Does anyone know about what visitations are like at a camp? Also about furloughs from camp? My guy is suppose to go to Otisville in NY (camp) soon, I was just wondering what to expect???? thanks :-)

My husband is in Texarkana FPC. For the most part the visits are good. There is a playground for the kids. There is an air conditioned room/ in summer, heated in winter. There are vending machines and that is your only source of food and beverages. Once you leave your car you can't go back without terminating the visit.
When I arrive, I drive up, park, and walk into the main entrance of the camp building. There are usually 2 guards sitting at a desk and we have to fill out an information form every day. My husband is usually standing back waiting for us to arrive, if he isn't they call his name. Every now and then the guards will get up and walk around. Each guard has pet peaves that others don't. So it really depends on their moods of whether you have a relaxed visit or not. For instance, we have a 4 yr old son. And since we have been visiting here, every week I bring a blanket for him at nap time. We have been here since June 2002. NOONE has ever said anything. And the same guards have been there since like right before Christmas, and I have brought a blanket everytime. And about 3 weeks ago now, one of the 2 guards told me I couldn't have the blanket and I had to take it back to the car. So I took it back to the car, pissed and fuming of course, and when I got back in I said (as sweetly as I could) "I don't mean to be disrespectful, but the posted visitation rules clearly state that you can bring a blanket for a child, and you guys have seen us every week and you know that we make him take a nap around 11:30 everyday" To which he replied, well I didn't like that blanket, bring a different one next time. So see, he knew, but he just wanted to be a jerk about it. I have since seen 3 of the same blankets in visitations....I just bring a different one....one of those pick your wars wisely things I guess.
We are allowed to move in and outside at our leisure, and you are allowed to bring cigarettes, the inmates are not allowed to bring them out. If your husband has a wedding ring, make sure he declares that when your visit starts and the guard is asking what he has....I have seen where the guy forgot to declare it, and they took it from him. They have picnic tables with umbrellas here also. I figure it could be ALOT worse, so i try not to complain (Honestly the blanket thing was the worst)
As far as, displays of affection, they will get on to you about that if you get carried away. They have taken guys to the hole for that here.
I hope this helps!

Thanks Ballen,

In medium we once got our visit terminated because we kissed (pecked) on the way in from a cigarette break. I had not seen him for 6 months. I am in Connecticut and he is in NC. So I understand the way that it goes sometimes. The baby blanket thing was rediculious! How long has your husband been there? Have you heard anything about furoughs? My man is in low presently and waiting to go to a camp, hopefully before Thanksgiving. He is on his 12th year with 3 to go. I heard that when you have 24 months of your sentence left you can ask for a furlough ....mabe it is a percentage thing...I am not sure. And at 6months left you can go into a halfway house or house arrest. I really don't know much yet that is why I am asking all these questions. As he moves closer to home. I can visit more often and look forward to spending more and more time with him and even look forward to the day he is released AHHHH yes. Well thanks for all the info.
Anita

Anita,
Sorry I didn't post my name as well...it is Barbara Allen.

Ed was sentenced in May 2002, and has been in Texarkana since June 2002. Man, I think I would die if I couldn't give him a peck on the lips...that had to suck.
As far as the furlough thing....this particular camp, the administrator will NOT grant a furlough, under any circumstance, and any wife that raises a fuss gets her husband in ALOT of trouble. And on the 1/2 way house...back in December John Ashcroft sent a letter enforcing the 10% rule for 1/2 way house. The only way you get 6 months is if you have a 60 month or more sentence, other wise you get 10% and that is it. So Ed will only get 2 months 1/2 way house.
Hope this has helped some.
Barbara

Barbara,
That is so wild about furloughs. I didn't know it depends on where you are. I thought it was a universal federal thing. I hope we get furloughs...I have been looking forward to that. It has been such a long time. I guess we have to do what they say....I am just praying that we can be together next year. At least the 1/2 way house thing will happen at 6month point for Danny. He was sentenced in 1991. His release date is July 26th 2006. So that will mean Jan 2006 he can go into 1/2 way house. Do you know anything about house arrest? I heard that can be an option too?????? I know 2006 is so far away for many but for us it is so close :-) And if he is able to get furloughs at 24 months to go. That will be 1 yr from July. Can't hurt dreamin' Thanks Barbara for all your help...good luck to you Ed and your family!!
Anita

We recently had a 24 hour furlough turned down by the WI Probation - they said since my husband is in Las Vegas (yeah, right in the middle of it??) they would not approve of the furlough. Reason..........they do not allow their inmates to go out a have a fling. Everyone had approved the furlough up to this point; Vegas probation was extremely surprised that this was a valid reason, but the final approval has to come from the district where you were sentenced.

