My son is incarcerated at United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Leavenworth. He was recently (7/12/03) sentenced to 70 yrs max and will be "eligible" for parole in 10 (unlikely to get it until 15 to 20). He just finished going through Reception and was moved to Max 3 today (1 hr per day out of his cell for possibly 6 months). From what he has told me, this is standard procedure. What purpose of punishment this serves, I have no idea, but intend to find out. Evidently there is a point system that credits for time served, for time without a disciplinary infraction, and for other positive behaviors. When he lowers his current point total, he will be moved to Max 2/General Population. Visitations are scheduled 30 days in advance and, for now, only his immediate family may visit. He has told me that so far things have gone well and that the facility is much better than where he spent pre-trial detention. I do know the phone calls are Much More Expensive now. I don't know a lot about the USDB at this point but will be glad to share what I do know with anyone interested. Any information someone has that they care to share would be appreciated. From the research I have done, I have found it more difficult to get information about the military prison system than any other since the regulations are so difficult to locate and to access. Maybe those of us with family or friends in the military corrections system can pool our resources/information and help each other understand which end is up!

Hope to hear from someone soon!

-- Lisa

Lisa,

You may have seen this before and I'm not sure how much it will help, did some research this morning, but won't get a chance to look at it till tonight.

Anyway, there is a site that has some info on military prisons.
I will send the link to you via pm.

Patti

Lisa,

My husband is at USDB and is also in reception. He is due to be moved into general population in two weeks. Lets write and keep each other posted on what is happening. I hope that your son hangs in there. My husband got 25 and wont be eligible for parole for 7-8 years.. I am praying for clemency at this point.

Take care,

Jodi

Jodi,
From what I understand, it is SOP for all new inmates to go to Max 3 before they go to gen pop or to a different level (Max 1 or Max 2). I, or my source, could be mistaken, though. My son will be in Max 1 indefinitely and may not ever get to gen pop. I guess there are a lot of variables. He plans to do all he can to get there, though. Please do keep in touch and let's share any information we get! We will be going to visit at Thanksgiving and maybe I can give you more of a sense of the place after that. We, also, are praying for clemency! I'll think good thoughts for both of us!

-- lisa

Lisa, I was wondering if you and I are the only two people here that have sons in the USDB. I don't see any others that are doing time there. I leave next Friday to fly out to see him. He says he can't wait. He's counting the days. Yesterday was his birthday and he turned 28.

there are lots of ways to prepare for 23 hours alone. some people have a REALLY hard time. lot's of good info on the internet about serving time alone. check out the Human Kindness Foundation at www.humankindness.org. they send free books as well. lot's of their info has to do with being alone for long hours and what do you DO? seems really harsh and it is!

KC,
I don't know if we are, or not. It is possible since it is a "one-of-a-kind" facility with less than 1,000 inmates (from what I've gathered). If we aren't the only ones, I'd really like to hear from others with someone there. My son is excited about our scheduled visit at Thanksgiving. He put in for us to visit from the Wednesday before till the Monday after!! We can't realistically stay that long and he knows that, but if it buoys his spirits for now...
By the way, I was wrong about the levels of confinement. Max 1 is the most stringent, not Max 3. My son is out of Max 1 now--down to Max 2, but due to a change in regulations, he will return to Max 1 after some period of time to satisfy the difference in required length of stay (changed from 45 to 60 days, I think) before he can be moved to Max 3 (gen pop.).
Actually, he handled the isolation quite well. Luckily, he's an avid reader and has a very vivid imagination. Seems he developed a love/hate relationship with a giant praying mantis outside his window. It was somewhat comforting to know he has a window. While I don't necessarily agree with the policy of "Max 1 no matter what," I will say that it does provide the person with some serious reflection time. I just hope that as an adjunct to that "reflection," they are provided with professional counseling to help them work through the issues they are, or will be, confronting.
Please keep in touch, KC. There is strength in numbers! Needless to say, I'm sure you will enjoy your visit! Have a safe trip!

