State Prison

State prisons are managed by each state's department of corrections, commonly abbreviated as DOC. Every U.S. state runs its own prison system with its own rules, communication platforms, and inmate identification numbering system. Someone enters state prison after being convicted of a felony under state law and receiving a sentence longer than one year. The specific DOC number assigned to each inmate varies by state: California uses a CDCR number, New York uses a DIN, and Texas uses a TDCJ number.

Communication at state prisons follows a common pattern, though it varies by state. JPay is contracted with over 35 state departments of corrections for messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers, making it the most widely encountered state prison messaging platform. Phone services at state facilities are often managed by ConnectNetwork or Securus Technologies under separate contracts. Some states have moved to tablet-based communication programs, while others still rely on kiosk terminals. Checking the specific state DOC website confirms which platforms are active for a given facility.

State prisons differ from county jails in an important way that affects communication. If someone is arrested and held while awaiting trial, they are in a county jail. Once convicted and sentenced, they may be transferred to a state prison. This transfer changes the communication platform. A GettingOut account used while your loved one was in county jail will not work at a state prison. After a transfer, families typically need to create new accounts with the state prison's contracted providers.