Since my son is in Parchman with a life sentence, will I never be allowed to have recent photos of him now or in the future?

Hi Mama_Kat
As the rules stand now, I am afraid that will be the case. I am so sorry.
D

It is not the same - but you can see the recent picture that MDOC has of him online - however many times familes prefer not to see that one - and remember him from what they have.

Jonathan, they update the ID photos? Mine's the same for three years. Horrible picture. :(
D

That is sad as that is punishment for the families or loved ones left on the outside whom have done nothing wrong.

You are right - and it isn't fair or right, and it does punish the families - unfortunately MDOC could care less about the inmates needs or the families needs and untill they do it is hard to get perks such as this one.

What can we do if anything to try and make changes at MDOC? I realize that they are 30 years in the past but there has to be something that can be done to make positive changes for our loved ones. Like I said they are not just punishing them but the families that have done nothing wrong.

They do update the photos - generally when they move to new facilities - supposed to update every 2 years - but we all know they do not do that.

LOL, they will probably figure out that he has been in three facilities since the photo was posted about a week before release. :rolleyes: I look every once in a while to see if it has changed. I need to stop as it upsets me to see him look that bad.

SOME facilities DO allow pictures to be made for families from time to time. I know that MCCF does. I just received one from there from a Friend. My loved one does NOT want any pictures taken of her in there. We would LOVE to have one. You know in some Federal prisons they do this as a "money maker". You do get to have pictures taken of your loved one and you on occassion. They take the money for this out of your canteen fund. Wish MDOC would allow this.

Thanks I-Care. I sort of wish the 3 state operated facilities allowed it. I have mixed feelings about it. Not sure I want a picture of him or us in there, but then again the only pics I have were taken a year before he went in. He was cute then ;), but oh so handsome now. :p
Hugs
D

I would also like to see pictures allowed, even if MDOC uses the funds for their own...I carry Don's pictures around, but people ask why the pics are from years ago...I am not allowed to have current pics, and the MDOC photo is enough to make someone cry, I despise it...the idea of doing a petition to MDOC, unfortunately, is probably not enough to bring MDOC out of ancient times...truth that everyone realizes, MDOC doesn't have concern over OUR needs, they don't get paid to care for us...they get paid to house our loved ones.

If someone did the research and presented it correctly, I think it is possible to change the MDOC's view on this. It would take a lot of work though. You would have to find out how other facilities make it work. If they use photographers or if they just have poloroid cameras. You would have to find out how much it would cost to implement any options for doing it and how much facilities charge for the pictures. Show them the money making potential. If you present it as a benefit to them, and not the families, it could happen.

I will be willing to do some research on which prisons allow photos and how they are taken. Let me get started on this and I have no problem trying to speak to whomever I have to at MDOC to see if we can get this changed.

I am looking at a new picture now from a man at MCCF in Holly Springs MS. It says "Fujifilm" on the back. The photo is a 4X6. If this helps and on the back is the date and some other codes. I could write and ask what they pay for these and if they can give us any information on this. OR someone could contact the "Warden or Chaplain" ( one of the Chaplains is Warden Helmic at MCCF) there and ask them. I am not good with "phone conversations" asking about things like this but anyway just a suggestion.

MCCF has a "Bible College" and when they graduate or get certain degrees they get pictures made of that as well. I have seen them and actually have one of the group at one graduation and also a single one of one of the graduates.

Hope this helps some..

THANKS Mama Kat!!

That is about all I know about pictures with MDOC besides the fact that CMCF does not have this option.

You can get recent pictures of love ones but they are only taken at certain time of the year. for instance this past Christmas my husband was able to take some with family for a fee of $1.75. that was in Marion Co.:) i am not sure how often it is done but i do know it is done. i know it's done around the Christmas holidays

You can get recent pictures of love ones but they are only taken at certain time of the year. for instance this past Christmas my husband was able to take some with family for a fee of $1.75. that was in Marion Co.:) i am not sure how often it is done but i do know it is done. i know it's done around the Christmas holidays

Was this in one of the three State operated facilities (Parchman, SMCI or CMCF) ? The county, regional and state have different policies.

Yes DAM is correct. At Parchman, SMCI, or CMCF, this is not offered or allowed.