- Lisa

My fiancé is also in the USDB, but I’m not exactly sure "where" he is. We try not to talk about that place while we're on the phone. He tends to not want to tell me too much of what goes on, so that i don't worry. Funny thing is, i think i worry more. He's been there for 7 years now; and goes up for parole in 3 years... I'm thinking about visiting soon, but not sure if i can afford it just yet. I'm in California and not working currently... *sign*

Anyway, just wanted to let you know, I’m "there" too. I look forward to getting to know you.

Hi Maria! I'm glad you joined in the discussion! It's hard not knowing what goes on in their day-to-day lives, and maybe that's where we can support each other the most. Not much information gets out about USDB and I don't really know why. Anyway, it's good to hear parole is in the near future for your guy. We're here for you.

- Lisa

bad math, bad math! in re-reading the postings... looks like there are at least 4 of us now! enough for a game of cards if we ever get together! i know those other guys have moms (and girlfriends and others), too! where are they?

have a good weekend!

Jodi and Maria I just looked at your profile and do you realize that you both have the same birthdays? Same year too! Lisa did the head count for the USDB and she's right there are four of us. Let's all work togather and keep each other posted about the barracks.

Hmmm... and our first names...... J K L M.....

Here is the 5th wheel. Lisa sent me to this site, and I cannot thank her enough! My son is at USDB. I thought I would loose all sense of life when he was sentenced. I went thru a severe depression with suicidal thoughts and the whole nine yards. It was more than a mother should have to deal with. But, with people like all of you, my family and friends and God, I was able to pull my head up out of the water and begin to float. I learned who my friends were and who I could count on, and to be truthful, it suprised me who they turned out to be, mostly strangers. We live in Minnesoat and are able to visit our son about every 3 months. My husband's mother and her husband visit him twice a year, our daughter goes three times a year and my husbands' brother visits a couple of times a year. We have it covered so he can get a visit at least once a month. I am so grateful for that. I wish we could visit other prisoners as I would visit them all. I guess it is mother's love that makes me want to put my arm around each and every one of them and give them a big hug. It tears me up to think of my son in such a cold, institutional type of place, but he assures me he is safe and well taken care of. They do not tolerate any misbehavior from the staff or the inmates. We have spoken with the Guard Comander, and he is very curtious and our son talks very well of him. My heart breaks for the men who are in confinement and not in the Gen Pop. I wish there was a way to ease the long hours for them. A friend and I have started a prayer chain for Military inmates. If you would like us to pray for your loved one, let me know and I will add his name to my list.
Many of us are in this for the long haul. Who will remember him when I am not here to keep his memory alive? My greatest fear is that he will be forgotten. We must not let that happen to anyone!!
Bless you all.

No such thing as a 5th wheel here! The more the merrier, so to speak. I envy you being able to visit your son so often. And being able to hug him. What I would do to hug mine...... He will (God willing and he keeps his nose clean) be out in gen pop in 12/05. He would be out this summer, but he was caught with contraband material (a pencil he used to sketch with) and lost his accrued good time and his rapid decay of points. He has talked of the possibility of a federal transfer once his case goes through direct appeal and his discharge goes through. I'd much prefer he stay where he is, even though he could be moved closer. The two times we have visited all of the staff were very helpful and friendly. The Commandant was out in the visitation lobby the first time (Thanksgiving) and was talking to each of us in turn. That really surprised me, but my son tells me she is a very nice and decent person.

You asked who will remember him when you are not here...my greatest unspoken fear is that I will not live long enough to see him walk out of there. I stress to him each time I talk to him to do anything and everything he can that will be seen as favorable by a parole board. He is convinced there is no parole from USDB and his best chance is to be transferred to a federal facility where parole is somewhat easier to get. Each time he says it, my heart pounds. I know the direct appeal process could take a couple of years (maybe not) and I hope to learn more about what to do to help him in the meantime. Yes, we are in this for the long haul, all of us. No one will be forgotten.

I spent over 4 years at the USDB ... and personally know and keep in touch with two guys who were paroled from there. It wasn't easy and they lived very 'clean' while they were there ... but parole is a possiblity. It isn't common, but it does happen.

