In an era where digital communication has become indispensable, apps like Securus Mobile play a crucial role in maintaining connections between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Securus Technologies, a leading provider of correctional technology solutions, has developed the Securus Mobile app to facilitate secure and convenient communication with inmates. This review essay explores the app’s features, usability, benefits, and potential drawbacks, providing a detailed analysis for prospective users.
Before delving into the app itself, it is essential to understand the company behind it. Securus Technologies is a well-established provider of inmate communication services, offering phone calls, video visitation, messaging, and other correctional facility management solutions. The company serves over 3,600 correctional facilities across North America, ensuring secure and monitored communication between inmates and approved contacts.
The Securus Mobile app is an extension of these services, allowing users to manage inmate communications directly from their smartphones. Given the sensitive nature of prison communications, the app prioritizes security, compliance, and ease of use.
1. User Registration and Verification
Before using the Securus Mobile app, users must undergo a strict verification process to ensure compliance with correctional facility regulations. The steps include:
- Creating an account with personal details (name, address, phone number).
- Submitting identification documents (government-issued ID) for approval.
- Linking to an inmate by providing their details (name, ID number, facility).
This verification process helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only approved individuals can communicate with inmates.
2. Inmate Calling and Video Visitation
One of the primary functions of the Securus Mobile app is facilitating phone calls and video visits with inmates. Key aspects include:
- Prepaid Account System: Users must deposit funds into a prepaid account to make calls or schedule video visits.
- Call Scheduling: Users can schedule calls in advance, ensuring they don’t miss communication windows.
- Video Visitation: Some facilities allow video calls, which can be scheduled and conducted through the app.
The call quality varies depending on the facility’s infrastructure, but the app generally provides a stable connection.
3. Secure Messaging (Email & Text)
In addition to calls, the app supports secure messaging, allowing users to send text-based messages to inmates. Features include:
- Message Drafting & Attachments: Users can compose messages and attach photos (subject to facility approval).
- Message Monitoring: All communications are monitored and archived for security purposes.
- Delivery Notifications: Users receive confirmations when messages are delivered and read.
This feature is particularly useful for maintaining regular contact without relying solely on phone calls.
4. Payment and Account Management
The app includes a wallet system where users can:
- Deposit funds via credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
- Track spending on calls, messages, and video visits.
- Set up auto-replenishment to avoid service interruptions.
The payment system is secure, but transaction fees can be high, which is a common critique among users.
5. Notification System
The app sends real-time alerts for:
- Incoming calls from inmates.
- Message deliveries and read receipts.
- Low balance warnings to ensure uninterrupted service.
This feature helps users stay updated without constantly checking the app.
6. Customer Support
Securus provides 24/7 customer support through:
Live chat within the app.
Phone support for urgent issues.
FAQ and troubleshooting guides.
While support is generally responsive, some users report delays during peak times.
Ease of Use
The Securus Mobile app has a user-friendly interface, with clearly labeled tabs for calls, messages, payments, and settings. New users may need time to navigate the verification process, but once set up, the app is straightforward.
Performance and Reliability
Call Stability: Most users report decent call quality, though some experience drops due to facility restrictions.
App Speed: The app loads quickly, but occasional updates are required for optimal performance.
Compatibility: Available on iOS and Android, with regular updates to fix bugs.
Security Measures
Given its purpose, the app employs advanced security protocols, including:
- End-to-end encryption for messages and calls.
- Biometric login (fingerprint/Face ID) for added security.
- Strict monitoring to prevent misuse.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for physical visits or landline calls.
- Affordable Communication: While not cheap, it is often more cost-effective than traditional collect calls.
- Enhanced Connection: Video visits and messaging help maintain stronger relationships.
- Transparency: Users can track spending and communication history easily.
- High Costs: Fees for calls and messages can add up quickly.
- Strict Regulations: Some facilities limit communication times, affecting usability.
- Verification Delays: Account approval can take several days.
- Limited Features in Some Facilities: Not all jails support video calls or messaging.
Many users appreciate the app’s reliability and ease of use, but common complaints include:
“The fees are too high compared to regular phone services.”
“Account verification takes too long.”
“Video visits are not available in all facilities.”
Despite these issues, most agree that the app is a valuable tool for staying connected with incarcerated loved ones.
The Securus Mobile app is a powerful and necessary tool for families and friends of inmates. While it has some drawbacks—such as high costs and facility restrictions—its security, convenience, and communication features make it a leading choice in correctional communication technology.
For those seeking a reliable, secure, and user-friendly way to stay in touch with incarcerated individuals, the Securus Mobile app is highly recommended.
For anyone navigating the challenges of prison communication, the Securus Mobile app remains one of the best solutions available today.
