The simplest way to send an e-message to an inmate is to sign up for a secure messaging service that works directly with the facility. You type your message, attach photos if allowed, and the service delivers it electronically. The inmate reads it on a tablet or kiosk and can reply instantly. No stamps, no envelopes, no waiting for days. But not all jails and prisons allow the same services, so you need to know which one works for your loved one’s facility before you start.
What Exactly Is an E-Message?
An e-message is like an email, but it’s sent through a private platform approved by the correctional facility. You write it on a website or app, hit send, and it lands on the inmate’s electronic device. Many facilities now use tablets for inmates, and messaging is one of the main features. The inmate can read your message, reply, and sometimes even send photos or videos back. The whole exchange happens in minutes, not days.
The confusion usually comes from the variety of services out there. Each jail or prison contracts with a different company. Some use GTL, some use Securus, some use smaller providers. If you sign up for the wrong one, your message won’t go through. That’s why the first step is always to check what your facility supports.
How to Find Out What Your Facility Allows
Start by calling the facility’s administrative office or looking at their official website. They usually list approved communication vendors. You can also ask the inmate during a phone call or visit—they often know which service they use because they see it on their tablet.
Another approach is to search online for “[facility name] inmate messaging” and see what comes up. But be careful: some third-party sites try to sell you services that aren’t actually connected to the facility. Stick to the official vendor or a trusted independent service that works across multiple facilities.
What You Need to Send an E-Message
Once you know the approved service, you’ll typically need:
- Your full name and contact information
- The inmate’s full name and ID number (often called their booking number or DOC number)
- Your email address to set up the account
- A payment method if the service charges per message or a monthly fee
Some services require identity verification—you may need to upload a photo of your ID. This is to prevent fraud and keep communication secure. Once your account is approved, you can start sending messages.
What to Expect When You Send a Message
After you click send, your message goes through a review process. In most facilities, staff screen messages for security threats, contraband (like inappropriate photos), or violations of facility rules. This can take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the facility’s staffing. If your message is approved, the inmate gets it on their tablet. If it’s rejected, you may get a notification explaining why.
Keep your messages appropriate. Don’t include anything that could be seen as planning illegal activity, discussing gang-related topics, or sending explicit images. Each facility has its own list of prohibited content, but common sense goes a long way.
How InmateDB Makes It Simple
If you want a service that works with many facilities and offers more than just messaging, InmateDB is a strong option. With InmateDB, you can send messages, photos, and letters online. Inmates can even text U.S. and Canada phone numbers—a feature that’s rare among messaging services. The inmate also gets access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. Pricing is $19.99 per month, and they offer a 5-day free trial so you can test it before committing.
InmateDB is not a vendor that contracts with facilities; instead, it works on top of existing systems, so it’s worth checking if your facility supports the service. Their website has a facility lookup tool to help you confirm compatibility.
Tips for Smooth E-Messaging
Write clearly and keep messages positive. Inmates often look forward to hearing from family, and a supportive note can make a big difference. Avoid complaining about the facility or the legal system—messages like that are more likely to be flagged.
If you send photos, keep them small in file size and appropriate. Many services compress images automatically, but if the photo is too large or violates policy, it won’t go through.
Check your account regularly for replies. Some services notify you by email, but not all do. If you haven’t heard back in a few days, log in to see if your message was delivered or if the inmate responded.
Alternatives to E-Messaging
If your facility doesn’t allow electronic messaging, you may still have options like email (through a service like CorrLinks or JPay), phone calls, or video visits. Traditional mail also works, though it’s slow. Some facilities offer kiosks where inmates can send messages to approved contacts, but the process is similar from your end—you’ll need to sign up and verify.
Final Recommendation
E-messaging is the fastest way to stay in touch with an incarcerated loved one. Start by checking what your facility allows, then choose a service that fits your needs. If you want a feature-rich option with a free trial, InmateDB is worth a look. It offers more than just messaging—it gives the inmate access to educational tools and entertainment—which can help them stay engaged and connected. Sign up for the free trial, send your first message, and see how much easier it is than waiting for a letter.