CorrLinks – Your Essential Guide to Communicating with Inmates (Updated May 2024)

What is CorrLinks? The term “CorrLinks” refers to a private company that operates an email system used by inmates in the United States to communicate with the outside world. It acts as the user interface for the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS), which is administered by the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons. Essentially, CorrLinks provides a platform for inmates to send and receive emails as part of the broader TRULINCS communication service. This system allows registered users outside the prisons to correspond electronically with inmates, subject to various restrictions imposed for security reasons.

Understanding CorrLinks and TRULINCS: The Email Systems of the U.S. Federal Prisons

CorrLinks and TRULINCS are both integral parts of the email communication system used within the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons, but they serve different roles:

1. TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System): This is the foundational system operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that allows inmates to send and receive emails. TRULINCS is a fee-based system where inmates pay $0.05 per minute to use the system, with additional costs for printing emails at $0.15 per page.
2. CorrLinks: Acts as the user interface for TRULINCS, making it easier for inmates and their external contacts to communicate via email. While TRULINCS is the underlying system, CorrLinks provides the actual platform inmates and the public use to send and receive messages. This service is offered both as a free and premium service, with premium services including faster email delivery and more frequent email checks​.

CorrLinks allows federal inmates to maintain electronic contact with approved outside contacts. Users outside the prison system can register for a free account to receive messages from inmates, though sending messages may incur fees depending on the facility’s policies​.

Overall, TRULINCS is the backend system that facilitates the email service within prisons, and CorrLinks is the frontend interface that inmates and their contacts interact with.

Features of CorrLinks

CorrLinks is a service used for email communication between inmates in certain correctional institutions and their family and friends outside the facility. Here are some key features of CorrLinks:

1. Email Communication: Allows inmates to send and receive emails. This system operates differently from regular email, as it is monitored and regulated by the prison staff.
2. Paid Service: While registration on CorrLinks is free, sending messages can incur a fee. The cost is generally low, but it varies depending on the institution.
3. Message Monitoring and Censorship: All messages sent through CorrLinks are subject to monitoring and censorship by the correctional facility. This ensures that the communication adheres to the facility’s rules and regulations.
4. No Internet Access: Inmates do not have access to the internet. CorrLinks provides a controlled environment where emails can be sent and received without providing access to the broader web.
5. Mobile App: CorrLinks has a mobile app that allows users outside the prison to manage their communication more conveniently.
6. Time Delays: Messages might be subject to delays. The correctional facility’s staff might review emails before they are sent or delivered, which can delay communication.
7. Attachment Restrictions: The ability to send attachments, such as photos or documents, is usually restricted or completely unavailable.

This system provides a vital link for inmates to maintain contact with the outside world, which can be crucial for their rehabilitation and maintaining relationships with family and friends.

Responding to a CorrLinks Email

If you receive a CorrLinks email notification, it indicates an inmate wants to communicate with you. To respond, create and activate a CorrLinks account using the instructions and identification code provided in the email. Messages are accessed and managed via the CorrLinks platform, not your personal email.

Your Guide to CorrLinks Email: Login and Communication Essentials

Here’s a simple Steps of the CorrLinks email login process,

1. Logging In: To access your CorrLinks account, you’ll need to visit the CorrLinks login page here. Enter your registered email address and password to log in.
2. Account Setup: If you’re a new user, you must first receive an invitation from an inmate via email. This email will contain an identification code necessary to complete your registration.
3. Forgot Password: If you forget your password, there is a “Forgot your password?” link on the login page that you can use to reset your password through a self-service process.
4. Sending Messages: Once logged in, you can send messages by navigating to the ‘Mailbox’, clicking on ‘New Message’, selecting the recipient, and then typing your message.
5. Message Monitoring: Be aware that messages sent through CorrLinks may be monitored by the respective correctional facility for security and compliance reasons.
6. Support: CorrLinks offers online support through their FAQ section for common issues, which can be accessed here. They do not provide phone support to keep user fees low.
7. Additional Services: CorrLinks also offers a text service that allows emails to be sent and received via SMS, useful for users without data plans. This service requires a separate subscription and is compatible with major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T.

