops as well as visit photo print shops for photo copies. Furthermore, families can stay in contact with inmates by sending photos, letters or electronic money orders while helping prisons reduce contraband into facilities.
GettingOut Messaging
Prison and jail inmates often have access to text messaging apps and email services offered by for-profit companies that take a portion of revenue as their fee for providing these services – which means inmates may end up paying more than necessary to access these communications platforms.
One couple incarcerated couple estimated they spend about $250 a month on the GettingOut app. Cierra Cobb, who has a husband incarcerated at maximum-security prison, uses it with her family to communicate with him throughout the day and night – like waiting anxiously for text messages from a crush as teenagers do – as she logs on like any teenager waiting for his release date and checks to see whether messages have arrived for him.
GettingOut allows users to send text, photo and video messages to an inmate at any time of the day or night using booking numbers or names, with credits purchased for replies.
FlikShop
Flikshop, also known as the prison Instagram, allows individuals to send postcards with photos as postcards to loved ones incarcerated in state, county, and federal prisons. Users may purchase credits in order to send prints and photo books directly.
Marcus Bullock came up with the concept for Flikshop while serving time for carjacking at age 15. One thing in particular helped him survive eight years in maximum-security prison – letters and postcards his mom sent him.
He asserts that his company makes an enormously positive difference, as 95 percent of prisoners will eventually be released and need to know they have support on the outside.
Bullock’s company has experienced rapid expansion since 2012. Since 2012, it has doubled in user base, revenue, and offerings this year alone. Now partnering with corporate employees such as Apple and Slack employees to raise awareness of social justice issues through training courses that teach incarcerated people skills from coding to communication – and thanks to a Morgan Stanley Social Innovation award it will help fund that initiative!