Just wondering about any experiences with someone who is in the Federal System. My husband is at a camp. I haven't spoken to him yet or seen him, so I am curious as to what to expect.

Thanks,
Molly

Molly,

Billy is in federal prison. However, he's not in a camp. He has a straight sentence, no parole or halfway house. He's in a medium facility right now and he may be moved to a low in October. Federal prisons are, in my opinion, much better than state. They are more accomodating and professional. Although you'll run across a few "holier than thou" CO's who like to take power trips.

My best to you,

Hi Molly,

My fiance (husband in 8 days) is in a low security fed facility. Denise is so right on when she stated that Fed facilities are MUCH better than state/county.

Most guys in camp/low/med security facilities are there to do their time. They don't have to worry about the guys out to prove something or try to be bad-asses. Those are the ones that usually end up in the Fed Pen.

It's a pretty easy ride considering they're incarcerated. There's alot of things to keep them busy.

What facility is he designated to? Todd is at Lompoc & will be released to CCC (fed halfway house) in Oct.

My fiancee is also in a Federal Prison, minimum security. He indicates Federal is much better than State as he spent a couple years fighting his case in one. Camps are even much better than the minimum, according to him. I suppose if it has to be an experience at all, you can find comfort that the time isn't "hard time" like the media depictions.
Hope that helps.
Kelli

It seems that the Federal System from all I've heard is much better. I know he will make the best of the situation--do what is expected and keep busy. He went in with a great attitude.

Someday I will look back on all this and see it as a bump on the road--in the meantime--I still see it as a mountain to climb and I've just begun! Next year at this time I will be on the descent!

I hope you are all doing your best to cope. I've enjoyed reading all your posts and sharing in all your stories. I think PTO will help us all to get through it!

Molly

Molly,

Any questions you have when the time comes, visitation, phone calls, etc. just let me know since Federal regulations are different. I'm not an expert, but have learned A LOT! You are welcome to e-mail me.
Kelli

Hi Molly,

My man is also going to a Federal Prision in Aug. I dont know what to expect eaither. But I liked what i heard here. Let me know if you find anymore things out about it. because i am also curious on what to expect.

My husband will be going to a Federal Camp next month. He goes to sentencing this Friday, but we pretty much know where he's going. Where is your husband?

From what we've learned, the camps are pretty laid back. Rick will most likely be in Cumberland, MD. They don't have cells there, you are each in a room w/ no door and they are grouped around a centeral room, sort of like dorms. Some are allowed to work off base, with transporation to and from work.

I don't know many intimate details yet, such as phone calls, visitation, etc. The rules do vary by institution, so it would depend on where they are. I will gladly share any info. I get and would love to hear from you, too. Feel free to email me.

Hang in there ~ we're right there with you!!

Colleen

Molly, Medusachick and lasseire---My man has been in a federal prison camp for almost 3 months. I got my first call from him about a week after he got there. They have to approved his calling list and issue him a calling card. He had money put into his account before he got there so he got his card quickly. He gets 300 minutes a month and can only call approved numbers. Calls are 15 minutes long and believeme , at 14 minutes and 45 seconds, you get cut off!!!! He can also make a limited number of collect calls if he needs to but they are expensive. Your guys will have to send you forms to fill out so you can gett approved as visitors. Spouses and family members are automatically approved. The form lists all the do's and don't that apply to visiting, hours, requirements, etc. A lot of what happens when you get there depends on which guard is checking visitors is. Some search everything you have and others just glance. They can deny your visit if they want to. To me, the visits are not real comfortable. I have only been to see him on three separate occasions, but I always leave feeling very sad. It is hot, crowded and not private at all. I feel like just another visitor instead of the person he loves. I guess I just want more intimacy and closeness but that is very hard when your every move is being watched! I miss him deeply but it helps to talk about him even if it has to be about prison. Hope my little bit of knowledge helps you guys out. I am learning as I go, and I will share whatever comes my way.

Peace,
Kye

Kye,

You gave very good advice to Molly, Medusa, and Lasserie. It is so true that the guards are completely different, and they are on a rotation. Just don't be caught off guard ladies if there is a diferent guard who questions something you wore previously to be inappropriate. This could even be a business suit, as it was with me. If you really feel you haven't crossed over the line, politely tell the guard questioning you that your outfit was okay before and you would like a "liutenant" or "captain" for an opinion. I did this on a very professional business suit and the guard was actually chastised by the lieutanant for quetioning me.

Kye, I am sorry your visits aren't better. I must be able to put everything out of my mind. A friend I have made at the facility said when I am visiting it is like we are the only two in the room and the love just emanates. I try to pretend we are somewhere else. They actually keep the visiting room very cold! I hope they improve. The sadness never does, I am sorry to say.

Best wishes and god bless,
Kelli

I had my first visit the other day--it had been 2 weeks since I had seen him--I could hardly breathe!

My experience as far as the facility was concerned was not unpleasant--considering where I was. The guards were professional--to me at least. I was dressed casually elegant, minimal jewelery (simple earrings, wedding band, watch and a single glass bead bracelet), well groomed, but not over done. I think my name helped as well--unlike most of the other visitors--I don't have an ethnic surname. It saddened me to see the undercurrent of discrimination.

The getting in procedure was fairly painless. They took my photo, I went through a metal detector (removed my shoes, bracelet and watch), and had my hand stamped in order to walk through the 3 doors to the visiting room.

Once there, I waited about 5 minutes for my husband. The room was good size--there were rows of blue plastic chairs (small/uncomfortable--but I didn't care), a wall of vending machines with okay snacks (at least there was water, yogurt and pretzels), bathrooms and the guard booth. Our visit--among 200 people--was really awesome. There were moments I forgot where we were--my choice--as I chose to focus on us. It was noisy--but that goes with the territory. We sat side by side, held hands at times--were able to be close. I found the guards to be on guard--yet a bit lax. However, I would size up the situation each visit. I noticed many people holding hands and one girl had her head on her guys shoulder the whole time. All was within the bounds of decency.

We were able to share what was going on in our lives--including what he went through the first 2 weeks. That was incredibly difficult to hear about my husband. He was doing great by Saturday--looked well rested, had been working out and found other inmates to learn the ropes (he still had no orientation or physical at that time). However, I learned that everyone goes into segregation to start. We dropped him off and he was taken in--shackled and led to the hole. No one took the time to find out who he was or why he was there. When he asked the guards who were escorting him, where he was going (he couldn't see as they had his head covered)--they retorted "you've been down this road before." He replied--no--I've never been arrested. No matter--he was still treated poorly. Amazingly he spent his time thinking of all the good things in our lives and the bright future ahead--essentially he didn't allow any negativity in--just focused on the positive. I was in awe of his strength. I, however am not so forgiving at this time.

Other than that--our visit was wonderful. I will get to see him 2 days a week--for that I am grateful.


Molly