Does anyone have info about FPC Alderson? I will be sentenced on 1/20/04 and am scared to death. I have never been in trouble in my entire life, only ran a red light! Now, I am faced with a sentence of 30-37 months. Only by the grace of God can I face this..any other suggestions?

Seeker,

I am writing a girl from PTO who is at Alderson right now. I would be happy to ask or forward any questions you may have to her.

Patti

I was at Alderson from 01 to 03. PM me with your questions and I will try to answer them for you!

Rather than start a new post, I'll just add to this one.

I just received some information from my sister - copies from some kind of handbook. It has info on visiting, mail, commissary and financial responsibility stuff and some other topics. I also received a copy of the commisary list. I will try to summarize here, but if there is something specific you are looking for, please let me know and I can try to get an answer. This is based on my sister's experience at Alderson so far, so please forgive and correct me if there are any mistakes.

Debitek
This is your commissary card. I guess you can buy Debitek credits that work like a debit card. You buy credits and use them in the vending machines, to do laundry, make copies, etc. There is a limit to how many credits you can carry on it (max $40). You use it at your own risk, there are no refunds if it doesn't work. Lost/ stolen or problematic cards will be replaced for a fee ($5).

Commissary
Shopping is limited to one day per week. A shopping list is filled out prior to shopping. Stamps and Debitek may be purchased on regular shopping day. No shopping bags are provided, but can be purchased.

The categories listed on the commissary sheet include food items, clothing, dental/razors, soap, cosmetics, personal items, laundry, cigarettes, hair care, craft items, shoes, miscellaneous items including fan, radio, alarm clock, sunglasses, watch, umbrella.

I have the list with specific items, brands and prices. However, I'm told the actual prices are higher than what's listed. If anyone is interested in specifics, let me know.

If you can't afford it, soap, shampoo, etc. will be supplied to you.

Inmates are not allowed to borrow commissary items from anyone (per the handbook). My sis explained that if she does not have a receipt for an item, it can be taken from her.

Funds (This is a summary straight from the handbook for Alderson, not sure how much/ if any is by BOP policy)
Deposits should be mailed to the lockbox. Checks or money orders should be made out to the inmate and include his/her Reg #. Personal checks and negotiable instruments shall be held (15 days for domestic, up to 60 days for foreign). At the end of the hold, funds will be released and made available to inmate. The following items shall NOT be held: US postal money orders, US treasury checks, US gov't issued drafts, western union money orders, state, county and municipal checks, cashiers checks, domestic money orders. There is also a list of postal money orders from various places (Canada, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, etc) that shall not be held.

Spending Limits
There is a spending limit set by the BOP (max $290). Stamps and telephone credits are excluded from the monthly spending. There is a limit on the number of stamps you can purchase or accumulate. Overspending or signing for a withdrawal of funds when you have insufficient funds may result in disciplinary action.

I have some more information, but not enough time, I'll try to get back in the next few days and add the rest.

My mom is at Alderson and I think its a shame how they have to buy whatever they need instead of having someone send it to them. It is nothing more then a ripoff. A money gimmik! Have the women there doesnt need to even be in prison. I cant believe how our system is working. Not only my mother but I have met so many ladies there while visiting with mom that their stories will bring tears to your eyes. Women with babies crying not wanting to leave their mommies, women thats pregnant, old people. I mean tis a shame. I could see if they did something horrible to end up in Prison but dang this place is just a money thing. We all pay federeal taxes .I would love to know what goes with it. God knows the ladies and families of the ladies there keep the prison going. Any work that gets done, they do. It is pathetic and I wish I knew something that could be done. My mom wont be in much longer but it breaks my heart knowing that the governament is taking advantage of people. I dont know about anyone else but I have 3 kids and it takes all I have for them. It is really hard trying to come up with money to send to mom. I pity the women that have no family or no one to turn to. God bless all the women and families at Alderson!:(

It definitely costs a lot more than we ever expected. We are all learning about what we can and can't do without. I had to laugh when my sister told me the inmates are being asked to donate stuff for a family day celebration. These are women who don't have anything. Since we are sending her the money anyway, let me go buy the jumbo size package of chips (or whatever) at Walmart and bring it in instead of her getting the travel size for the same price at the comissary.

As promised, here is some info about visiting Alderson. Since I didn't receive this info from my sister until after my first visit, I thought I would share it here. Of course, you should confirm this for yourself prior to visiting since this is all subject to change... That being said.

Visiting hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Mondays and Holidays 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. We were told, on the weekends, no one was allowed in from 9:15 am until 10:00 count clears (I believe them because we ended up waiting in the parking lot for two hours) and again from 2:15 pm until 4:00 count clears. Not sure what happens on Fridays and Mondays.

Visitor's are permitted to wear shorts (no shorter than 4" above the knee). No miniskirts, halter tops, see-through clothing or anything considered to be revealing. Sandals are allowed, however, house/shower shoes are not allowed.

Visitors may bring the following items 1 clear plastic purse/bag, 1 lipstick, 1 facial compact, 1 comb or brush, 2 packs unopened cigarettes, 1 cigarette lighter, 3 packs matches, 2 cans/ pouches tobacco, money (change and dollar bills). Also allowed to bring baby items including diaper bag, baby carrier, food, bottles, formula (unopened), ice pack, lotion, powder, blanket, change of clothes, ointment, wipes, toy.

Visitors may bring prescription medicines for their use (to be left at officer station while visiting).

This is right out of the handbook. This list is not all inclusive, it does not address items that are part of an individual's person such as jewelry, eye glasses, billfold, etc for which all are authorized.

Visitors need driver's licencse, state ID card or two forms of ID with full name and signature to be allowed to visit.

Visitors may not leave anything or exchange items with inmate.

There is a children's room with toys, books, crafts. There is a fenced in area outside with picnic tables. There is also swings for the kids. There are vending machines and microwaves available for use.

Inmates are limited to 20 visitors on their visiting list. Immediate family members are usually approved promptly and include parents (including step-parents), sisters, brothers, husband (including common-law), children (including step-children). All others will need to complete a questionnaire for review and approval before being added to visiting list. If you have a prior arrest record that does not automatically mean you can not visit, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. An inmate can have 4 visitors at a time, more may be allowed with prior approval.

Inmates are authorized to wear institution issued pants, shirt and shoes. A commissary purchased t-shirt (not sleeve-less) or sweatshirt may be worn. Inmates may take the following to the visiting room: commissary card, cigarettes (only the number to be used during visit), jewelry (will be inventoried when you enter and when you leave), picture stubs.