For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Thank you so much for such an indepth and wonderful post. You can't imagine how much better I feel now :-) If you don't mind, I have a couple of questions that I would like to ask.

1. You mentioned that that you are give 5 sets of underwear. Does this include bras as well?

2. In general, what sort of jobs are available?

3. If I already have a college degree, will I still be able to take various classes?

Thank you again! This stress ball sitting in the pit of my stomach is finally going away :-)

I'm glad I could answer some of your questions. Yes, you get 5 bras. You can take any class that they have available. There are many ladies in federal prison with degrees. As far as jobs go there are many. There is the kitchen, landscape, education, facilities. If you have a college degree you should go to education about a job as a GED tutor. They can always use good tutors and it is so rewarding!!
Please try not to worry. It is unnerving when you first arrive. There are many things to get used to. But you will be ok! Please feel free to ask anything you like!

Chrisa

You mentioned you were in for 4 years, and in that time you served in 4 different facilities.

I can't say I am surprised, but it seems like a good amount of transferring. Was there a reason why you moved so often and did it eventually land you back closer to home?

Chrisa....thanks a bunch for posting this! I am sure your personal experience will ease the fears of many who visit PTO!

Diane

I was trasferred from Carswell to Lexington because it was closer to home. I transferred from Lexington to Alderson for the RDAP program. Got to Alderson and the waiting list for RDAP was ridiculously long. They offered to send 48 of us to Bryan for the RDAP program because they said we would get in faster as Bryan's waiting list wasn't very long. When we arrived there it was s different story!

Although I am not going to any of the prisons listed above, I just wanted to say that the post is very informative and I am sure it will be alot of help to alot of woman headed down that road. Chrisa, That is very kind of you to post your info and to be here to help others.......VERY COOL !!!!
Just wanted to tell you how great I thought it was.....Holly

I have had a few people pm me about the telephone system so I thought I would add it here. Soon after you arrive you will be issued a PIN number. You will also fill out a form and write down all the phone numbers that you will be calling. You have up to 30 numbers and can add/delete at any time. It will take a few days to add the numbers to your phone list. You are alloted 300 minutes per month, 400 in November and December. You can call collect but it is much cheaper to add funds from your commissary account to your telephone account. They have an automated telephone system and you can transfer the funds that way. When I left prison I think it was around $3.30 per call. You can only talk for 15 minutes at a time.

If it is not too much bother, I have yet another set of niggling questions...

1. I like making little dolls out of FIMO (a type of clay)...is it possible to get this clay sent to me so I can continue making them?

2. My mother would like to know if she can send me things like shampoo, conditioner, facial wash, body shampoo etc...

3. I have heard that there are cosmetology courses available at certain camps...would you happen to know which ones and how would I go about taking these courses?

4. Am I able to have photographs sent to me? May I bring some with me?

5. My friends and family will be sending me Japanese magazines and books...will this be an issue?

Thank you again! :)

Thank you so much for the info. As I am heading to Coleman in couple weeks, I have couple more questions:
1. Hair color - is it possible at all?
2. Jogging - Is there place for jogging in Camp? Are you allowed to?

Thank you again
Jenny

Mimikitty-at the camps I was at you can buy fimo clay on commissary and they also have classes you can take.
No, you can't have anything brought or sent to you. You can buy what you need on commissary.
They do have cosmetology classes. Go to the Education department and ask about it. There are certain time requirements, I think you have to have at least 18 months left on your sentence. A lot of ladies take cosmetology because it is far less expensive than what you would pay on the outside. When I left it was $150.
You can have photographs sent in to you as long as they are not polaroid. You can have up to 25.
As far as Japanese books I don't believe it will be a problem. Ask when you arrive.

Kapara, yes you can purchase haircolor.
Yes, you can go jogging. Lots of ladies do. There is a track where you can jog.

