Hello everyone! I have been reading alot here on PTO trying to get answers to my millions of questions. Alot have been answered but I still have alot more. Can someone please help me because I am soooo scared.

What can I bring from home? (ie. clothes, makeup, books, shoes, money)

How is your job selected there? and do you have to work?

I am an insulin dependent diabetic. Do I take my testing supplies with me. Will I give my own shots or will the nurse do that?

How about my other medications? Do I bring them with me so I can take them the 1st night or will there be medications there already?

What do they issue to you and what do you have to purchase at the commissary?

Is smoking aloud? If so, how often and do you purchase your smokes there also.

How many women to a room? Is there problems with stealing or do you have lockers that you can lock?

What should I take on the day I go in?

I have so many more questions to ask. I have not gone to sentencing yet. I know I will going to a camp. Since I am from the Southern District - Carswell is the only womens camp I can find. Is there others in the southern district? Can I be sent to another wpmens camp out this this district.
I will post some more questions later.

LostOne

Welcome to PTO! It's best to let someone who's been in answer your questions.... You may want to pm friscolady as she could answer your questions...

Deb

I forgot to say that I will be at Carswell Camp. I have never been in trouble before so I do not know what to expect. I have never even been in jail; so all of this is new to me. What rights do you loose for a federal crime?

LostOne

Lost One,

Hi, first of all, Welcome to PTO!

There are two other girls from PTO at Carswell Camp right now. The first thing I want you to do is go into the Letters and Stories from Inmates and Ex-cons forum further up the main board and read the thread about Carwell Federal Women's Camp - Letter/Info from Tonib. I will bring it up to the front of the forum for you. It is under my screen name (FriscoLady) since I typed it in for Toni.

You said that you have not been to sentencing yet. That will give us some time. I can contact Toni with your questions from this thread, I will print them out tomorrow and mail them to her Monday. That way we will have some more answers for you. Also, if you have any other questions after you have read her thoughts on Carswell Camp either put them here or private message me and I will get them to her.

LostOne I know this is a hard time for you, but with more information you will at least know what to expect. Plus, know that there are others there from PTO that will help with your transition to prison life. Also, there are plenty of people here at PTO to help with support, encouragement and advice. Once your in, you can, if you choose keep in touch with others here through correspondence.

Meanwhile, read Toni's thoughts, relax as best you can and know that we at PTO are here to help.

Patti

Lostone,

I hope you saw friscolady's (Patti's) reply to you here.... They can help you and answer your questions... Hang in there. ((hugs))

Deb

I have read Toni's story. I have also written her a letter. I mailed it on Friday. I am just so confused I am trying to get all the information that I can. I just want to get it all over with. It seems to be dragging on forever.

LostOne

Hi Lost One

Well, there's nothing I can tell to answer your questions, but I just wanted to welcome you to the PTO family :)

Hang in there, and ask as many questions as you wish, we'll do our best to help you find the answers.

All my bset wishes, and keep your head up, we're here for you.

Stay strong
Phil

Howdy..

You might want to stop by the Wives/girlfriends in prison forum if you haven't before. There are some things there that might be interesting to you or folks you'll have to come visit you.

There is a thread from George that conveyed a basic concern about his wife being the newbie where she is... It's worth a read.
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15651

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just had my presentence investigation. I will get the results in a few weeks. Then I will know more as far as what they recommend for sentencing. Will keep you posted - as I know more I know I will have more questions.

Lost One

[What can I bring from home? (ie. clothes, makeup, books, shoes, money)] - Very little. You will not be able to keep your clothes, makeup, shoes, etc.. You can bring in a pair of perscription eyeglasses, a plain wedding band, a religious medallion/chain (ie. cross and chain), one religious book (soft cover), as much money as you want ( I would recommend a couple $100 or so), and current legal papers. Other than that not much else.


[How is your job selected there? and do you have to work?]
Yes, you have to work. Most camps are a work camp, meaing that they provide a work cadre for a military base, or for a higher security institution. Your job will be selected for you (normally) and then once you have been there a few months you might be able to request a specific job.


