Is there anyone who has a loved one at the Federal Low Facility in Beaumont, Texas? If there is, please, could you give me information on this unit? Also, is there anyone who has experience with getting transfers? I would love to find the route to get my son closer to home. Thank you.

Is your son trying to get into Beaumont Low or out of it?

My husband was there for a year & came home this summer. He hated every minute of Beaumont.

Seagoville is much closer to Tarrant County & is also a better place to serve time, imo.

If he's seeking a transfer out of Beaumont, he'll probably have to be there 18 months with good behavior to be eligible for transfer - that's standard for any compound, though.

Sandra:
Thank you for answering me. My son is in Memphis and will be transferred to Beaumont. NO! IT was not an asked for transfer. He asked for Ft. Worth or Seagoville, even Texarkana--go figure--they gave him Beaumont. Yuck! Memphis is not so bad, but he is a LOW and Memphis is a medium thus the transfer. I have heard so many bad things about Beaumont. I was just hoping someone might say somehting positive and give my heart a little relief. I hear there are no weights, no sports and really no good exercise equipment there and NO privacy. I guess the older and smaller institutions have more for the inmates. What do the guys do? Any advice your husband can offer will be much appreciated.
Thank you.

My hubby was at the low before being moved to the camp. He had no complaints. He had never been incarcerated before. There are alot of negative things about Beaumont on this site. I was terrified at first, but after he got settled in it was not that bad.

Thanks for the positive comment. It helps to know there is hope. My son was supposed to go to the Camp but regional moved him to LOw, so maybe he will get a chance to move to the camp also.. thanks again..

There are weights & exercise equipment...a track for walking/running and even a place where some of the men play in a band. As far as activities its not so bad. My husband didn't like it because the gang divisions is more overt there than it is in some other facilities. My husband also never had any trouble with anyone, but knew several people who did. Basically, as long as he minds his own business and follows the rules, he should do fine.

My husband went to Seagoville the first time he went to prison & said it wasn't too bad. Maybe he can be moved after a short time there.

Sandra:
Thank you for all the information. I am glad to know there is exercise equipment and weights. I think this is important to the inmates. My son will be glad to hear this news as he thought there were no weights.
I hate the thought of gangs--I know there are gangs at all facilities, but where he is now they are not very active. He stays out of trouble and I sure hope he continues to do so. I guess he will put in for another transfer as soon as he can--mainly to get him closer to family and support.
I do appreciate your kind responses.

Hi Ruby Lou,

First, welcome to PTO.. You may have done an intro someplace else but this is the first we've "met" so why not here as well? ;)

I'll try to shed a little light on the "low" in Beaumont, though I did my time at the Medium.

Unfortunately, there are no weights.. I did some SHU time for actually doing pull-ups in the mop closet... The BOP in most prisons wants to cut down on "cut up" (large) inmates who might intimidate the CO's.. Or at least that was the story in Beaumont when I was there... IF something has changed with this operating procedure, someone please correct me. I was released at the end of 2001.

As for Gangs... There are gangs in every prison, from the USP's all the way down to the "camps".. The higher the security level, the more serious the gang politics usually go.. The low should be very manageable..

With regards to transfers.. When I was in you had to do a year and a half before you could be considered for one at that institution unless it was because you security points dropped and you went to a lower level institution.. In this case, they would take him across the street to the camp in the complex.

Hope this helps some..

David

David:
Thank you for your response. I just now received your note. I am sorry to hear there are not a weight program. I guess I understand the thinking--but I do know it helps with morale to work out and it is also physically and mentally a plus.
My son is not there yet, but should be soon. He is at an older facility in Tenn. now where there are weights and other sports activities. It seems to be a better set up--but at least he will be in Texas.
Hope all is well with you since your release. Thanks again for your help.
Ruby Lou

My husband is getting ready to go to Beaumont Low as
well and he is at Beaumont Medium and he asked for
Fort Worth and/or Seagoville. I spoke with Jim Hazelton
who actually does the disignations and he said Seagoville
is 70% over capacity and Fort worth is 42% over while Beaumont
Low is only 23% over..I was very disappointed but hopefully
that will shine some light as to why your son was not granted
either facility..My husband is now a low as well and can not remain
on the medium unit...

I live in Fort Worth and prayed he would be moved closer
we don't actually have a confirmation of him being on the
Beaumont Low Unit but looking at the % we kinda know
what is going to happen next..
:(

Yes, I understand your disappointment. 5 1/2 hr drive...we too were hoping for a closer facility. Perhaps after 18 mos they can put in for a transfer. It is always hard adjusting to a new place. I hope it all works out for you and your husband. I appreciate your response. We have to remain strong and positive even through our dark days.
Thanks again.

Hello This Is Frist Time Doing This. Sending A Message, But I Am Worried. I Never Knew That The Inmates Had 300 Min. I Have Not Heard From My Husband Since Friday, He Calls Everyday I Am Stressing Does Anyone Have Someone In Beaumont Low. I Am Stressing Very Bad.... When Do They Call Again,..

