Important note
Correctional communication rules, approved services, fees, schedules, and mail procedures vary by facility and can change. Confirm current requirements directly with the facility or its official communication provider before sending money, mail, photographs, or gifts. Unchained Connections is a public pen-pal directory; it is not a correctional agency, legal or medical service, or messaging provider, and it cannot guarantee that a service is available or that a message will be delivered.
CorrLinks federal and state procedures differ: For federal Bureau of Prisons TRULINCS, the incarcerated person must add your email address and initiate the invitation; check your email and accept the request in CorrLinks. At participating state facilities, outside users may be able to search for and add the person directly without an invitation. Follow the specific state facility’s process.
Provider names and availability: Services and branding vary by facility. GTL is now ViaPath; ConnectNetwork and myViaPath/GettingOut serve different facilities and products. Verify the provider listed by the specific correctional facility before creating an account or adding funds.
Mail and property rules: Do not rely on general lists as permission to send an item. Facility rules may differ and change; check the recipient’s current facility page or mailroom instructions before mailing anything.
Introduction
Communication can be challenging for those who are incarcerated since they are frequently isolated from their loved ones for prolonged periods of time. But as technology has advanced, email services like **JPay**, **Corrlinks**, and other such platforms have made it simpler to communicate with prisoners, offering a faster and more effective method than traditional postal letters. A thorough tutorial on setting up and utilizing email correspondence with prisoners through platforms such as JPay and Corrlinks may be found below.
- Introduction to Inmate Email Services
Prisoners now frequently use inmate email services to stay in touch with their loved ones. Both the sender and the recipient can communicate in a secure, regulated setting thanks to these services’ secure platform. The basic goal is to promote communication while preserving jail security, while each service has its unique set of guidelines and characteristics.
Popular Services for Inmate Communication:
- JPay: JPay provides video visitation, email, and money transfer services, mostly for state and federal jail prisoners. Numerous correctional facilities throughout the US have affiliations with JPay.
- Corrlinks: Another popular tool for sending and receiving emails to federal prisoners is Corrlinks. Only after registering with Corrlinks may inmates use this platform to send and receive communications.
Other services include **ViaPath / ConnectNetwork (formerly GTL)’s Offender Connect**, **Access Corrections**, and **ConnectNetwork**.
- How to Set Up Email Communication
Setting Up JPay Email Account
To set up email communication via **JPay**, follow these steps:
- Create an Account:
- Visit the official **JPay website** (www.jpay.com).
- Select the “Create an Account” option.
- Create a username and password, enter your email address, and double-check your details. To finish the signup procedure, you must have a working email address.
- Search for the Inmate:
- After creating your account, look for your loved one using the search function on the JPay webpage. To locate the inmate, you will need their **ID number**, **facility name**, or **location**.
- Once you’ve located the prisoner, you may use the accessible messaging interface and choose their name to send them an email.
- Fund Your Account:
- To send and receive emails, prisoners might need to have money on their JPay account. You can use a money order or debit or credit cards to add money to your account.
- Additionally, there are alternatives to pay for items like email message stamps, which come at a little cost each message.
- Send an Email:
- You can start sending emails as soon as your account has been financed and you have access to the inmate’s profile. Just compose your message and submit it.
- Because JPay has a **secure email system**, mails are screened for objectionable material before being sent to the prisoner.
- Wait for a Response:
- Prisoners will respond using their JPay account. The message will appear in your inbox as soon as they send it. Responses may occasionally take several days since prisoners may not always have access to their emails.
Setting Up Corrlinks Email Account
To start communicating with an inmate through **Corrlinks**, follow these steps:
- Create an Account:
- Go to **Corrlinks**’ official website (www.corrlinks.com).
- You’ll need to register for a personal account if you don’t already have one.
- Provide the necessary details, including a working email address. You will receive a confirmation email from Corrlinks along with a link to finish the registration process..
- Connect with an Inmate:
- The inmate may invite you to join their message network if they are registered in the Corrlinks system.
- **Corrlinks** will send you an email with a link to accept the invitation. To authorize the connection, you need to click on this link..
- Start Sending Emails:
- You may begin sending and receiving emails as soon as you’re connected. There can be a fee for each communication, and these emails are not free.
- A safe platform for inmate communication is provided by Corrlinks. Usually, the emails are text-based, and attachments like images can not always be permitted.
- Funding the Inmate’s Account:
- Usually, inmates cannot send texts unless they have money in their Corrlinks account. There are a number of ways to fund their account, including online through the Corrlinks website.
- Using Additional Features:
- Depending on the prison and the inmate’s eligibility, Corrlinks may provide extra services like video visits.
- Cost of Sending and Receiving Emails
Since JPay and Corrlinks are not free systems, both demand a certain amount of payment for their services. Depending on the facilities and amenities utilized, the prices could change.
- JPay Costs:
- Depending on the institution and region, sending emails to prisoners often costs between **$0.25 and $0.50 each message**. The cost of other services like sending video messages or images may increase.
- There may be a fee for convicts to view and reply to messages, and the money must be in their JPay account.
- Corrlinks Costs:
- Both the message sender and the recipient are charged by Corrlinks. Typically, an email message costs between **$0.25 and $0.50**.
- To send answers, inmates also need funds in their Corrlinks account, which may be funded directly by friends and family.
- Email Limitations for Inmates
Although using these platforms for email communication has many benefits, there are several drawbacks to be mindful of:
- Security & Monitoring: Correctional institutions keep an eye on all messages posted and received via these platforms to make sure they are proper and don’t break any jail regulations.
- No Attachments: Generally speaking, prisoners are unable to email attachments (files, photographs). Limited attachments are permitted by certain facilities, although they usually have to follow tight rules.
- Time Delays: Responses might take days or even weeks since prisoners do not always have access to email.
- Cost: Communicating with an offender on a regular basis may get expensive, particularly if they are housed in a facility with higher security and more stringent access rules.
- Best Practices for Inmate Communication
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth communication process:
- Be Respectful: Keep your communications polite and refrain from using offensive language. All messages are watched, thus it’s critical to maintain suitable content.
- Avoid Sensitive Topics: Avoid talking about subjects that might endanger an inmate’s safety or wellbeing, such as illicit activity or personal information, as they may be susceptible to manipulation.
- Check Your Inmate’s Communication Rules: There may be particular guidelines for email correspondence at each site. Pay close attention to these guidelines, including any limitations on the type of messages that can be sent or received by a prisoner.
- Fund Their Account Regularly: Make sure the prisoner’s account has sufficient money to send and receive emails. You could also choose to provide money for other services, such as video visits.
- Conclusion
Inmate email services like **JPay** and **Corrlinks** give friends and family a much-needed lifeline to keep in touch with their loved ones who are jailed. Although these platforms are easy to use, it’s crucial to comprehend the particular steps, expenses, and restrictions associated with each service. You will be prepared to set up and use email contact with prisoners efficiently if you follow the instructions in this handbook.
These platforms, whether you’re using JPay, Corrlinks, or another service, provide a vital means of preserving ties and providing emotional support to individuals who are jailed.
Official guidance
- Federal Bureau of Prisons: Communication with people in custody
- Federal Bureau of Prisons: Facility directory
- For state and local facilities, use the correctional agency’s official website and the facility’s current instructions.
This article is general information, not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.