James

Lisa,
I have the same fear that if his appeal does not go thru, and he is not paroled, I will not live to see him out. If he serves the whole 40 years, I will be 93 when he leaves there. Andrew too states he wants to go to a Federal Prison. I am wavering on that too. He states it is less restrictive and easier to get paroled. But, will Jay be discharged before his sentence is served? I guess I just figured they would recieve their discharge after they had completed their sentence, or were paroled. I just talked to Andrew last night and he really has a nasty attitude about the Army. I am like you. I hold my breath hoping he will stay on the straight and narrow. He has quite a mouth on him and knows how to use it.
I pray for Jay and Andrew everyday. A friend of mine has a son in the Navy who is serving time in a Japanese prison. Every day I pray for them to be guided thru the day and protected from all evil. I hope this helps to keep them out of "toruble" and on the path to home.
Take care,
ps I got my email fixed now.
Loretta

From what I understand, the discharge is not finalized until exhaustion of appeals. This is so because the discharge is part of the sentence. As to the attitude, I think it may be more reactive than anything. Although, Jay had voiced some negativeness long before any of this started. He told me that the recruiter's "party line" about the Army being a big family is just that, a line. He said it was dog-eat-dog and everyone is out for themselves. As to the mouth, Jay has his own very capable one. Unfortunately, his dry, sarcastic wit is deceptive. He generally means no harm or offense, but if you don't know him it can be very disconcerting and tends to get him into trouble. My usual line when we talk is that I love him and to keep his mouth shut. Ironically (and very sadly), Jay has always been a champion of personal rights and freedoms. That is one reason all of this is so very hard to accept because he committed the ultimate violation of those rights. Thank you for your prayers. My heart goes out to your friend and her son. I cannot imagine the pain of having a son in a foreign prison system. This is bad enough.

Hi I looked here and thought that maybe someone here might know more about this "system" that the Military has. My husband has been in alot of trouble with the Navy, and hasnt been in for a year yet. I need to know what to expect. He is going to the brig for desertion, and some other stupid little details. I dont know where though. Probably Leavensworth. Any information would help!

Hi my husband is currently on his way to Fort Leavenworth to begin serving a life in prison with the possibility of parole sentence. I am going to move there within the next year to be closer to him since I live in Washington right now. Does anyone know if they are allowed visitation, phone calls or what they are allowed while they are in the beginning Max 1 isolation period? I just am wondering when I might have the chance of hearing from him to know that he is okay over there. He is moving tomorrow Tuesday Sept 7 to my knowledge. Please, if anyone has any information about visitation, how it is run, if we are in the same room etc, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


Erin Anderson

Erin,

DeNada or Abndave would be able to help you on information concerning Levenworth.

Patti

Erin,
I am really sorry to hear of your situation, but will do my best to help you out with what information I have. During Reception, inmates are allowed phone calls. I am not sure about visitation, though, since we couldn't visit at that time. Your husband will have to call collect or set up a phone account at the USDB. No phone cards are allowed. There are companies that provide direct line service at the USDB where your husband can call one number and it will relay to your phone number. I'm not sure of the exact $ figures, but it is cheaper in the long run than the collect calls. I will find my information on the companies and let you know. (We are in an 'unsettled' state right now so it's not cost effective to set up a line just yet.) Others here can provide more information on that, too. Our phone calls right now run about $32.00 per call (20 minutes collect via AT&T). All phone numbers called have to be pre-approved by the facility. As far as what he can get, no packages from home. You can send pictures (if they are printed on regular photo paper and no more than 10). He can receive magazines and books if they are shipped direct from the retailer or distributor. No photocopies can be sent, nor can he receive anything printed from the Internet. He can subscribe to magazines and newspapers, as well. You can send him money orders that will be deposited in his personal account. Visitation while he is in Max 1 is limited to immediate family only and must be scheduled by him at least 30 days in advance of the visit. Depending on his custody level after Reception, the procedures change. My son varies between Max 1 and Max 2 in SHU (Special Housing Unit), and they don't seem to be much different. Max inmates are allowed non-contact visits. The booth has a phone you use to talk. It is very frustrating. There are two chairs in the booth so if you and another family member visit, you have to figure out how to share the phone. I have visited my son twice so far and the staff at the USDB have all been very helpful and polite. The standard rules of no purses, no coats, no packages stands at USDB as well. You can take change (for vending machines) and pictures in a clear bag. They do have lockers that you can use to store your personal items while you are visiting. Pay a quarter for a key and you get it back when you finish. Be sure to take 2 picture I.Ds and dress appropriately. I haven't seen anyone turned away yet, but I've heard the guards discussing whether someone should be allowed due to their dress. My son tells me the food is fairly good and, overall, I do not fear for his safety from either the guards or other inmates. I know this is really hard for you and can only tell you that as time goes by it becomes easier to deal with on a daily basis. Please feel free to post any questions you have, or just rant and rave on any topic here. We're all here together working through this and need each other to lean on sometimes. We share our feelings and our information. I wish I could move closer to my son so I could visit more often. I envy you having that option. I'm glad you found us here at PTO and hope this has helped. Be strong and have faith.