[I am an insulin dependent diabetic. Do I take my testing supplies with me. Will I give my own shots or will the nurse do that?] This really depends. The places that I am familiar with first hand would not let you keep your supplies with you. They will provide what you need. As for the shots, those that needed them went to the medical department daily to get them. Needles were not allowed on the compound, nor in the units. I would recommend that you bring a copy of some of your most recent medical records with a list of any medications that you may be taking.


[How about my other medications? Do I bring them with me so I can take them the 1st night or will there be medications there already?] As I mentioned earlier, they will not let you bring in any medications from off the street (they might be 'tainted' if you know what I mean). Bring a list of your meds and then they will evaluate you once you arrive.


[What do they issue to you and what do you have to purchase at the commissary?] Basic issue (it may vary) is: 3 pair of pants, 3 shirts, t-shirts, towels, washcloth, 2 sheets, balnket, pillow, pillow case, socks, underclothing, shoes/boots. Anything else, you will have to purchase through the commisary. (ie. tennis shoes, shower shoes, shorts, sweat pants/shirts, hygiene items, food/snacks, etc.)


[Is smoking aloud? If so, how often and do you purchase your smokes there also.] I am not positive, but I beleive that smoking is prohibited indoors at all federal facilities. They will have some designated smoking areas (outside) that both staff and inmates may use. You can by your smokes when you go to commisary, usually once a week.


[How many women to a room? Is there problems with stealing or do you have lockers that you can lock?] Again this will be hard to answer without knowing exactly where you will be going. Usually two to a room. Stealing, while not out of hand, most certainly goes on. It is a fact of prison life. Keep your own things secure. Keep your locker locked! You don't want anyone to steal what you have, nor do you want anyone to 'plant' anything on you to get rid of you. (Yes, it happens).

[What should I take on the day I go in?] See the list above. - You, (of course), a bible if your religious, a wedding band if your married, a cross/chain if your religions, a list of your meds, and some money. All of your clothes will be sent back home.

You may send me a PM is you have more questions. I will do my best to answer them.

GG

Well I have had my sentencing. I am self surrender, so I do not know where I will be going but the judge is reccomending Carswell. My sentence was 13 months. Does anyone know how long it usually takes before you go when you are self surrender?

Thanks;
LostOne

LostOne

I am also very new to this whole scene. My son just got his letter about where to report today. As far as how long it takes till you have to report... I don't know for sure, as I would think all cases are different. In my Sons case he doesn't have to report until Jan..
Best of luck to you. Keep your chin up.

Thanks for the encouragement. I just wish I knew when with the holidays just around the corner. I have 2 children (10 and 12). The 12 year old will be 13 the end of this month and then of course Thanksgiving and Christmas. This waiting for the letter is keeping me on pins and needles. I just wish I had a date so I could relax.

LostOne

You have every right to be concerned, and you have every right to know what to expect. I spent almost 5 years in prison, and I am going to assume for the most part that men and women's prison are basically run about the same. I am not saying they are exactly the same, but in basics, they are. First off, you will probably not be able to take anything except what you had in jail. When you are transferred to whatever prison you are assigned to, they will double check your things to see what they will allow. For example, some prisons allow stamps, some issue it. Some allow certain books, or a certain number of books. There may be a good chance you won't go to the prison you think; security reasons. They cannot tell your loved ones where you are going either. The reason for that is someone might try to plan an escape. Once you get there, there will be some processing to do, and you should be assigned a case manager. That person will see what jobs you can be assigned to, but many times it won't be your choice. However, in many states you are required to work if healthy to work. Failure to do so will result in punishment, as in either loss of privilages, isolation, or both. I hope this is a good start to what you may need to know.

Thanks for the information. I am going to a Federal camp; I was never in jail - I have been self surrender the whole time. They would call me and tell me where I needed to be on a certain date. I know I will be either at FPC Carswell or FPC Bryan. I still wish I knew how long it takes before they contact me.

