There is a different way for the inmates to communicate with their family members and friends while behind jail. It is by using a Chirp phone. By the way, what is a Chirp phone? Well, on this page, we will try to discuss what a Chirp phone is.
What is a Chirp Phone?
A Chirp phone is a type of mobile phone which is commonly used in correctional facilities such as jail and prison. Also, a Chirp phone is referred to as “prison phones” or “burner phones”. Currently, there are many correctional facilities that provide the Chirp phone for the inmates. With a Chirp phone, the inmates will be able to communicate with people on the outside. Of course, this is a great way for the inmates to keep in touch with their family members and friends while behind jail.
A Chirp phone is enclosed in a protective enclosure. Need to note that a Chirp phone only allows the inmates to send text messages. It does not allow the inmates to make calls, send or receive photos, download apps, or search the internet. So, with a Chirp phone, the inmates only can send text messages for their family members and friends. They do not have access to any other apps or services. Nevertheless, this Chirp phone can know the location and must not leave the correctional facility. In addition, a Chirp phone is secured with a PIN. The inmates must enter their PIN anytime they want to open the Chirp phones.
Currently, the Chirp phones are made available to every inmate in the correctional facility at a cost to the inmate or their family members. The inmates who can pay the Chirp phones, and do not abuse them, or commit any type of violation, are given permission by the correctional facility to keep the Chirp phones while behind jail. Before using the Chirp phone, the inmates must sign the user agreement. It will make the inmates responsible for the Chirp phones. Remember that the inmates must pay $200 if the Chirp phone is broken. So, the inmates must use the Chirp phones well and make sure that they will not abuse them.
Using a Chirp Phone – Getting Started
If the inmates want to use a Chirp phone, they must request the correctional facility to use this service. If the correctional facility approves it, then the inmates will be given a Chirp phone to use. Once the inmates receive the Chirp phones, they will be asked to sign the user agreement upon first unlocking their Chirp phones. With this user agreement, hopefully the inmates can be responsible for the Chirp phones. Also, the inmates must type their name exactly as it appears in the app.
Read also: How to Add Funds to an Inmate’s Chirp Account
Besides a Chirp phone, the Inmates will also get a dedicated phone number to send text messages with people on the outside. For the first three days of possession of the Chirp phone, the inmates can send five free messages each day. These messages will notify the person to whom the inmate is sending the message as well as the correctional facility they are located. It will ask them to visit a direct link to the inmate’s account on the official website of inmatesales. The site will ask them to use a credit card to add money to the inmate’s account. Make sure that the inmates or their family members can add money on the inmate’s account so that the inmate can keep using a Chirp phone. If the inmates cannot obtain money for their account in three days, they must return the Chirp phones to the correctional facility staff.
After the inmate’s account is funded, then the inmates can start a new conversation. To start a new conversation with a new number, the inmates must enter the complete 10-digit number in the search box at the top of the Chirping list. Please tap to start a new conversation. A free Chirp that identifies you and the correctional facility will be sent along with your first Chirp.
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.