Hi,
I have just a few questions:
1. bunkbeds... I know that women over 50 get bottom bunks and I'm not yet 50 so that doesn't apply to me... but, what about short people??? Are the beds very tall? I'm five feet tall... will I have trouble getting in and out, especially if I need to get up suddenly in the middle of the night?
2. How would I keep a diary safe and private?
3. Are sketchpads sold at the commissary?
4. I have sensitive ears and special earplugs... and a letter from a speech-language pathologist explaining my need for those earplugs. Will I have any difficulty getting those earplugs in?
5. Today, we had a blizzard. And, until nearly a foot of snow landed on my house, I hadn't even considered the possibility of inclement weather. My self-surrender date is April 6, and, where I live, that is really borderline winter/spring. What will happen if I fail to show up on time due to a storm. Should I just call and explain?
Well, that's enough questions for now, I suppose.
Thank you for your assistance.

"meowmachine":)

Meow, they don't really take into consideration how short you are. I had a bunkie who was 4' 6" and she was on the top bunk. There are ladders on the beds.
Yes, they sell sketchpads, at least the institutions where I was. You can keep your diary in your locker. You will have to purchase a lock from commissary. They also sell earplugs. As far as special earplugs, it souds like that is an issue for medical so I really don't know one way or another. If you are self surrendering I would take them along with the letter and see what they say.
I think that greyghost would be the one to ask about your last question. I really don't have an answer.
Hope this helps some.
Chrisa

Thank you so much for your responses! Knowing that I can make my little FIMO dolls is strangely reassuring :p I know, it seems silly, but right now, it is the little things that are keeping me together.

Would anyone here have a basic list of the items sold at the commisary? Would you happen to remember the types (brands) of cleaners and such?

As for the cosmetology course...What do they teach exactly? Hair? Nails? Make-up? All of the above? Once you complete the course, are you fully licensed?

Thank you again! You are all fabulous assets to this board!

Hi Chrisa,

Thank you so much for the answers that you could give. It's a relief to know that I'll be able to have a diary and a sketch pad in prison. I was very concerned about those tall beds and knowing that there is a ladder is a big help. After I was arrested, I spent the night in the county jail, and there were no ladders... you just had to climb up. Fortunately, someone taller than me agreed to take the top bunk and I slept on the bottom... it was hard work for me to get on top of that bed with my short legs.

When the storm finally ended last night, the total amount of snowfall was fourteen inches... and a record-breaker. Wow!

meowmachine, covered in snow:rolleyes:

Hi Mimikitty,

What are FIMO dolls? Please describe for me what one looks like.

Thank you!

meowmachine:)

Yes, they teach all those things in the cosmetology program. The commissary list varies depending on which institution you go to. But they have things such as Pantene shampoo and conditioner, Dove soap, all name brand things basically. But as I said, it will vary institution to institution, some are better than others.
I'm glad that I can answer some of your questions. It's frightening enough just knowing that you are going to prison and it helps some to have an idea as to what to expect!

Wow, thats a lot of snow, Meow! It's 65 degrees where I am!

Good job, Chrisa!

Don't forget to mention you can crochet! LOL

Yes, Vicki and and I were crochet partners in Alderson. We crocheted A LOT!! :)

This is all wonderful information. It is almost funny all the little things we each need everyday to keep us sane. And how the thought of not having something is going to push us over the edge... I think it is the unknown that panics us...

I could list thousands of questions. But what I really need to know is ...

If I self-surrender can I have on me papers with my addresses and phone numbers of family and friends. I understand it can take some time to get commissary and your phone card activated and also visitation. For phone calls and visitation - what info on someone do you need? Name, address, do you need their social security number? drivers license number? anything else?

Also, I will be heading to prison with lots of restitution due... What do you know about them deducting funds from your account for restitution? How much do you think would be safe in a commissary account? $50, $100, $200 ???

Do they issue any personal hygeine items? or do you have to pay for all of that yourself?