Thank you for your support and help. Few more questions. So I can order something, say at a bookstore or online and have it sent directly to him? Such as books? As long as they don't come directly through me correct? They had a rule like that at the RCF but later said that he had to order them himself which I could never understand how he would be able to do that. Also when are visitations, I assume weekends, and what times? Also is there a limit to the number of visitation sessions you can go to on one weekend? At the RCF there was no limit, so I would see him all 4 sessions every weekend if I could. I didn't miss one weekend session while he was in pre-trial confinement even though Fort Lewis is an hour drive from where I currently live. The option of whether I move to Kansas or not is not an option. I need to be there physically for my husband and he needs me. If I had to live on a street corner in a cardboard box to be near him, I would. I doubt he would like that very much, that is why I can't go moving over there right away as much as I would like. Any suggestions on the closest hotel to the DB? After your husband is incarcerated, do you still get a military ID and are allowed to get on post as long as you have tabs? Or do you get that revoked and have to go through the whole annoying and painful process of getting a pass?

Erin

Well, crud. I had a Long reply with lots of answers and then clicked into my Favorites to get the name of the hotel where we stayed and lost it all. OK. here we go again... You can order items for your husband, yes, but they cannot come from you--only a retailer or distributor. However, he has to submit a Form 510 to get the item approved to be received. He will need the full description, quantity, price, retailer/distributor name, etc. Visitation for SHU is only on weekends and holidays. There are two sessions per day for three hours per session (8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m, I believe). You can visit as often as you like so long as each visit is approved 30 days in advance and there are no conflicts with other SHU visitor schedules. The problem I could foresee would be space availability since there are only two booths for SHU visitation. However, I visited for 3 days at Thanksgiving and was the only visitor the entire time. A sad commentary. As I said in my other post, you will get a letter explaining the schedules, etc. I looked for mine to make sure I had the times and other information correct, but couldn't find it. As to hotels, there is a Days Inn or Super 8 in Leavenworth that is about 5 minutes from the Fort. It's not plush, but it's reasonable and they have fridges and microwaves (and coffeemakers) in the rooms. There are several other hotels in the area, but as far as closest (and one you would actually stay in) that is it. I will verify that and let you know. If you are going to move to be close to your husband, consider Kansas City area rather than Leavenworth. With 4 prisons in the immediate area, the economy is built around the correction system and it is a rather depressing landscape. KC is only 30 to 40 minutes away and offers so very much more. As for keeping your military ID, that I am not sure. You should contact your husband's attorney or someone in the proper military office. It's possible you maintain some benefits until discharge (which occurs after all appeals are final) but I do not know. Getting onto post is really no problem. Show a picture ID at the gate and tell them you're going to USDB and you're waved through. I have more hassle getting into the Federal Building to get to court!! Hope the information I give you helps. I know how you feel right now and not knowing is so frustrating.
Take Care,
Lisa

Erin,
Something I left out of the second attempt. Access Catalog Company provides products to inmates. Your husband can order things from here (or you can order for him) that are acceptable to the USDB (such as clear headphones so he can hear a radio). You can order a catalog sent to him once you get his ID Number.

http://www.accesscatalog.com

Thanks for the info. What is SHU? Is that the visitation restrictions for max 1 visitation, the isolation block? So each weekend visitation and each session must be scheduled 30 days in advance? What if I move there and plan on being there every weekend for every session? Still have to schedule 30 days in advance? Just wondering...I will definitely order the catalog for him and will definitely let him know what it is I will order for him before I order it so he can submit his 510.

