Staying connected with incarcerated loved ones can be challenging, but correctional facilities are increasingly leveraging technology to bridge the communication gap. Understanding the available “Inmate Text Services” and broader communication options is crucial for families and friends looking to maintain contact. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the inmate technology services offered, focusing on how you can utilize these tools to communicate effectively with inmates.
Inmate Telephone System (ITS): Staying Connected Through Voice Calls
The Inmate Telephone System (ITS) remains a primary method for inmates to connect with the outside world. This system allows eligible inmates to make outgoing calls to approved contacts. It’s important to note that these are typically paid calls, and there are several ways to manage the costs associated with inmate communication.
Registration for Inmate Calls: Your First Step
Before an inmate can call your phone number, you generally need to register your number with the relevant service provider. For instance, to receive calls from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) inmates, you must register your phone number through their designated provider. This registration process often involves verifying your identity and consent to receive calls.
Understanding Call Options and Payment Methods
Inmate call systems typically offer several payment options:
- Collect Calls: The charges for the call are accepted by the recipient when the inmate initiates the call.
- Friends and Family Prepaid Accounts: You can set up a prepaid account specifically for inmate calls. Funds deposited into this account are used to pay for the inmate’s calls to your registered number. This provides more control over call costs.
- Inmate Telephone Prepaid Debit Accounts (Securus Debit Account): Funds can be deposited directly into an inmate’s debit account. The inmate can then use these funds to make calls. This option can be funded by the inmate themselves or by family and friends.
Rules and Regulations Governing Inmate Phone Calls
It’s essential to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding inmate phone calls, which are designed to ensure security and order within correctional facilities:
- Call Availability Hours: Phone access is typically limited to specific hours, often from morning until late evening. These hours may vary depending on the facility and specific circumstances. Tablet phone hours might also differ from standard phone hours.
- Call Duration Limits: Calls are usually limited in duration, often to 30 minutes, to ensure fair access for all inmates. A warning message is typically played one minute before disconnection.
- Call Monitoring and Recording: To maintain security, all inmate calls, except for legally protected calls to attorneys of record, are subject to monitoring and recording. Be mindful of this when communicating with inmates.
- Call Destination Restrictions: Inmate calls are generally restricted to landline home phone numbers and post-paid or pre-paid cell phones. Calls to internet-based services, 800 numbers, businesses, pay phones, or international numbers are typically prohibited.
- Registration and Ownership Verification: To register to receive calls, you may need to confirm that you are the registered owner of the phone number and agree to the terms and conditions of receiving inmate calls.
- Age and Conduct Agreements: Registrants are usually required to be at least 18 years old and agree not to forward calls, create three-way calls, or use speakerphones during inmate calls.
- Approved Calling Lists: Inmates are generally restricted to calling individuals on their approved calling list. It is important that anyone receiving calls is on this approved list.
Victim Notification and Preferences
Victims who do not wish to receive calls from inmates or have concerns should contact victim services for assistance and to ensure their preferences are respected. In Texas, the Victim Services Division can be contacted for support and guidance.
E-Messaging: Modern “Inmate Text Services”
While traditional “text messaging” as we know it on mobile phones isn’t directly available to inmates, e-messaging services provide a digital alternative that functions similarly to texting. These services allow you to send electronic messages to inmates through secure platforms.
Utilizing E-Messaging Platforms
Platforms like JPay are commonly used to facilitate e-messaging with inmates. These platforms require you to create an account to send and potentially receive messages from inmates. E-messaging offers a convenient way to communicate in writing, supplementing phone calls and traditional mail.
Inmate Tablets: Expanding Communication and Access
Inmate tablets represent a significant advancement in inmate technology services. These secure tablets provide inmates with access to a range of resources, including educational, vocational, religious, and legal materials. Crucially, some tablets also offer communication features.
Tablet Communication Capabilities
While not always explicitly “text services,” inmate tablets can facilitate communication through:
- Messaging Apps: Some tablets may include secure messaging applications that allow inmates to exchange messages with approved contacts. This is often a feature within a broader suite of tablet services.
- Email-like Communication: Tablet systems might offer email-like communication features, enabling written correspondence.
- Limited Internet Access (for communication): In some cases, tablets may provide controlled internet access for communication purposes, although this is highly regulated and secure.
It’s important to check the specific features offered by the tablet service provider, such as Securus Technologies, to understand the communication options available at a particular correctional facility.
Securus Video Visitation: Face-to-Face Connection
Securus Video Visitation offers another valuable communication method, allowing families and friends to connect with inmates through video calls. This service brings a more personal dimension to inmate communication by enabling face-to-face interaction.
Video Visitation Details and Availability
- Scheduled and Paid Visits: Securus video visitations are typically scheduled in advance and involve a fee. For example, 60-minute video visits might cost a set amount.
- Visitation Limits: There may be limits on the frequency of video visits, such as one remote video visit per month.
- Facility-Specific Availability: Video visitation is not available at all correctional facilities. You need to check if the facility where your loved one is incarcerated offers Securus Video Visitation. A list of participating facilities is usually available on the service provider’s website.
- Registration and Scheduling: To utilize video visitation, you need to register through the Securus website and follow their instructions for scheduling visits.
- Technical Support: Customer service is available to assist with any technical issues or problems encountered during the video visitation process.
Addressing Complaints and Service Issues
If you experience problems with any of the inmate technology services – including the Inmate Telephone System, E-Messaging, Inmate Tablets, or Securus Video Visitation – it’s important to know how to file a complaint.
Complaint Procedures
Complaints regarding vendor services should be submitted in writing to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Information Technology Division Inmate Technology Services Contract Manager. Include detailed information about the issue and relevant contact information. You can send complaints via mail or email to the addresses provided by the TDCJ.
Conclusion: Navigating Inmate Communication in the Digital Age
Maintaining connections with incarcerated individuals is vital for their well-being and successful reintegration. Understanding the range of “inmate text services” and broader technology-based communication options – from traditional phone calls to e-messaging, tablets, and video visitation – empowers families and friends to stay connected. By familiarizing yourself with the rules, regulations, and available platforms, you can effectively utilize these services to support your loved ones during their incarceration.
