In some jails, there are chirping devices for inmates. A chirping device is a device that can be used by inmates for texting and it is the CPC (Combined Public Communications) product name. The device looks like a cell phone, but of course with limited functions.
Does a chirping device have a number like a cell phone? It seems to be true. As explained on the Cheyenne County Sheriff site, an inmate who gets a chirp will get a dedicated phone number so that they are able to directly chirp (text) their family members and friends. So, if you hear that someone that you love who is incarcerated talks about the chirp number, it means the phone number of their chirping device. There is not much information about a chirp number and this is the information I got from some sources about a chirp number. Now, let’s find out more about the chirping device itself.
After an inmate has been given a chirp device, then they are permitted to send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of having the device. The messages will provide information to the person the inmate Chirped who is transmitting the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from. After that, it will ask them to access a direct link to the account of the inmate on the website of Inmate Sales. They will be given instruction on the website to use a credit card to put money on the account of the inmate. What will happen if the inmate has not been successful in getting money in three days for funding the account? The inmate needs to give back the chirping device to the facility staff.
Is using a chirp device free? No, it doesn’t. Every month, inmates will be charged a service fee of $4.00. The cost of inbound and outbound chirps is $0.10 per message. The length of a message that can be sent is limited where they can send a maximum of 160 characters. If the message is long, which is more than 160 characters, it will be split and billed as individual messages.
If there are funds on an inmate’s chirping device, the inmate can chirp any cell phone and the chirp will appear as a normal text. A family member or a friend can stop receiving chirps from an inmate and it can be done by replying STOP to the chirp.
Don’t think that a chirping device has a lot of apps like a smartphone. This device is only for chirping (texting) so that the inmate will not be able to access any other apps or services. Besides, the chirping device also has a PIN where every time an inmate wants to use it, they need to enter the PIN.
When an inmate uses this device, they have to make sure that they do not damage it, because if the device is damaged, the inmate will have to pay $200.00.
The device needs to be charged and the rules for it are determined by each facility. However, usually chirping devices are charged overnight after the devices are turned into an officer. Normally, the battery of the chirping device can last one day if it is under moderate and heavy use. If the use is very heavy, then it can be charged during the day as long as the facility permits it.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
