Whether you’re trying to help your criminal son or a friend out of prison or are just trying to get in touch with your criminal husband, there’s a first step. You have to figure out how to contact an inmate.
Making a few phone calls or doing an Internet search is a good start. Also, think about how you’ll talk to that inmate. The two of you won’t want to discuss the alleged crime, so avoid that topic.
Instead, focus on the current situation. Is your incarcerated loved one you know or an old friend you haven’t seen in years? When that conversation moves to how to contact an inmate, think about that person’s interests, what they love to talk about, and what’s important to them.
1. Postal Mail
Sending a letter through postal mail is a traditional and reliable method of communication with inmates. It allows you to write a personal message, share news, or support your incarcerated loved one. When writing a letter, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines set by the correctional facility. These guidelines may include restrictions on the size and type of envelope, restrictions on content (such as no cash or explicit material), and specific formatting requirements.
It’s advisable to include the inmate’s full name, identification number, and the correct facility address to ensure proper delivery. If you are unsure about the inmate’s current location or identification number, you can often find this information through an online inmate search tool provided by the correctional facility.
2. Phone Calls
Phone calls provide a more direct and immediate way to communicate with inmates. Many correctional facilities offer designated calling times for inmates to make outgoing calls.
You will likely need to set up an account with a third-party service provider specializing in inmate calls to receive calls from an inmate. These providers often require you to establish an account, add funds to your account, and provide a phone number to receive calls from the correctional facility.
It’s important to note that phone calls from inmates may be monitored or recorded for security purposes, and there may be restrictions on call duration or frequency to ensure fair access for all inmates.
3. Email or Electronic Messaging
With the progress of technology, some prisons now offer inmates mobile messaging systems or email services. Compared to traditional mail, this is a faster and more convenient way to communicate.
Most electronic messaging systems work by letting you write a message online. The message is then printed and sent to the person.
You may need to set up an account with a designated service provider that lets inmates send and receive email or other electronic messages to use this option. The facility will tell you how to use the system and give you rules about what material and files you can send. Remember that the facility will screen and review texts for security reasons before sending them to the inmates, so there may be a delay.
Contact an Inmate and Connect Hearts Behind Bars
Overall, if you contact an inmate, you can help bring them comfort and remind them they are not alone. Whatever the method of communication, friends and family members should find the most suitable and straightforward approach for their situation.
The important thing is to stay in contact, which can be done through various available outlets. Make sure to get in touch with your loved one today by using these contact options!
Did you learn something new from this article? If so, check out our blog for more educational content.
Leave feedback about this