Erin

SHU = Special Housing Unit. It is where the inmates at Custody Levels Max 1 and Max 2 are housed. From what I've experienced, Every Visit must be scheduled 30 days in advance. General population can have unscheduled visits. Just have your husband put in for the 4 sessions at once. Then turn right around and do it again for the next weekend.

Well I can only hope that my husband can get into Max 3 as soon as possible. I hope that the fact that he had no bad time accrued in PTC and that he was incarcerated for so much longer in PTC than normal inmates are, I hope that curries some favor and he gets moved into Max 3 very soon, I would hate to visit him and not be able to touch him or anything. Non-contact visits would be excruciating for him and for me.

Erin

My son is incarcerated at United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Leavenworth. He was recently (7/12/03) sentenced to 70 yrs max and will be "eligible" for parole in 10 (unlikely to get it until 15 to 20). He just finished going through Reception and was moved to Max 3 today (1 hr per day out of his cell for possibly 6 months). From what he has told me, this is standard procedure. What purpose of punishment this serves, I have no idea, but intend to find out. Evidently there is a point system that credits for time served, for time without a disciplinary infraction, and for other positive behaviors. When he lowers his current point total, he will be moved to Max 2/General Population. Visitations are scheduled 30 days in advance and, for now, only his immediate family may visit. He has told me that so far things have gone well and that the facility is much better than where he spent pre-trial detention. I do know the phone calls are Much More Expensive now. I don't know a lot about the USDB at this point but will be glad to share what I do know with anyone interested. Any information someone has that they care to share would be appreciated. From the research I have done, I have found it more difficult to get information about the military prison system than any other since the regulations are so difficult to locate and to access. Maybe those of us with family or friends in the military corrections system can pool our resources/information and help each other understand which end is up!

Hope to hear from someone soon!

-- Lisa

ANYONE WHO HAS QUESTIONS OR NEEDS HELP LET ME KNOW. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BEAT MY CHARGES AND AVOID GOING THERE FOR 20 YEARS. i FOUND OUT A LOT ABOUT THAT PLACE AND I CAN AND WILL HELP ANUWAY I CAN. TAKE CARE AND BE STRONG.

JIM

Ranger, Thanks for your offer of input and info. Any and all info is appreciated -- from conditions of the facility, to policies/procedures, to general info on daily life there, the military justice system, anything. Feel free to post anything you think would be of help to anyone having to deal with the military justice system at any point. Take care!

Hey there, I dont know if you remember me, it has been awhile. I talked to you about an 800 number you could set up, to save money on prison calls. Can you tell me how to do that again??:o

Danielle,
I checked with the facility and they do not allow inmates to call 800#'s. I'm sorry I didn't get back with you sooner on this.

Hi DeNada,

It's been a while but I spent some time in the barracks back in the late 1970's. From what you described it sounds pretty similar to when I was there. Two weeks in Max 3 (the name is still the same), then C custody if convicted of a violent crime. C custody is or was, freedom of movement within a cell block from 6AM until 10PM. I worked in the machine shop during the day and took college classes at night. I was in C custody for about 6 months and then moved to minimum B custody. That was freedom of movement 24 hours a day but inside the cell block. There was also minimum A custody which was living in a bunkhouse out of the prison farm. This was reserved for people convicted of non-violent crimes. It was kind of ironic but some of the best marijuana to make it inside the walls was grown on the farm. I'm amazed that I still remember this stuff it's been so long. I don't know what it's like to be in there today. When I was there all the hype about prison violence was just that - hype. Most of the people in there were first time offenders and the real 'bad' guys were often shipped off to Leavenworth the federal prison, or some other place. I don't know if you're aware of this but there's Leavenworth USDB and Leavenworth Federal Prison. I don't know if my information puts you at ease or helps you in any way but it's something anyway. I hope all goes well for you and your son.