Thanks,
Sheryl

You can spend $290 per month. If you take money with you it will post in your commissary account either the same day or the following day.
As far as the visitation forms-you will send the form to the person that you want to visit you and they will fill it out with their information. They will then send it directly to your counselor-not to you. Make sure you tell the person that. There will be an address to send it to on the visitation form.
Well when you arrive they will give a couple of little trial size items. Shampoo, soap, toothpaste. But they don't give out these items on a regular basis, at least not in my experience. The only place that did this was Bryan. So yes, you will have to purchase your own hygiene items.
I don't know if you will be able to bring anything with names an addresses. Once you get designated you can call the institution and ask.

Oh! Crocheting! :idea: One of my favorite hobbies! What sort of yarn is available? How about thread? (My friends have been teasing me about making doilies with Martha.)

meowmachine:rolleyes:

You'll see people doing a whole lot of crocheting! They have all different colors of yarn, and also thread. I still crochet!

Chrisa

Chrisa makes beautiful angels!!!! She gave me a copy of her pattern when she left Alderson for Bryant!!!!! :)

You 2 were in together?

You are really making a difference here with the help you have offered! It shows a true spirit of PTO...and we feel blessed to have you here with us!

Diane

Someone else mentioned this once before on PTO....

You can "mail yourself" a list of names,address's and phone numbers the day before you surrender. This way if the one you go in with is lost or not allowed with you, you'll have a back up on the way!

I thought it was a good idea....

Diane

Yes, Vicki (guysgal) and I were together in Alderson. She is a lovely lady and I'm glad to know her!

At FPC Alderson, WV the cosmetology, course is taught by contracted outside instructors, and classes are 5 days a week, M-F from 12 - 8 p.m. At the end of the 18 month course the inmates are tested on site, and if they pass they are licensed cosmetologists in West Virginia. Since so many states have reciprocity for cosmetologists, the inmate usually only has to apply for their license in their home state, and doesn't have to test again. As inmates we were able to make appointments for manicures, pedicures, facials, and even haircuts. In addition, you could also purchase haircolor and perms off commissary and have them done in cosmetology.

Oh yes, and if you were going home or to a half-way house, you could have a set of artificial nails put on the day before u left.. All in all, not too bad. :)

Yes, Chrisa and I were housed together at Alderson until she left for Bryant. We spent many hours crocheting together. Unfortunately, we lost touch. I just happen to see her name in her signature, and when I read a few of her post I just had a feeling it was her. (Not many Chrisa's out there). I PM'd her a couple of weeks ago and we reconnected. Its been great. And thanks for the compliment, Diane!

Hi Diane,

How do you get your mailing address for the prison in advance? I called the prison for a list of things that I could bring with me after the probation officer suggested that I do that. I also asked for the mailing address and the guy who answered the telephone said quite gruffly, "You'll get that when you arrive!" I tried asking again but he remained unresponsive. At that point, I simply gave up on him and politely said goodbye and ended the conversation. I also wondered what happened to the secretary! This guy's talents certainly did not lie in that direction. But... I don't know how to mail the addresses and phone numbers to myself... I could just put them in an envelope and leave it with my parents to mail it to me as soon as they get a letter from me... I guess...

meowmachine:rolleyes:

Meow, what prison are you going to?

Hi,

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

I'm going to Danbury, Connecticut, about 440 miles from my hometown. The letter from my probation officer said "FCI Danbury."

meowmachine:cool:

Ok, I just thought if it was somewhere i have been that I might have it handy.

You will need your Reg.# in order to get mail, and you won't have that until you get there and are booked in R&D. So, the idea about having your parents send you your list of addresses and telephone numbers is a good one.

Is there a limit on how many people can take the cosmetology course? Are people turned away? Would anyone here know which camps offer this course?

I often give my mom and friends facials, pedicures and manicures, so I figure I might as well get licensed while I am tucked away at in BOP :-)

Another PTO member, Holly who is surrendering today I think... Well, she left her address with a number posted here yesterday or the day before.

I've also seen postings where people with self-surrender dates, while still at home were able to find themselves listed in the BOP locator, and is that how they got their numbers???

Is anyone familiar with this? or maybe it just depends on the facility where you are going.

This thread is great, for women's federal facilities, there are so few by comparioson to male, and I imagine different. Does anyone agree???

