How Inmate Messaging Works
Learn how digital messaging to incarcerated loved ones works, which platforms are used, how messages are reviewed, and what it costs.
Introduction
Inmate messaging lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a digital platform. It works similarly to email but operates through a dedicated system approved by the correctional facility.
This guide explains how messages travel from sender to inmate, which platforms are most commonly used, what the review process looks like, and how much it typically costs.
Guide Content
What Is Inmate Messaging?
Inmate messaging is a digital communication service that allows approved contacts to exchange written messages with incarcerated people. Unlike standard email, it operates through platforms that hold contracts with correctional facilities. The facility decides which platform to use, and that platform manages all messaging in and out of that location.
Common platforms include JPay for state prisons, CorrLinks for federal Bureau of Prisons facilities, ConnectNetwork for a wide range of jails and prisons, and GettingOut for many county jails. The platform you need depends entirely on where your loved one is housed.
You cannot use a regular email address to reach someone in prison. You must create an account on the approved platform and find your loved one by their inmate ID number and facility name.
How Messages Are Sent and Delivered
To send your first message, create an account on the approved platform, search for your loved one using their inmate ID and facility, and purchase messaging credits before writing. The process varies slightly by platform but follows this same general flow.
After you submit a message, it enters a review queue. Facility staff or an automated content screening system checks the message before it reaches the inmate. This is standard at all correctional facilities and is disclosed in each platform's terms of service.
Most messages are delivered within a few hours to one business day. The inmate reads and replies through the same platform terminal. Their reply goes through the same review process before it reaches you.
How Much Inmate Messaging Costs
Costs vary by platform and facility. JPay uses a stamp system, with stamps typically costing between $0.33 and $0.47 each. CorrLinks charges a small per-message fee from a prepaid account. ConnectNetwork and GettingOut have their own credit-based pricing.
Some facilities offer the inmate free incoming messages but charge the sender. Others require both sides to purchase credits. Check the pricing page of the specific platform before adding money to your account.
There may also be initial account fees or transaction charges when loading funds. Read the platform's fee schedule carefully before your first deposit.
Privacy and Content Rules
All inmate messages are monitored. The platform and the facility retain copies, and staff can read them at any time. Never include sensitive legal, financial, or personal information in a message.
Content rules vary by facility but generally prohibit anything involving escape plans, criminal activity, explicit content, or coded language. Messages that violate these rules are blocked or deleted without detailed notice.
Repeated violations can result in suspended messaging privileges. In serious cases, access to the platform may be permanently revoked for that facility.
Key Takeaways
The most important things to remember from this guide.
- Inmate messaging works through facility-approved platforms, not standard email.
- Find out which platform your loved one's facility uses before creating an account.
- Messages go through a review process before delivery and are never private.
- Most messages arrive within a few hours to one business day.
- Costs are typically paid by the sender through a credit or stamp system.
- Content must follow strict facility rules or the message will be blocked.
Related Glossary Terms
Key terms you may encounter while reading about How Inmate Messaging Works.
Inmate Messaging
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
TechnologyElectronic Messaging
Electronic messaging in the correctional system is a digital service that allows incarcerated people and their approved contacts to exchange written messages through a facility-contracted platform, similar to email but with review and restrictions applied.
FinanceInmate Account
An inmate account, also called a trust fund account, is a personal financial account held by the correctional facility on behalf of an incarcerated person that they use to pay for commissary, phone calls, and other approved services.
Related Providers
Communication platforms relevant to How Inmate Messaging Works.
Provider Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of the communication platforms mentioned in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about How Inmate Messaging Works, answered in plain language.
How do I know which messaging platform to use?
Can an inmate message me first?
How long does it take for a message to arrive?
Is inmate messaging private?
What happens if my message is blocked?
Can I send photos with messages?
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Inmate Messaging?
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
Read full definitionWhat is Electronic Messaging?
Electronic messaging in the correctional system is a digital service that allows incarcerated people and their approved contacts to exchange written messages through a facility-contracted platform, similar to email but with review and restrictions applied.
Read full definitionWhat is Inmate Account?
An inmate account, also called a trust fund account, is a personal financial account held by the correctional facility on behalf of an incarcerated person that they use to pay for commissary, phone calls, and other approved services.
Read full definitionRelated Guides
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How to Set Up Inmate Email
A step-by-step guide to creating an inmate email account, finding the right platform, getting approved as a contact, and sending your first message.
Best Inmate Messaging Services
Compare the top inmate messaging platforms including JPay, CorrLinks, ConnectNetwork, and GettingOut to find the right option for your situation.
How JPay Works
A complete guide to JPay, the most widely used inmate communication platform for state prisons, covering messaging, video, money transfer, and account setup.
Ready to Get Started?
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