I have searched the internet and can't find any rules for the mail of Federal Inmates. Is there any I should know about?

Go to www.bop.gov for information regarding what can be sent in. For the most part it is limited to letters, cards without any detachable decorations, and photos (not polaroid). Camps allow magazines and paperback books.

That's it. Newspapers and hardcover books must be sent in from the publisher. Inmates cannot receive any gifts, stamps, or money via mail. All funds must be sent to their account.

Depending on the institution (usually FCI's and USP's), even softcover books and magazines must be sent from the publisher or reputable bookstore. Those books must be sent via U.S. Postal Service only. A couple of online book sellers used to sending to federal prisons are amazon.com and powellsbooks.com. No nude photos are allowed. Also - all mail is subject to inspection and being read by the staff. Z.

Do they really read all letter's that go out of the Federal Prison or Camp?

I hear they don't read the outgoing, that is unless someone is under suspicion. At my hubs prison, Terminal Island FCI, they allow me to send him the mags or soft cover books. Three allowed in nilla envelope. But, check with prison to see if they will. They said they were having to many probs getting the mags..etc.. from the publishers in a timely manner. Also, my hub recd two polaroids from me, that is before I knew the rule, he was allowed, they just cut the bottoms off. No stickers though. Oh, and even from a publisher, no hard covers allowed. Just curios, who would want to send their hub/bf a nude pic? they would be viewed by so many...oooh! LOL

They do not read the letters that go out of a camp unless they are going to another prison. There are generally two outgoing mail boxes. Regular outgoing mail is sealed by the inmate prior to mailing. Prison to prison mail is dropped in unopened.

The mail room opens all incoming mail to check for contraband. They don't have time to read all of it but they could, so never write anything that would get an inmate in trouble.

How can I write another prison? I think I can have no communication with any felons while I am at Carwell or when I get out and on probation? I would like to write someone that is in the main prison at Carswell. Is that possible while I am at the camp section??

For one inmate to write another, both wardens must approve the correspondence.

I guess it is better left alone then. Is there only one Warden at Carswell?? Do thet run the prison and camp? If I want to write to someone who is in the prison part do I just ask my counselor or the warden.

Speak with your counselor. Approval is usually given for family members. Look at it this way...since they have a large mailbox there must be many that do have permission.

I will ask... I self surrender on 10/10/06. The lady I would like to write will be eligible for camp 3 months after I get there. She is not family just someone that needs some support to get her through.
Eryn

Hi,

I have seen a few of your post and saw you had a friend in camp that you said needed support while inside. I can understand that I did 9 months with $0 from outside and no mail either. If you want I would be happy to send a card or note to her and try to help pass the time. I am in my 50's settled with a job and life, but would take time to send a little sunshine into the dark hole of the BOP. Let me know if it would be something she would be interested in, also I did my time in FL, but if you have general questions maybe I can help. Its my way of giving back.

Does anyone have info on Rochester,MN Medical as far as sending like pre-stamped envelopes? Mike would write a lot more if he had stamps....He won't be there for 8-9 mo we hope but I'm trying to plan ahead if possible

You cannot send pre-stamped envelopes. He will have to purchase his stamps at the commissary.

i'm sorry i know this is about mail thread but i didnt know where else to put it...can he smoke in rochester too?

ALL FBOP Facilities banned Smoking for ALL Inmates & Visitors as of 01 APR 2006. The Staff can still smoke.

Keep the Faith

Michael :thumbsup:

Oh no...God i feel bad for him more and more every day he says he hasn't smoked in 28 mo i don't see how he's keeping his sanity......

Medically speaking, it takes3 days for all the nicotine to leave your body and less than 90 days to eliminate the physical urges... but as with many medical issues.... 99% of it is between your ears.

Keep the Faith

Michael :thumbsup:

Do the staff smoke where the prisoners are or do they have to smoke in private? I ask because I am headed for a Fed Vacation and I have asthma.

They will have a "smoke pad" outdoors which you will be able to avoid.