Thanks,
Sheryl

Hi Sheryl,

I agree that this is a great thread! There are way more facilities for men than for women. I think that means that we have to take a longer trip to get there, which makes it more difficult for friends and family to come and visit us.

Yes, I checked the BOP locator and found my register number. It says that I am "in transit." I'm sitting in my house and not acting very much as if I'm "in transit," so I might try pretending to be carsick or something. :ha: I suppose that I should just give my friends and family the number so that they can locate me via the internet.

And speaking about visits, does anyone have any idea of what visitors are allowed to bring with them? Can they bring board games, decks of cards, or anything else, so that we can have fun while visiting? I understand that they are not allowed to bring any food to me at all... no cookies, brownies and certainly no cake!!!!:rolleyes:

meowmachine:)

Hi all - I just got back from my stay at camp Carswell in December, so anything you want to ask, go ahead. I should be up to date, although since I've left, the camp administrator AND the warden of the prison have both changed (wonder if the new ones read PTO like the old ones did??!! :) We laughed one day when one of the counselors had pages printed out from the warden about what was being written!

I think I can answer just about anything - medical, commissary, recreation, furloughs, jobs, phone, rules, etc. - so PM me, or I'll try to keep up with posts if I can. I remember how scared I was, and maybe I can help someone else by answering their questions (ToniB saved me by telling me exactly what would happen to me when I got there!)

I had a roommate who had been acquainted with Susan McDougal while she was there - and yes, she WAS at the camp, because I had her old bed - does that mean I've slept where someone (in)famous slept? Hmmm... my dubious claim to fame. I also saw her making the rounds on the talk show circuit, and believe me, her memory has FADED with time - it is NOTHING like she said. Good grief.

I am just so glad to be home... and I still haven't worn ANYTHING green - after wearing it continuously, I've sworn off it!! :)

To meow machine - where are you heading and when? and for how long? I will be right behind you. Working on a plea agreement. For less than 24 months I hope.

I used to visit a guy at a federal camp in Texas and I carried in a clear plastic purse thing, like a large make-up bag/tote. I think it was a rule that the purse had to be clear so they could see. It was subject to being searched, but they rarely did. I always carried a deck of cards with me and that was no problem. I took single dollar bills and a roll of quarters so we could get lunch and snacks from the vending machine. You are not allowed to bring in food. But sometimes I would sneak in something for him. Usually steak from a local restaurant, or a breakfast taco picked up that morning. I always carried my make-up in that bag, money, DL, sometimes I would stuff papers in the bag to prevent anyone from seeing the food.

I imagine every facility is different. This was a camp and very relaxed.

Just looked at another page and saw some questions I do know the answers to.. (gotta figure out this site again since it's changed since last year!)

I sent mail to myself before I ever left home (about 2 days prior to my self-surrender date) so I'd be sure and GET some, and also so I'd have pictures of my family and all my addresses. You can address it with your name, Reg # (find that on the BOP webpage Inmate Locater - it'll be there long before you leave!)... and the rest of the Carswell address - FMC Carswell, PO Box 27137, Ft. Worth, TX 76127. It arrived fine and it was a relief to hear my name at mail call. Silly, but true.

I also took a paperback address book with me - the kind you get from Hallmark - with everything written in it and was allowed to keep that. You cannot take a copy of your PSI, so don't bother. You can have other legal papers, but not that. They'll have a copy which you can eventually look at if you need to. Also, you can take a pair of earrings WITHOUT stones (hoops are okay if they're smaller than a quarter) - the value has to be less than $100. You may also take a necklace with a cross or religious medallion, a wedding ring with no stones - also all valued at less than $100. You can take a paperback Bible, but no other books. Many women get in with their watches - so get a cheap one at Walmart and try - I didn't, and HATED being without one, but also refused to pay $40 at commissary for one. I had read that sometimes you could get in with your tennis shoes and bra, but I didn't, and neither did anyone else while I was there, so I wouldn't bother. You'll get a sports bra (hooray for the uni-boob) when you're in R&D, along with some really ugly slip-on tennies that you'll be stuck with until you go to commissary to buy "real" ones. At Carswell, tennis shoes start at $37 for nylon and leather Reeboks, and go up to over $100 for high-tops. I bought the cheapest and they were wearing out when I left, but I walked about 1200 miles on the track, too!

