The advancement of technological developments in communication has now spread to correctional institutions which were initially thought to be impossible. Well, the use of “Chirpers” or also known as “chirping device” in prison is clear evidence of this.
Through Chirper, inmates can send and receive messages in real-time with their family members or friends. In order to exchange messages with each other, funds should be added to the inmate’s chirp account first.
If you happen to want to add funds to your loved one’s chirp account, you can find the guide below.
Adding Money to Inmate’s Chirp Account: Here’s How!
It’s pretty straightforward for you to put money on Inmate’s chirp account. To do so, you just simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Accept a Fund Request from an Inmate
You can put money into the inmate’s chirp account after they send you an automated fund request message on the chirping device. If you accept the request, it will take you into Inmate Sales website that instructs you to add fund to their chirp account.
If necessary, you can download the Inmate Sales app on your mobile phone since it is available both on Android or iOS. If not, you can make a transaction on Inmate Sales website.
Step 2: Register for Inmate Sales Account
First, you’ll need to create an Inmate Sales account here. https://inmatesales.com/#!/login
You can enter your phone number first.
If a pop-up window appears, you can select verification method to get the code, either via text message or phone call. Then, enter the verification code on the available bar.
Once you correctly enter the code, you’ll be required to enter your email address.
Then, check your email and click “Verify Email” link for verification.
The next page will require you to fill out the fields for registration, including
- Your email address and password
- Your first and last name
- Your billing address
- Your living address
- Your phone number
Step 3: Log into Your Account
Once your Inmate Sales has successfully created, you can now log into your account.
Make sure to enter your credentials, i.e., email address and password that you’ve registered.
Step 4: Add Funds to Inmate’s Chirp Account
After logging in, you can add funds to the inmate’s chirp account. You can do it either;
On Website
Go to the “Purchasing” section.
Choose a facility where the inmate is incarcerated.
Choose a product you’d like to purchase.
Here, click “Chirping Text Messaging.”
Then, you can enter the amount of money you’d like to send.
Enter your credit card number.
Make sure to follow on-screen instructions to complete your transaction until the fund is successfully added to the inmate’s chirp account.
On Inmate Sales App
Grab your phone.
Open Inmate Sales app.
On the app’s home screen, tap “New Purchase.”
Choose a facility where the inmate is incarcerated.
Choose a product you’d like to purchase. Here, tap “Chirping Text Messaging.”
Enter the amount of money you’d like to send.
Last, make payment by following on-screen instructions.
Okay, that’s a step-by-step process to add funds to the inmate’s chirp account through Inmate Sales.
How to Use Chirping Text Messaging Service
Chirper is a communication device that allows inmates to send text messages to people outside prison. The device is developed by Combined Public Communications (CPC), a communication company for prison.
The family members or friends can make a request to use Chirper for inmates. Once your request is approved by the facility, the device will be delivered to the inmate.
When the inmates receive the Chirper, they will be required to sign the user agreement. The Chirper is secured with a PIN that inmates should enter anytime to unlock the device. The inmate can then type their name correctly when it appears in the app.
For the first three days of the device’s possession, the inmates can send 5 free automated messages every day. And it is a fund request message to inform the recipient that the inmate just sent the messages from the facility.
The message will require the inmate’s families or friends to put money on their account. Once theirs are funded, the inmate can enter the number you’d like to send to start a new conversation.
How Much Does It Cost to Use Chirper?
The Combined Public Communications (CPC) uses a rental system for inmates who want to use Chirper. That means the inmates must return the device to the facility when they are released.
To use this chirping messaging service, inmate will be charged about $4.00 in monthly basis. They should pay $0.10 for each inbound and outbound chirping message.
If the device is lost or damaged, then inmates must be responsible for replacing the device by paying around $200.00.
It is important to note that each inbound and outbound message must be no more than 160 characters. If the message is long, it will be split up and inmate should pay as individual messages.
