Corrlinks is an email system used by inmates in federal prisons to communicate with approved contacts outside. It allows secure, monitored exchanges between prisoners and their friends or family. The service is part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ communication system.
What is CorrLinks Main Menu?
The CorrLinks Main Menu is the central dashboard for users who want to communicate with inmates via email. It is designed to be easy to use and allows family and friends to stay connected with their loved ones who are incarcerated. Here’s a breakdown of its features:
Key Features of the CorrLinks Main Menu
Here are the names of the main features in the CorrLinks Main Menu:
- Inbox
- Contacts Management
- Account Settings
- Compose Message
- Subscription Services
CorrLinks: How to Use the Messaging System with Inmates
1. Inbox and Messaging
The inbox is where users receive and send messages to inmates. Messages are text-only, with no attachments like photos or documents allowed. The system is monitored, so emails can take 1 to 2 hours to be delivered after review by prison staff. Messages are limited to 13,000 characters (roughly 2,000 words).
2. Managing Contacts
The CorrLinks platform requires you to add inmate contacts before messaging. To do this, the inmate must first send a request using your email address. Once you approve the request, the inmate becomes part of your contact list, and you can start exchanging messages.
3. Account Settings
In this section, you can update your profile details, manage subscriptions, and set up notifications. For example, you can enable alerts to notify you when new messages arrive. Some premium features, like text notifications, come with a subscription.
4. Costs and Fees
CorrLinks is free to use for communicating with federal inmates, but state and private prisons may charge fees depending on their agreements. These fees can vary, with costs sometimes associated with each message or for premium services.
5. Mobile App
For ease of use, CorrLinks also offers a mobile app available on both Android and iOS. This makes it easier to send and receive messages on the go.
6. Sending and Receiving Emails
Emails are sent through a simple process where you select the inmate from your contact list, type your message, and hit send. There is a 13,000-character limit, and users cannot send attachments. Messages are usually delivered within 1-2 hours, depending on the prison’s review process.
7. Privacy and Monitoring
All communications through CorrLinks are monitored by prison staff to ensure security. Although CorrLinks uses encryption to protect your data, you should be mindful that messages are not private.
How to Efficiently Use CorrLinks for Communication
- Draft Messages Offline: Write your messages in a notes app or word processor before copying them into CorrLinks to avoid losing progress if the system times out.
- Use the Mobile App: The CorrLinks app allows for quick replies, making communication faster and easier. Save your drafts to prevent losing messages.
- Set Notifications: Enable notifications to receive alerts for new messages and respond more quickly.
These tips help make CorrLinks simpler and more efficient.