For detailed steps, troubleshooting, and additional functionalities like receiving email alerts or managing account settings, you can refer directly to the CorrLinks FAQ and support sections on their website.

CorrLinks Portal Services and Features

CorrLinks offers a range of services designed to help friends and family members maintain communication with inmates. Here’s a breakdown of the key features available through the CorrLinks portal:

• Mailbox: Allows users to send and receive messages from inmates, facilitating communication with loved ones who are incarcerated.
• Recharge My Account: Provides an option for users to add funds to their CorrLinks account to continue using the service.
• Account Management: Offers tools to manage account settings, including personal details, security settings, and more.
• Premier Account: Promotes an upgraded service package that includes enhanced features for better communication options.
• Send Money To Inmate: Enables users to transfer funds to inmates, helping them to purchase essentials while inside.
• Photos: Allows the sending of photographs, which can help inmates stay connected to events and personal moments outside.
• Text Service: Offers simplified communication via text messages, making it easier and quicker to stay in touch.

The portal also notes that credit card processing will be unavailable during scheduled maintenance times, highlighting the importance of planning ahead when using the service.

How to Sign Up CorrLinks Account?

CorrLinks provides a secure email system for connecting with inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring all messages are monitored for security. Here’s how to get started:

1. Receiving an Invitation: First, you need an invitation from an incarcerated individual (AIC). You’ll receive an email with an identification code necessary for setting up your account.
2. Registering on CorrLinks: Visit the CorrLinks website and choose to register a new account. During registration, you will need to provide your email address, create a password, and enter the identification code you received.
3. Email Verification: After registering, CorrLinks will send a verification link to your email. Click this link to activate your account.
4. Account Setup: Once your account is verified, log in and complete any additional setup requirements, such as entering billing information if you plan to send messages or fund your account for prepaid messaging.
5. Adding Funds (Optional): If required, you can add funds to your account to send messages. This step is necessary only if the facility where the AIC is housed charges for sending messages.
6. Sending Messages: With your account active and funded, you can start composing and sending messages to the AIC. Navigate to the Mailbox section, click on New Message, add your recipient, type your message, and send.
7. Managing Communications: You can manage your contacts and messages through the account dashboard, where you can add or remove AICs, check your message history, and recharge your account as needed.

These steps will help you establish and maintain contact with inmates, providing crucial emotional support through CorrLinks. Always refer to the official CorrLinks website or their customer support for detailed guidance and help.

How to Reset Your CorrLinks Password: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you forget your CorrLinks password, you can reset it using the self-service option provided on the CorrLinks login page. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Go to the Login Page: Visit the CorrLinks login page at CorrLinks Login.
2. Password Reset Link: Click on the “Forgot your password?” link located on the login page.
3. Enter Your Email: You will be prompted to enter the email address you used to register your CorrLinks account. Enter this information and proceed.
4. Follow Instructions: After entering your email, CorrLinks will send instructions to your email address on how to reset your password. This usually involves clicking a link sent to your email which leads you to a page where you can set a new password.
5. Set New Password: Follow the prompts to create a new password. Choose a strong password that is hard for others to guess.
6. Completion: Once you have set your new password, you can use it to log into your CorrLinks account.

If you encounter any issues during the process or do not receive the password reset email, check your spam or junk mail folder. Make sure to add CorrLinks to your trusted sender list to prevent future emails from going to spam. For more detailed help, you can visit the CorrLinks FAQ section on their website or use their customer support form if you need further assistance.

Quick Guide: Adding Funds to Your CorrLinks Account

To add money to your CorrLinks account for inmate communication, you’ll typically need to access specific features on the CorrLinks website or through associated services like Access Corrections. Here’s a concise and updated guideline:

1. Access the Feature: Navigate to the CorrLinks website and select the option to recharge or fund your account.
2. Enter Amount: Specify how much money you want to add to your account.
3. Provide Payment Information: Enter your billing address and credit or debit card details to process the payment.
4. Confirmation: Confirm the transaction. The funds are usually available shortly after the transaction is processed and can be used for sending messages or photos to inmates.