LostOne

I am waiting to go to Pekin. White collar stuff. I will be in the same boat as your Mom. I ordered a book that lets you know what you can take. The only things is cash for her account so she will have this to purchase make up, and any other personal items. If you have prescriptions you will need to take them too. I am worried about spending time away from my family...I am sure your Mom is the same way. I have been sentenced to 15 months and praying that I get lost in governmental paper work...or it is just a really bad dream. Chances a slim. How long will your Mom be there? Just make sure she has cash when she goes in. Good luck and bless you all!

I am still waiting to receive my letter as to what federal prison camp I will be going to and when to report. I think waiting is mentally messing with my head. I am a diabetic and I have had a nervous breakdown. Does anyone know if my medical condition is what is taking them so long? I was sentenced on October 20th for 13 months.

LostOne

Hi, I just posted a Thread in the Prison Profiles Forum with information from ToniB on the federal prison camp at FMC Carswell.

Patti

LostOne, the most important thing for you to do now is to take care of yourself. I understand that this is not easy considering you are looking at a term, but I am very sure that 99.9% of all inmates would gladly take your 13 months as opposed to 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or life. Still, I understand your worry, and with the complications of your health, it won't get better if you are in such a lower physical state. Once you go to prison, they will have doctors look at your condition, but I cannot suggest they will be the best in the field. If you are diabetic, let them know that, but as far as the mental state, that you have to deal with on your own. But understand, prison is not as horrible as the media has painted it. It is no playground, but it is not a hellhole. You can make it, especially with the time you're looking at. Try to think of it as a year-long camp, whether military or boy scouts. No, it won't be the best substitute, but if it helps you from breaking down mentally, it is worth the shot. I think you'll be ok; try reading some of the other entries; some other insites may help you.

From what the inmates say who get transfered from carswell to Bryan, Carswell is a much more relaxed facililty with no fence and a converted motel for dorms. Bryan is very strict and thoroughly institutional. If you are not taking the drug program (which automatically sends you to Bryan) you can ask the judge to request one of the facilities for you. Like I said Carswell is much more laid back but Bryan has many more educational opportunities.

You can not bring in anything except the few things posted earlier. Even the clothes you wear in get mailed home. There is also a very thorough strip search. Also all braids or twists or weaves will be taken out, as well as any false nails.

You won't need any testing kits or supplies either. Every morning you will go to medical and have a glucose test then your insulin will be given.

You also get snack boxes for between meals with like milk and cereal and fruit.

You will have to be VERY adamant about taking good care of yourself because the medical treatment is poor at best. It will be up to you to stay on top of your health. I have seen women get very sick while I was at Bryan because they did not eat right or exercise even though they had diabetes. And a few had to be shipped to the medical facility and one went to the hospital with a 400 glucose level. The food in prison is low quality and the medical staff are not the best.

Smoking is only allowed outside on smoking pads, during free movement, (meaning after count time and before they lock the dorm for the night) you can't walk around the compound while smoking

Cigarettes cost a little less inside because there is not federal tax on them. Usually only the popular brands. There is also a limit on how many you can buy.

Until your TB test comes back from the lab your job will be compound, raking, sweeping, and picking up trash. Then you'll go to the kitchen. It'll be up to you to find a cooler job, asking around and finding openings in other departments. Like Recreation, Education, Facilities, Laundry, Library, Chapel, Warehouse so on and so forth. You'll get paid a whopping .12 cents an hour. At Bryan some girls work at MHMR, a mental health facility off the compound. So, they leave the compound everyday and work at a real job. Takes time or connections to get those jobs but some girls really love them. Got to get used to strip searches for those jobs.

That hardest part is the begining, when you first get there and the staff treats you like you aren't human, you are an inmate now and they will remind you of that day in and day out. At first it is hard to take but you adjust. Just remember that you will get to leave one day but they have to stay there. Never take it personal.

