Can inmates send and receive texts and emails?
Almost all jails and prisons have adopted a messaging system which allows inmates to communicate with their friends and family using an electronic messaging system. It’s neither email nor text, it’s something in between.
The inmate and their contacts do not use their regular email accounts or phone numbers, but account numbers that are set up with the company providing the service.
All communication goes through them. Think of them as a middleman.
Once a contact of the inmate is approved, like the approval process a visitor goes through, an account is set up, using a credit or debit card to fund the account.
To start, the inmate’s contact can send a message that has a limit of so many characters, usually about one page of text.
The message is then reviewed by a computer that scans the message for certain keywords or phrases that are not allowed, almost like a censoring service. If the machine scanner finds problems with the message it sends the message to the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility staff to review, and if they find no issues, will then forward it to the inmate’s account so that they can read it.
If there are problems with the message, it is possible the message will not be sent. The sender will be notified of the decision and will not get a refund.
Once the inmate receives the message, should the account holder have funded the account allowing replies, the inmate can respond with a similar length message.
How much does it cost for an inmate to use a text or email service?
The cost to use the electronic messaging service, which is like texting or emailing, costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per page; a page being about 500 characters.
Can inmates send and receive photos through their messaging system?
Photos can be sent by the inmate’s contact that is not incarcerated, but not by the inmate due to security concerns. There is an extra cost, usually about $0.50 for each photo attached.
The photos must go through a security screening where nudity, violence and other things are checked before the photo can be delivered. If the photo is rejected, the sender will be notified, but no refund will be given.
The inmate does not have the ability to print out the photos that make it past the screening, but the photos will stay in their account so that they can view them at their leisure.
Can I send an inmate a link to a video to watch?
No. Because this is a closed system, the inmate has no access to the internet, thus the inmate will have no access to any links that you send them.
Can I send the inmate a video?
Yes, just as you can send text and photos, you can send a video message, or if not a message, then a video of your children or yourself. Every company has a limit on the length of the video, usually no more than one minute, and at a cost of approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per video.
The video will first be screened for any nudity, excessive vulgarity, violence, etc. If it is rejected on any of the grounds the sender will not be given a refund.
As with the policy of photos, the inmate cannot reciprocate. They cannot send videos of themselves or anything in jail.
What device does an inmate use for texting and emailing?
The jails that contract with the electronic messaging service is given a certain number of kiosks within each unit for inmate use. Inmates can log on as they might with a public computer terminal.
In addition to the public terminal kiosks, inmates are given (or can rent) access to individual tablets like a bulky, almost indestructible ipad. These allow an inmate to use them to access your messages, photos and videos in a more private manner.
Should the inmate damage the tablet, they will be responsible for replacing it. The money will be deducted from their commissary account.
What is the inmate text and email system in Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility?
The electronic messaging system used by Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility, if there is one, can be found at the top of this page. If there is no information about the ability to text or email with an inmate, it is possible that the facility has recently changed companies or does not have this service available. Call 304-843-4067 to confirm.
What are the companies that provide inmate electronic messaging services?
This is a list of all the companies in the United States that work with jails and prisons, providing text and email messaging between inmates and their friends and families:
Access Corrections
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Pay
Corrlinks
Ctel
Edevo
Express Account
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
JailATM
J Pay
NCIC
Paytel
Pigeonly
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
TBE
Visitel
How do I fund the inmate’s messaging system?
You fund the messaging service with credit and debit cards. All of them take Visa and MasterCard, most also take Discover, and just some take America Express.
How often can an inmate text and email?
There is no limit to the amount of texting and email that an inmate can have with their family and friends.
Can inmates’ text any time of the day or night?
If an inmate has their own tablet, then they can text any time of the day or night, however if the must use the wall mounted kiosk terminal in their unit, they are limited to using it only during the hours they are allowed off their bunks; usually 7:00AM to 10:00PM, excluding meals, head counts and shift changes.
Can inmates email other inmates in other jails or prisons?
No, inmates are not allowed to communicate with each other, nor with inmates in other institutions. There is always a way to get around it, for example if one of the inmates has access to a phone with an internet connection, but this would be the only way.
Mail, Emailing and Texting an Inmate using TextBehind
TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.
Here’s how it works for Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility: IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility West Virginia (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2. If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3. An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4. All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5. Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.
- TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once theyprocess your mail and ship them out on your behalf, theyare out of the loop entirely. However, at times theymay offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy.
- Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them.
Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:
- Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
- Next, youwill receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon.
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...
- Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
- The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps.