These steps ensure a secure transfer, allowing you to maintain communication with inmates through the CorrLinks system. For direct links to services and more detailed instructions, you can visit websites like Access Corrections or the CorrLinks portal.

Efficient Messaging with Inmates via CorrLinks: A User’s Guide

To efficiently use CorrLinks for sending messages to inmates, follow this streamlined approach:

1. Ensure Account Funding: Before sending messages, make sure your CorrLinks account has sufficient funds. This is necessary as some institutions may charge a fee for sending messages.
2. Selecting an Inmate: Once logged into your account, go to the ‘Mailbox’ section, and click on ‘New Message’. You’ll then need to select the inmate you wish to communicate with by checking their name from your approved contact list.
3. Compose and Send Your Message: Write your message and click ‘Send’. Keep in mind that messages are subject to monitoring and may be reviewed by the facility’s staff before being delivered to the inmate.
4. Manage Drafts and Sent Messages: You can save messages as drafts to revisit later, and also view your sent messages through the mailbox interface to keep track of your communications.
5. Reviewing and Replying to Messages: Messages from inmates will appear in your inbox, and you can reply directly from there.

Remember, while CorrLinks provides a vital link to those incarcerated, all correspondence is conducted under the oversight of the respective facility, which may monitor and review all messages for security purposes.

CorrLinks Premier Account and Text Service

The CorrLinks Premier Account enhances the standard service by offering additional features designed to make communication more convenient and responsive. For an annual fee of just $6, the Premier Account provides benefits like real-time alerts and the ability to retain messages for 60 days instead of the standard 30 days. This service allows users to receive immediate notifications on their devices whenever a new message arrives, eliminating the need to frequently log in to check for new messages​.

Additionally, CorrLinks offers a Text Service, which is a separate feature allowing messages to be sent and received directly via SMS. This service is available for a monthly fee of $6 or an annual fee of $36. It’s particularly useful for users who prefer or need to communicate through text messages rather than logging into the CorrLinks portal. However, if you already have the Premier Account, it offers sufficient functionality for staying updated without the need for the Text Service, unless SMS access is specifically required​.

Understanding Photo Sending Limitations and Alternatives on CorrLinks

CorrLinks does not support the capability to upload and send photos directly through its platform. All communications via CorrLinks are limited to plain text messages. This is primarily due to security measures within correctional facilities, as they need to monitor and control what content inmates can receive.

For those looking to send photos to inmates, alternative services like Inmate Photos provide solutions that are tailored to meet correctional facility standards. These services handle the printing and delivery of photos, ensuring compliance with the specific regulations of each facility.

If you need to communicate via text or want to explore third-party services for sending photos, it’s recommended to check the respective service’s website for the most current procedures and offerings.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions of CorrLinks

• Service Agreement: Users accept all terms and conditions by using the CorrLinks service, which may change periodically with updates effective immediately upon posting.
• Service Provision: CorrLinks provides electronic messaging services to communicate with inmates based on agreements with various correctional agencies. Available services may vary by facility.
• Usage Fees: Some services may be free (like communications with Federal Bureau of Prisons), while others may incur charges based on facility-specific agreements. All fees are displayed during transactions and are non-refundable.
• Account Funding: Users must fund their accounts using a credit card to access fee-based services. A convenience fee may be charged by the card processor.
• Content Monitoring: Messages sent through CorrLinks can be monitored by the respective correctional facility to ensure compliance with facility regulations and security.
• No Warranties/Liability: Services are provided “as is” without any warranties. CorrLinks and its affiliates are not liable for damages arising from the use of their services.
• Jurisdiction: Disputes related to the service or its use are governed by Iowa law and are subject to the jurisdiction of state and federal courts in Des Moines, Iowa.