Keep yourself busy, keep yourself healthy, make friends and just do your time. You'll be out in no time!

Queenofswords33

God speed to you my dear, I am in a similar predicament so I feel your pain. You are in our prayers.

LostOne reported to camp just after Christmas. Tonib tried to call me last week Linda and I missed the calls as I was in hospital. I am hoping to here from them both soon.

Patti

Hello everyone! I have been reading alot here on PTO trying to get answers to my millions of questions. Alot have been answered but I still have alot more. Can someone please help me because I am soooo scared.

What can I bring from home? (ie. clothes, makeup, books, shoes, money)

How is your job selected there? and do you have to work?

I am an insulin dependent diabetic. Do I take my testing supplies with me. Will I give my own shots or will the nurse do that?

How about my other medications? Do I bring them with me so I can take them the 1st night or will there be medications there already?

What do they issue to you and what do you have to purchase at the commissary?

Is smoking aloud? If so, how often and do you purchase your smokes there also.

How many women to a room? Is there problems with stealing or do you have lockers that you can lock?

What should I take on the day I go in?

I have so many more questions to ask. I have not gone to sentencing yet. I know I will going to a camp. Since I am from the Southern District - Carswell is the only womens camp I can find. Is there others in the southern district? Can I be sent to another wpmens camp out this this district.
I will post some more questions later.

LostOne Dear lost one; I was sentenced in early October At Federal District Court in Atlanta and had to self surrender to Alderson, Federal Prison Camp by Dec 5th at 12:00pm. So it takes about 2 months. I've been to prison twice the second time for mult violations and was senteneced to a FCI the second time. The camps are less restricted, almost like you are at a college dorm. It was not bad at all. You will be fine. It's what you make it. I know this sounds wierd but I looked at it as a vacation and had fun actually. I met alot of good people and learned about the Federal Correctional System and how to turn it into a positive situation. Because how you think and feel is not a result of what's happening in your life but how you INTERPRET what's happening in your life. If you need any additional info just hit me up:)

My son's self surrender date was about 3 months after sentencing.

I'd like to add a bit to what Grey Ghost had to say:
[What can I bring from home? (ie. clothes, makeup, books, shoes, money)] - You can also bring a watch (get a cheap one with alarm & stopwatch feature. It may come in handy) My son was not able to bring cash in with him - my husband had gone in with him, and they gave my husband his clothes, ID, and the cash. He was able to keep his plain white sneakers, too.

[How is your job selected there? and do you have to work?] During orientation, my son was introduced to the various educational options available to him. In has case, he signed up to learn how to do printing, and that was also his work assignment. Here is a link to a listing of educational opportunities by facility: http://bop.gov/inmate_programs/edu.jsp

[How about my other medications? Do I bring them with me so I can take them the 1st night or will there be medications there already?] Bring copies of Rx's and empty Rx bottles.

[What do they issue to you and what do you have to purchase at the commissary?] If you'd like a copy of a fairly recent commissary list from a men's camp, I've got one. PM me if you're curious and I can email one to you. A women's camp will have additional items for women, I'm sure.

[Is smoking aloud? If so, how often and do you purchase your smokes there also.] Smoking is NOT allowed, but smoking is common, although the consequences for getting caught are severe. Plan on quitting.


Either you or a loved one should send a money order with your name and inmate register # to the Des Moines address a day or two before you self surrender. In my experience it takes about 4-5 days to get posted to my son's account from the time it's mailed. And it's alot cheaper than Western Union. http://bop.gov/inmate_programs/money.jsp

There is information on the bop.gov website. Go to inmate matters and you can find many of your questions answered.

Hi all

Did anyone else notice this thread is from 2003 ??????

great thread though:eek:

Oops!

Lostone,

There is no smoking in Federal Prisons nor do they sell cigarettes. If you really want to smoke you will find the smokers. If you get caught you could end up losing visits, phones, commissary or wind up in the SHU.. To me it wasnt worth the risk.

Good luck to you.

oh 2003. Hopefully home by now.