- All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
- After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
- The delivery of your letters dependson couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.
IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS: ** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts
TextBehind Volume Discount packages
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility West Virginia (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards Envelopes
The Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.
The Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility-WV
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional
112 Northern Regional Correction Drive
Moundsville, WV 26041
Newspapers Magazines Books
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
The Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon,Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million.You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
Allnewspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional
112 Northern Regional Correction Drive
Moundsville, WV 26041
Marshall County Bail Bond Information
Because Marshall County and West Virginia can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facilityat 304-843-4067, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this rightafter an arrestee has been booked.
Ask the staff at the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility or the Marshall County Court Clerk these specific questions:
- Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
- How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
- Where do I go to pay it?
- Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
- What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
- Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?
If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released.
This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.
TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.
Here’s how it works for Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility: IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility West Virginia (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2. If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3. An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4. All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5. Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.
- TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once theyprocess your mail and ship them out on your behalf, theyare out of the loop entirely. However, at times theymay offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy.
- Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them.
Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:
- Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
- Next, youwill receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon.
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...
- Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
- The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps.
- All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
- After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
- The delivery of your letters dependson couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.
IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS: ** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility West Virginia (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.
How to Deposit Money in an Inmate's Trust Account in Orderto Purchase Prepaid Calling Cards, Phone Calling Time or Commissary
To Deposit Money in an inmate's account follow these steps:
- Create a ConnectNetwork account
- Selectyour inmate, andadd to them to your account,
- Deposit money into his or her commissary account.
**NOTE** GTL isin a transitionmerging into a new company called ViaPath Technologies.
- Deposit options available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone 877-650-4249, and online.
- Mobile-friendly deposit options are available via their app.
- Deposits and payments made through automated channels (ConnectNetwork Website, Mobile App, Toll Free Phone, or Kiosk at the jail) are transmitted to the facility within one business day.
- Deposits that are mailed are processed the next business day after they are received by GTL.
- Inmate can choose how to spend the funds you deposit.
All the information you need to understand depositing money into an inmate's trust fund, specifically for phone calls, but also for Commissary, inMarshall County, can be found on our Send MoneyPage.
How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility by Phone
Follow these instructions on how toopen an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
- Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
- Pin Debit - This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
- Voicemail - You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.
For full instructions on the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out ourInmate PhonesPage.
Depositing Money for Communicating with an Inmate
How to Make a Deposit for Phone, Email or Visitation using GettingOut.com
Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility uses GettingOut for some or all of its communication services with an inmate.
If you want to deposit money using this company for your use or your inmate's account, there are four ways to do it:
- Online- They accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
- At the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facilityusing the kiosk in the jail lobby - (cash, debit or credit card) NOTE - Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility mayrequire identity verification so bring your driver’s license or some other form of ID.
- By phone by calling866-516-0115- They havebi-lingual operators are standing by 24 hours 7 days a week to assist you with your deposit. Major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
- By using their app, either Android or iphone. - All credit cards mentioned above are accepted.
For all the information you need to know, including tips, guidelines and warnings about depositing money in a Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facilityinmate's account for communication services, check out ourSend Moneypage.
How Inmates Can Use aTablet to Access Services at Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL
2. Purchase the services you want for your Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out ourTablet RentalPage.
How to Communicate with an Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Inmate by Mail and by Email
To mail or email an inmate in Marshall County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
- All mail sent to an inmate at the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
- All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
- Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
- The Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations.
- All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on ourInmate MailPage and ourText/Email an InmatePage.
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTLGettingOut, the same servicethat handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, forsending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
- Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
- After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
- You can also send your Marshall County inmate photos and videos.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Marshall County can be found on ourInmate Mail Page and ourText/Email an InmatePage.
How Do You Visit an Inmatein Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility?
To visit an inmate in Marshall County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on ourVisit InmatePage, Marshall County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility:
1.Using the GettingOutKiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOutapps.
To remotely visit an inmatein Marshall County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Marshall County here.
2. The next step is tocreate an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility, and then theinmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Marshall County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls &Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Visitation Servicesyou can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers andclergyvisitation in Marshall County, can be found on ourVisit InmatePage. Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Phone: 304-843-4067
How to Send aCarepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Marshall County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility follow these steps:
- Select West Virginia, then select Northern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
- Register and create an account withAccess Securepak, for Marshall County.
- Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Marshall County at any one time.
For all information, tips and available items for shippingCommissarypackages to an inmate inNorthern Regional Jail & Correctional Facility check out our Commissary Instructions PageforMarshall County.