If he's run out of minutes, they will renew on a date that's determined by his institution number. You should write him a letter and ask him when his minutes renew for another month.

My son has only a few days ago moved to Beaumont low. I dont know what this place is like. He didnt call for 4 days and then made a quick call to say he was in a 'holding place' and was very nervous. Does anybody know what it is like for real in Beaumont low camp? what happens in the holding place? Im very stressed.

How good are the prisons about notifying the next of kin when there's a medical issue or something? I don't have anybody I love in prison, but I see worried people posting a lot because they haven't heard from their loved one. If they could rest assured that "no news is good news", that might be a little something to ease their minds.

I really do not know if the officials would notify family if a loved one is sick. Perhaps in a critical situation they would, but otherwise probably not.

My husband had several bouts of sickness, but no one ever notified me. I would find out when he called home.

Well he finally called on Feb 7 at 6:15 am that is when he started his minutes again ,.
,.I was jumping for joy,.,. Thanks for hearing me out .,.,

Unfortunately, in the BOP, "no news" means "chill until you get some news" rather than "good news."

We just found out that our son was transferred to Beaumont Low for processing. Does that mean he can still go to another prison or will he stay there for his whole 63 months? I just cant understand why they dont let anyone know anything? No wonder everyone is stressed.

How can we find out about visitation hours for FCI low Beaumont. My son is there since yesterday and they told us they cant tell us if he is there or when we can see him.

www.bop.gov (http://www.bop.gov) Everything (well most anyway) can be found out there.

I didnt even know the beaumont low security was opened back up. I just hope he calls soon.

I hope you have received the information you needed. When you go to the Federal Bureau Prison's web page you can find the hours, dress code and directions, times etc.
I will tell you that you can take cash only in a clear bag. (About 20.00) is enough for the vending machines. You cannot wear any athletic clothes, white T-Shirts, any Kakhi colored clothes, no hoodies, shorts or revelaing clothes of any kind. Also if you wear a bra with an underwire, you may be asked to go remove it!
I do think an inmate has to be at a facility for at least 18 months before he can request a transfer. Hope this info helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Ruby Lou

thanks for the info. An under wire bra??? you have got to be kidding me. I learn something new every week.

Not kidding!! Good thing I had extra clothes in my car! So, just wear a regular bra to be on the safe side. I would also go early if going on the weekends as it gets crowded. Be there by 8am..they will not let you in until 8:30, but it is best to be there early so you can get the most time from your visit. You will have to remove your shoes and put them thru a scanner and you will have to walk thru a metal detector.

Have now visited my son for the second time. It was great but hard. Just like a puppy, I wanted to bring him home. So close yet so far. The visits are very good, it is very crowded on weekends, but only time i can go. You have to take your shoes off, go thru a metal detector, but the wait is the hardest. No one is in a hurry there. You might have to sit for an hour, just for your number to be called. You have to get a locker to put your car keys in it. But you get to keep the key for the locker in a bag.
So our locker had one car key in it. Didnt make sense to do that , but had to.
We will see my son again on thanksgiving, and was told you only get an hour visit because it is so busy. We will be there by 8:00

Former federal prison employee indicted on multiple counts



By COLIN GUY (cguy@hearstnp.com)

September, 5, 2008


A former employee of the Beaumont United States Penitentiary has been indicted on multiple felony counts.

Jada L. Jefferson was accused of criminal sexual conduct with two inmates while she was working at the high-security prison. Jefferson was also accused of accepting $1,500 in exchange for providing tobacco to one of the men, a prohibited item.

She faces up to 15 years on each criminal sexual conduct charge and on the charge she accepted payment for introducing the contraband. Jefferson faces up to six months on the charge that she introduced prohibited material into the penitentiary.

Doey anyone know how many points it is to visit on thanksgiving day at FCI Beaumont low???:confused:

I think its the same as a weekend point but not sure cause they don't do points in the camp...that's where my husband's at. But I'm pretty sure that's what they do...do you live in Beaumont? if not are you planning on staying in a hotel? Im wanting to drive out there tomorrow night and was hoping I could find someone to split a room with.

OH i wish we were, I dont get off till late so we have to drive out there thursday morning.

I called the prison today, they said there are zero points for thanksgiving and the day after. So we will get to see my son both days.;):pilgrim:

oh that's cool :)
we only get to visit Thanksgiving day...
but now i don't even know if I can get out there because NEITHER of my cars want to freaking start right now!!! GRRRRR i could scream!!:angry:

I called beaumont low today and was told that they do have to count Thanksgiving as 2 points, where did you get that info txbutterfly? Share with us your info, we were told my husband had to have the 2 points by a supervisior.

I called today and the officer that answered the phone said that thanksgivingday and friday were zero points.

the number i called was 409-727-8172

Ladies - is the low not on lockdown? I'd make sure before driving out because medium and camp are...

well as of today, they are not in lockdown, my inlaws saw my son monday, and i called again today, and it is zero points for thanksgiving day and friday.

yay :)

I called and they said visits are allowed for camp....so I'm typing from Fairfield Inn in Beaumont....yay me :) can't wait to see my honey buns tomorrow after not talking to him for almost a week!!!

