When it comes to inmate communication in U.S. federal prisons, two names often come up: TRULINCS and CorrLinks. Many people confuse these two services, but they are not the same. In this article, we will break down the differences, functions, and how they work together in a way that is easy to understand.
What is TRULINCS?
TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the official messaging system used inside federal prisons. It allows inmates to:
✔ Send and receive electronic messages
✔ Manage approved contact lists
✔ Check their commissary account
✔ Access legal and educational resources
How TRULINCS Works
- Only available inside the prison
- Inmates can access it through special prison computers
- Messages are text-only and monitored by the prison staff
- No direct internet access is allowed
- Inmates must pay $0.05 per minute to use TRULINCS
What is CorrLinks?
CorrLinks is a separate public messaging service that works outside the prison system to allow family, friends, and lawyers to communicate with inmates.
How CorrLinks Works
- Used by people outside the prison to email inmates
- Users need an invitation from the inmate to set up an account
- Messages are sent to and from the TRULINCS system
- Free for most users, but has a premium option with extra features
Key Differences Between TRULINCS and CorrLinks
| Feature | TRULINCS | CorrLinks |
|---|---|---|
| Who Uses It? | Inmates inside federal prisons | Friends, family, and legal contacts outside prison |
| Where Is It Used? | Inside prison | Online (website or app) |
| Does It Have Internet Access? | No | Yes |
| Cost | $0.05 per minute for inmates | Free for most users, premium accounts available |
| Who Owns It? | Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) | Private company (Advanced Technologies Group) |
How TRULINCS and CorrLinks Work Together
Even though TRULINCS and CorrLinks are separate, they work together as a secure email system. Here’s how:
- An inmate uses TRULINCS to send a message
- The message is processed and sent through CorrLinks
- The recipient gets the message via email through CorrLinks
- The recipient can reply through CorrLinks
- The inmate receives the response in TRULINCS
FAQs
Can inmates access CorrLinks?
No, inmates cannot access CorrLinks directly. They only use TRULINCS inside prison.
Do you need to pay for CorrLinks?
CorrLinks is free for most users, but they offer a premium version with extra features like mobile notifications and faster access.
Are messages private?
No. All messages sent through TRULINCS and CorrLinks are monitored by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for security reasons.
Final Thoughts
TRULINCS and CorrLinks are not the same, but they work together to provide a secure way for inmates to communicate with loved ones.
- TRULINCS is used inside prisons
- CorrLinks is used outside prisons
- Both work together for electronic messaging
Understanding how these systems work can help families stay connected with their loved ones in prison while following federal regulations.