There is a new way for inmates at some facilities in the United States to communicate with the outside world from behind bars. This kind of thing is called chirping. What is chirping and how does it work in jail?
About the Chirping Device
Chirping is the name of a bright green device that makes it possible for inmates to send text messages to their family members or friends who live in the outside world. When it comes to appearance, the devices look pretty similar to iPhones. However, they are really different when it comes to the function. Unlike iPhones, they do not permit phone calls, photos or apps. It means they only permit texts and these texts can only be sent to people on the outside. The statement also means inmates are not allowed to send texts to each other. In addition, they are also prohibited to chirp to witnesses, victims, or anyone blocked by the facility.
Apparently, the chirping device is pretty smart. It knows its location. Due to this fact, the inmates have no chance to bring it along with them if they try to escape from the jail. To wake the screen up, the inmates have to enter a PIN.
Cost of the Chirping Device
The chirping device is not free. There is a monthly fee for it. Every month, the fee will be automatically deducted as long as the inmates use the device. Apparently, a prorated rental will be charged in case there are not enough fees to cover at the time of rental.
The messages sent by inmates and the ones that they receive from the outside up to 160 characters are a flat rate. For long messages sent by inmates, they will be split up and billed as individual messages. If an inbound message is not viewed or if a certain contact is blocked, there is no need for the inmates to pay for messages they send. Just like outbound messages and inbound messages, support messages the inmates send are a flat rate. However, incoming support messages are free.
Paying for the Chirping Device
The family members or friends of inmates can add funds to their loved ones’ account at any time using the official website of Inmate Sales.
Using the Chirping Device
There are a few steps to follow to use the chirping device. Below is how to do it:
1. Make a request for a chirping device
In order to use the chirping device, the family members or friends of the inmates have to make a request for this service. If the facility approves their request, the device will be sent to the facility where the inmate is located.
2. Sign up for a chirping device
Once the inmate gets the chirping device, they have to sign the user agreement after unlocking the device. They have to enter their name, the same one that shows up in the app. They have to charge it overnight to make the device last a long time.
3. Add funds
In order for the inmates to be able to start chirping, their family members or friends have to add funds to their accounts. For the first three days, they can actually send automated messages for free. The automated messages refer to the kind of messages that will inform the person the inmate chirped, the one who is sending the chirps, and the facility they are chirping from.
Afterward, the one who adds the funds will be asked to go to a direct link to the account of the inmate on the official website of Inmate Sales. Then, they will be asked to use a credit card to add funds to the account of the inmate.
4. Begin sending chirps
Once their account is funded, the inmates can start sending chirps. First of all, they have to enter the complete 10-digit number in the search box located at the top of the Chirping List. After that, tap to start a new conversation. Along with their first chirp, a free chirp identifying them and the facility will be sent.
Some Rules to Follow While Using the Chirping Device
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Charging
The inmates cannot charge the chirping device anytime they want. There are rules for it set by the facility. Usually, the chirping devices are charged overnight after getting returned to an officer. Charging them once a day at night is usually enough as most of them are used moderately or heavily. If they are extremely used, they may need to be charged during the day as long as the facility gives permission to do it.
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Device rules
If the inmate breaks the chirping device, they may lose the chance to use it. Aside from that, they will also be asked to pay for the damage. Everything is written in the agreement. If this device is damaged when it is in their hands, the inmates will have to pay $200.00.
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Facility rules
The use of the chirping devices is controlled by the facility. If they think that an inmate has an issue with their behavior, they can make a decision to terminate the use of the device at any time. In this case, there will be no adjustments or refunds.
Time to Return the Chirping Device
The chirping device is not something to purchase but to rent. As it is rented, the inmates have to return it later. The time when they have to return the device is when they are released from the jail. If there is the unused balance on their account, they can call the customer service of Inmate Sales at 1-877-998-5678 to make a request for a refund.
Talking about the funds, they will be available if the inmates make their return to the facility. In this case, Inmate Sales will try their best to help inmates to get the same telephone number since it is possible for them to give them a new one. Keep in mind that it is a must for the inmates to turn in the device in case they run out of monthly rental funds and cannot get their account funded again.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