I would've fought them on their decision, but inevitably the probation officer will be with us for a long time after my husband is home again. So, we cancelled all the reservations, etc. and had a regular visit the day we were to have the furlough.

So far, my visits have been pleasant - some guards have their days where they crab about stupid stuff; but we've had some nice private moments together. They are real particular about the dress code at Nellis and I got busted chewing gum twice now.

We also have a playground, courtyard and large visiting room inside. There are so many visitors each weekend that sometimes its hard to find a table! I usually arrive at least 1 1/2 hours before visitation to be one of the first ones in. We can't drive up to the camp alone, we need to line up and be escorted. Not so bad, considering they used to bus us from the race track parking lot.

Be careful to read over the dress code, as well as what you cannot bring in before you go to visit. I know hand lotion is a big no-no at our camp.

Hi Countess,

I am anticipating going to visist a camp. It doesn't sound too bad. In the mean time I have to wait until June to visit my love in NC. June seems so far away right now. I know if it were me and I was looking forward to a furlough I would be upset. You sound like you are handling well. How long before he is realeased? Is he going to 1/2 way house?
You talked about private moments....were you allowed to kiss or hug????? Can you have privacy????
Anita

When I last went out to see him in February, they just started Friday night visits. It was dark outside around 6:30 and we were in the courtyard outside. Yes, we did get some real nice hugs and kisses in that night. I think the guards hadn't laid their game plans for watching the courtyard, so we lucked out. It wasn't as easy on Sat, Sun and Monday. In fact, on Monday, the lady guard was busting up alot of simple little hugs!

My husband has about 6 more months. I'm not sure about the halfway house right now, because there's been talk about cutting back on halfway house time. The furlough thing was very mean, but if I took it further, my husband would probably suffer as a result. So, we just accepted it - not happily, but just to keep peace.

I'm sure you will enjoy your visits as much as I've enjoyed mine. You can hold his hand and just sit quietly together - that's all that matters - TOGETHER!!! We've had some serious talks and some totally silly converstations.......I know we've both learned things about each other that we didn't know before.

Oh, and find out if they have a photographer......we've got pictures together of every visit I've had. Something to look back on when you're back home without him.

Be sure to let me know how it goes - June will be here sooner that you know!

Countess

Countess,
Thanks for the info. It sounds like a nice visit. I would love to be able to share some quiet moments with Danny.

It is a shame about your furloughs but I know how it can be to keep the peace. In June when I go to see him we will have 4 days 7 hr visits each day.....when I visit him which is usually every 6 months. we talk the whole time..it is so wonderful. I think in 12 years we have had one argument which was a day i was so stressed form the drive and not feeling well. He is a wonderful man and loves me and the kids so much. He knows he screwed up and he is doing his time like a man. Sorry for going on and on but I know you understand what I am saying. Some peopel think that ALL people in prison are BAD. There are some bad ones but also some that made some bad choices and got caught up in the glamour and the money of drugs. Danny knows that he made some really bad choices. I just love him. Thanks for listening :-)
Anita

Anita,

I understand how hard it is not to be able to visit regularly. I won't see Jeff now until maybe the end of May. I wonder if the wives/girlfriends who get to visit every weekend and holidays know how much we envy them?

I'd give anything to have my weekends "taken up" by visits with my husband. I miss him so much sometimes. He calls me every weekend, but I still miss his touch, his smile, his piercing blue eyes.

Oh well, we have to consider ourselves lucky enough to have any visits at all........some couples aren't able to have visits, especially "contact" visits.

Yes, our men made bad choices, but they still are the same men they ever were in our eyes. Let everyone think what they want to, I know my man is one of the best there is!

You hang in there - I'll be here if you want to talk.

Mary

Mary,
Thanks.........I guess it always could be worse ........I am looking forward to June.....maybe it makes our visits even more powerful since they are so infrequent. But I'd give anything for him to wake up next to me in the mornings :-)

Mary thanks so much for your kind words and support best of everything to you and Jeff. Keep in touch
Anita