dwfighterva
02-01-2007, 03:48 PM
PTO is jam-packed with information and wonderful people just waiting to offer a helping hand, sound advice and a shoulder to cry on. The basics of dealing with the Department of Corrections (DOC) is keeping your cool and knowing your way around.
There are many threads in here telling how to set up the phones, how to handle visits, how to send mail and how to put money on their commissary account. I will hit on a few highlights but the best thing you can do is just pop around in the Virginia Forum and READ!!
After sentencing in the local court, if for one year or longer, will become property of the state and the DOC will take charge. They will be transferred into a reception center. For men it is currently Deep Meadow, Powhatan, or Mecklenburg. For women I believe it is Virginia Correctional Center for Women. (If anyone knows for sure, please let me know). They stay at reception/classification on average about 3 to 6 months. Note I said average. Some more, some less.
Their classification is based on the charge, the length of sentence, their history, their medical, and their behavior, among other things. Level 1 is the lowest and Level 6 is the highest. They will be sent to a permanent facility based on this level.
Once they get into DOC (even the classification center) they will get a PIN for the phone. They can only make collect calls and you will have to set up an account (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237839) with Global Tel Link. It's expensive so be sitting down when you find out what the rates are. Once you have set up your account you can use the website. https://www.correctionsgtl.com/login.aspx
When medical clears them, about 2 weeks or so after they go in, you can go visit. Visits are different at each facility. Some have the odd/even days based on their DOC number and only give you an hour. Some are all day, Saturday and/or Sunday. Depends on the facility. Make sure you wear underwear and conservative clothes. You will be searched before you go in. It isn't bad. Most visits are contact visits where you sit at tables and can kiss and hug your loved one at the beginning and end of the visit.
If they want to buy anything, it must come from commissary. You can put money on their account with a money order from the post office or Western Union, or go onto www.jpay.com (http://www.jpay.com/) and send it in that way. If they have a medical problem, they will deduct money from their account for doctor visits and any prescriptions being filled.
I think I hit on most of the things. I am sorry your family is going through this. It is very scary and overwhelming at first, but you have taken a big first step by joining PTO and learning what to expect. I personally, have never seen so many people joined together in open support and respect as I have here.
So welcome!!! If you have any other questions, please post them. Someone will always come along who can answer them. You are not alone. We are here. (((((HUGS)))))
dw
There are many threads in here telling how to set up the phones, how to handle visits, how to send mail and how to put money on their commissary account. I will hit on a few highlights but the best thing you can do is just pop around in the Virginia Forum and READ!!
After sentencing in the local court, if for one year or longer, will become property of the state and the DOC will take charge. They will be transferred into a reception center. For men it is currently Deep Meadow, Powhatan, or Mecklenburg. For women I believe it is Virginia Correctional Center for Women. (If anyone knows for sure, please let me know). They stay at reception/classification on average about 3 to 6 months. Note I said average. Some more, some less.
Their classification is based on the charge, the length of sentence, their history, their medical, and their behavior, among other things. Level 1 is the lowest and Level 6 is the highest. They will be sent to a permanent facility based on this level.
Once they get into DOC (even the classification center) they will get a PIN for the phone. They can only make collect calls and you will have to set up an account (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237839) with Global Tel Link. It's expensive so be sitting down when you find out what the rates are. Once you have set up your account you can use the website. https://www.correctionsgtl.com/login.aspx
When medical clears them, about 2 weeks or so after they go in, you can go visit. Visits are different at each facility. Some have the odd/even days based on their DOC number and only give you an hour. Some are all day, Saturday and/or Sunday. Depends on the facility. Make sure you wear underwear and conservative clothes. You will be searched before you go in. It isn't bad. Most visits are contact visits where you sit at tables and can kiss and hug your loved one at the beginning and end of the visit.
If they want to buy anything, it must come from commissary. You can put money on their account with a money order from the post office or Western Union, or go onto www.jpay.com (http://www.jpay.com/) and send it in that way. If they have a medical problem, they will deduct money from their account for doctor visits and any prescriptions being filled.
I think I hit on most of the things. I am sorry your family is going through this. It is very scary and overwhelming at first, but you have taken a big first step by joining PTO and learning what to expect. I personally, have never seen so many people joined together in open support and respect as I have here.
So welcome!!! If you have any other questions, please post them. Someone will always come along who can answer them. You are not alone. We are here. (((((HUGS)))))
dw