TR

USDB Grad,
Well, thank you for your, uhm, timely response. I, and others here, appreciate your input and sharing your "inside" knowledge. It may have been a while back for your experiences but the old adage that 'the more things change, the more they stay the same' is probably appropriate. We have been able to find out a lot of information about custody levels and available programs, etc. for inmates on the different levels just from personal experience and lots of reading! It's the little things that turn into big things that we need help with. So, any information you have, or advice you can share, about how to deal with the day-to-day stuff is great. I think we are all aware of the separate systems in Leavenworth and, based on hearing from our inmates, some of them have been or will be transfered to federal facilities, possibly the USP at Leavenworth. Keep contributing! All information and advice is most welcomed by all of us! It's been almost 4 years since my son was transferred to USDB. Still hurts like yesterday.

I would advise anyone who's loved one goes to the USDB to play their "rehabilitation" game.

It will make their life their a lot better. By playing their game they gurantee you a custody level increase every so often, until you reach Miniumun. Then they only gurantee a board for trustee every so often.

It took me a year to get to minimum. You are treated completly different and have a lot more priveleges that help the time to go faster and the time their less painfull.

Once I reached Minimum custody I was put on Detail 80. That is grounds upkeep (mowing grass, etc) on Fort Leavenworth. It was a 1000 times better better than spending it inside those walls.

I got to see and meet different people, saw the historic sites of Fort Leavenworth, visited the other details and what they did (Bake Shop, Plant Nursey, Farm), and ate a nice lunch at the trustee dinning hall.

During the spring and summer there were a lot of fruit, nut, and berry trees/ bushes blooming and got to eat off them all.

Also went by base swimming pools and saw pretty girls :p
We even mowed the grass in base housing that was not occupied.
I missed it, but once some of the guy saw a woman tanning topless while mowing.

A big deal for guys locked up for years.

doesnt the rehab game hurt your appeals? did you get parole or did you serve the whole sentence?

doesnt the rehab game hurt your appeals? did you get parole or did you serve the whole sentence?


Apparantly there is a what they called a "gentelmen's agreement" with the rehab folks and other powers to be.

They want to encourage people to get rehab, that helps generate funds and keep jobs.

I did my time to minimum out.

Any rehab programs, classes, etc., that an inmate participates in are looked upon favorably by a parole board. It shows an incentive to improve themselves and to prepare for release.

I played the game while I was there, I took all the classes taught some of them also, I did 15 years before I decided not to ask for parole anymore, I did 20 and my MRD. Glad I did, I walked away with no strings attached. I went on THP 7 times and was at the TU for 11 of my 20.

Hi,

I would like to introduce myself. I visit the USDB on a weekly basis. I had some questions about the Holiday rations limit. I wanted to make he was able to get all that he could and not be shorted on anything.
Thanks!!!
Lily

don't know there, but at Fort Lewis it is what you can get into a box no more than 10 lbs. the only things they can get there is food and it has to be individuly wrapped.

To my knowledge, no packages can be sent to inmates at USDB from family or friends. They can receive items shipped directly from retailer/manufacturer. My son has told me that a 510 is no longer necessary to receive books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Just order have them shipped to the inmate. If there is a problem with content, it will be resolved at the DB. Hope this is helpful.

My husband is in the USDB. He called last night and said he is moving to level II in the SHU, but what does this mean? He said he can't tell me because they tell the inmates they can't. If anyone can help please do.:confused:

Hi Tabby. My son was in the SHU for almost 5 years and from what he's told me, it sounds like he's being moved down a custody level - from high maximum to medium maximum (for lack of a better description). He will be able to be out of his cell more hours during the day and have a few more privileges. I *think* I'm getting this right and will check with my son when he calls to make sure. I'll post something as soon as I know!

Hi Vinnies Tabby,
My son is at the DB and he is in the SHU. Lisa's right. My son was in level 1, where, from the way he explained it, they are only allowed out of their cell for one hour a day, and it is to a "cage" by themselves, but where another "cage is next to it, so they can talk with another inmate, also in level 1. After they have dropped a certain amount of points, they will get moved to level 2, which is still in the "shu", but they can get out of their cell into a pod area with three other guys for about two hours a day, where they can watch TV, play board games, work-out...basically have a little more interaction with others. They are allowed to use the phone more often also. From my understanding, they are allowed to order more things from the ration sheet. Still doesn't sound to great to me, but he says it is better than level 1. Hope this helps!