CorrLinks App – Your Portal to Inmate Emails

CorrLinks is a mobile app that facilitates communication between people and their loved ones who are incarcerated in select federal and state prison facilities. Here are the key features and details about the CorrLinks app:

Key Features

• Communication: Users can send and receive messages, but it’s important to note that CorrLinks does not support sending attachments like photos or documents. All messages must be in plain text​.
• Real-Time Alerts: The app provides real-time alerts and push notifications whenever you receive a new message​​.
• Message Retention: Messages can be kept in the inbox for 60 days, which is an increase from the previous 30 days.
• Multiple Device Support: You can attach up to three mobile devices to your account​​.
• Ease of Use: The app has removed the need for repeated logins and Captcha verifications on mobile devices, making it user-friendly​​.

Availability and Compatibility

CorrLinks is available for iOS and Android devices, and it requires users to have a Premier Account subscription for full access. The app is primarily used in federal prisons and some state prisons in places like Iowa and Oklahoma​.

Privacy and Monitoring

Messages sent via CorrLinks are monitored by prison staff for security reasons, so it’s essential to avoid sharing sensitive personal information. Privacy practices may vary, especially based on the features you use or your age​.

Corrlinks Mobile App User Reviews and Limitations

Users appreciate the ability to maintain contact with incarcerated loved ones, though some have reported issues such as delays in message delivery and outdated app versions on certain devices. These delays are due to the monitoring process, where each message is reviewed by humans before it’s passed along​.

For those looking to use this service, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations and monitor the updates for the best user experience. Remember, while CorrLinks offers a critical service, it operates under strict regulations typical of correctional facility communications.

Comparing Access: CorrLinks Web vs. Mobile App

Here’s a comparison between the CorrLinks web interface and the CorrLinks mobile app in table form:

Feature	CorrLinks Web	CorrLinks Mobile App
User Interface	Traditional web interface accessible through a browser on any internet-enabled device.	Optimized for mobile devices; provides a more convenient experience for users on smartphones.​
Accessibility	Accessible from any web browser on computers and mobile devices.	Accessible through app downloads on iOS and Android devices.​
Ease of Use	May require logins each session; typical web navigation.	Eliminates frequent logins; designed for quick access and ease of use on mobile devices.​
Features	Full range of services as provided by CorrLinks, including managing contacts and sending messages.	Similar features as the web, but includes additional conveniences like push notifications and the removal of Captcha.​
Message Handling	Messages need to be accessed through the website; manual refresh may be required to see new messages.	Real-time alerts and automatic updates for new messages, enhancing communication timeliness.​
Attachments	Neither platform supports sending attachments, only plain text messages.	Similar to the web, only plain text messages are supported; no attachments allowed.​
Subscription Requirement	No specific mention of different subscription requirements for web access.	Requires a Premier Account subscription for optimal use and access to enhanced features.​

This table highlights the primary differences and some similarities between the web and mobile versions of CorrLinks, helping users choose the platform that best suits their needs and device preferences.

A Brief History of CorrLinks: Bridging Communication for Inmates

CorrLinks is an email system specially designed for inmates in U.S. Federal prisons, managed by Advanced Technologies Group. It’s part of the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) and was introduced in 2009. CorrLinks allows inmates to send and receive emails, but without internet access, ensuring security and control.

This service is not free; it costs inmates $0.05 per minute, with additional charges for printing emails. The content of all emails is monitored and filtered to maintain safety and security within the facilities. CorrLinks helps inmates maintain connections with the outside world, supporting their mental health and rehabilitation by keeping them linked to family and friends​.

CorrLinks and Jpay

“As CorrLinks allow prisoners to communicate with their family members and friends, JPay allows the federal inmates to transfer money as well as other services like email and video communication with their loved ones outside the prison.“

CorrLinks Instructions PDF

If you’re looking for detailed information on Corrlinks, including how to log in, sign up, access premium accounts, process refunds, or use the text messaging service, and prefer visual guides over text, we’ve got you covered. Check out our PDF guide, where each step is clearly illustrated with images to help you navigate the services with ease.

If you encounter any challenges reading the entire content, I have another option for you. You can watch a YouTube video for easier understanding.

FAQs Regarding Corrlinks

• What is CorrLinks
• CorrLinks Login
• CorrLinks Mobile
• CorrLinks FAQs