I love fairfield i can get it for $40 on priceline.com name your own price AND free breakfast. they have great waffles

Had our visit today with my son. I lost it. I thought I was strong, but knowing I have to go thru this every holiday, just dont know if I can do this.

i know the feeling
my husband doesn't have as long, but just knowing that he's not even halfway done just really gets to me somedays. i have no one else, really, and so many other problems come up and it's just hard to get along in my daily life without him. I'm not used to living by myself. sigh. i'm ready for August to be here

Well all we can do is hang in there. How is the camp. my son is hoping to go there in a year.? Hope you had a great visit with your hubby.:wave:

yea i had a good visit...just wish i could have stayed longer, but needed to work :(
the camp is okay you will be shocked when you go in for visit lol..no metal detectors or anything...there is a guard there who is super sweet...he told my husband he lost two of his fingers at the usp, but wouldn't say how...he is always very nice to me, and i don't know if you can do this at the low, but at the camp you can play cards n checkers....and for the size of the camp there are not a lot of visitors.

Well glad you had a good visit. Well at least we have something to look forward to, if the camp is that good.

I think I'm moving out sooner than originally planned....lol like Monday

You are gonna move closer to beaumont?

actually i'm moving TO beaumont....today ...lol...i'm nervous but so happy that i can see my baby every weekend

I am so happy for you. That helps getting to see them every weekend.:D

oh yea!!! I am soooo glad to see my one and only every weekend!! and he's not disappointed either lol! now that i live her and am here every weekend, we should have lunch together one day after visitation.

:XTree:Just talked to my son, visiting days for Christmas is gonna be free the 25th, & 26th.:haphols:

oh i hope the camp is able to have visits the day after christmas and after new years

I think it is gonna be like that for low and the camps. havent heard about new years day tho. I think we are gonna go the day after christmas, either day will be so busy.:xmaself::XTree::snowman::haphols:

*crossing fingers*

:xmaself: I just hope I can hang in there. This is just so hard, especially during the holidays. Gonna make it just another day, only way I can do this.

i understand completely....its getting so hard for me...I'm sooo lonely all the time

do you have any kids?

does anyone know how bad the waiting is like during this week at Low, I want to visit but want to be prepared for what it will be like? anyone been there during this time of year and know how it is, will this weekend be crowded or more on the 25th and the day after??? Help!!!

No...I have fertility problems. I took some fertility drugs and got pregnant a few years ago, but I lost it. I would have had a 2 and a half year old. But I can't imagine going through all of this AND having a kid. I think it would make it harder...

tx housewife - my honey buns is at the camp, so sorry I'm not able to answer that for ya...maybe butterfly knows??

tx housewife, both 25th and 26th will be busy. They check in so many , i think 50 visitors, then at least get to visit for an hour. Then if you are 1-10 you will have to leave to let number 51-60 visit. they change every hour till all visitors check in. They quit taking any visitors after 1:00.
Hope that helps you. Sorry to hear that Stranglovers Wife. I think it would be hard too, if I was young and had children. Dont know if I am strong enough to handle all this now, but i gotta stay strong for my son. He and his wife do not have any children.:haphols:

does his wife come visit with you too?

oh yeah, she comes every time we go and sometimes she goes by herself. She is a very strong person.:thumbsup:

that's good....i'm glad she goes...my hubby tells me that some of the wives never go...kinda sad....
how far away are ya'll

....and I can't wait to visit tomorrow!!!!
this weekend was soooo chaotic

we are about 2 hours away from beaumont. So glad you get to visit.

i am so tired of the guards at the camp being so rude. every time i go there is something!!! ugh...they make me so angry. like last saturday they didn't let anyone in until 11 because of the fog, and then everyone just bunched up so the people who were there at 8 got in AFTER people who got there at like 10:50...its bs

We didnt get in till 11 today. we were there at 9, it was so crowded. but at least we got to visit.

yea it has definately been harder around the holidays...i have been waiting till noon to even show up because i know that i'll just be waiting through everyone pushing and shoving...there's no order at the camp...
i hope that you all enjoyed your christmas together :)

Well Holidays are gone, Merle Haggard "If we make it thru December, Everything is gonna be alright" Now just 4 more Christmas's to go.:thumbsup:

very true...we just have one valentines day, one easter, one anniversary, one birthday, and then HALFWAY HOUSE!!!!! yay

That is awesome. I cant even imagine how close that is. Hang in there.:thumbsup:

It seems so far for me...I feel selfish sometimes when talking to some of you other ladies :(

OH dont feel selfesh, feel good that you are almost finished. You need to do a count down soon.;)

I thought about adding one...but I dont want to get too excited lol

well if you decide to we can all help.:)

Well Holidays are gone, Merle Haggard "If we make it thru December, Everything is gonna be alright" Now just 4 more Christmas's to go.:thumbsup:
Every since youve post that, Ive had that song in my head. :musical:

ditto!!