TAKE MONEY WITH YOU!!! A money order made out to FMC Carswell with your name and register number on it is the best, but you can also take cash if you're willing to trust them with it. You can take as much as you like for the first time and this speeds up your shopping and phone process considerably!! Waiting for money to post at the Georgia address is unbearable, as they are sometimes REALLY slow. Spending limit is $290 per month, not including stamps. I never spent that much except my first month when I had to purchase lots of clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sweats, shoes, etc.) and those are all "extra" because I did not want to wear prison-issued cotton pants and shirts all the time. But, take money if you can - that's very important!

At the camp at Carswell, you get toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and razors once a month. I used the toothpaste to make my laundry whiter, and the shampoo to add to my laundry as well. I purchased "real" toothpaste and laundry soap on commissary. You get laundry soap every other Wednesday morning, and I also used to mix it with my "real" soap. Washers and dryers are free, but it's sometimes a long wait (get up early!!)

I spent the most money on the phone - 300 minutes a month was $60 for me since everything was long distance. It's hard to make them last all month, too... that was the very worst part!

Restitution starts about 30 days after you get there and is based on a "formula" they create, but it's sometimes quite a bit. I had friends who were paying several hundred dollars. This is where having your family send money comes into play - the formula is based on the amount of money you get IN each month, combined with what you're paid for your job (not much, trust me!) So, if you can figure out what you'll really need to survive - commissary, phone, stamps - and then have your family send as close to that as you can, it helps. Of course, that's only if you have restitution, some didn't. You'll have time to figure it all out after you get there, but keep it in mind. Using your account like a savings account doesn't make sense if you have a large dollar amount of restitution.

The camp at Carswell is not really a bad place at all - there are many, many nice women there (there are some who are kinda strange, too, of course!!), but all in all, if I had to be someplace, I'd rate it highly - compared to the women I knew while I was there who'd been other places, and from what I've read on here. You have a LOT of free time and there's no "controlled movement" (moving only during the first 5 minutes of every hour). You can come and go as you please, for the most part. The worst is the separation from your family.

Oh - almost forgot - visitation. Visitors can bring nothing with them but money (the machines now take dollar bills, but are sometimes out of change). Quarters are best - about $20. There are vending machines with sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, candy, pop, popcorn, etc. My advice? Buy what you think you'll want to eat during the day EARLY - it all disappears quickly! There's a microwave available. Also, there are games, cards, etc. and a kid's playroom and television if you have children. You can also sit outside (smoking must be outside). Your visitors CAN bring one unopened pack of cigarettes with them, and they can't leave with them, so smoke them all! No lighters - there are lighters on the buildings to use. MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE they have a current car tag, registration and insurance or they will be turned away - this is only at Carswell because it's an active military base. Also, get in line EARLY... the guards are notoriously slow at letting people in. To get in by 9:00, get in line at least by 7:00 AM!!

Thank you gruper

I am thinking of asking my attorney to request Carswell for me. I would hope to get RDAP- drug program. I am in MN with my husband and child - closest fermale facility is 400 miles away at Pekin. There is very little chance my husband will be able to afford visiting weekends. The remainder of my family is in Texas. My brother is close to Carswell and everyone else is in Houston. So I figure I could have family visits and when my husband can afford it he would make a trip to see me and have a place to stay for the weekend.

Anyway, if I get Carswell I'm thinking you'll be a great resource for me. How long have you been out. Did you leave any friends there? If I end up going there I would love to know that someone would be there to welcome me.

So thanks for the informative post. I am probably at least 60-90 days away from self surrrender, I hope.

I hope you stay around and can help me go thru the process.

Sheryl

Gruper- Thanks for all the info., it really helps. I just have a few quick questions:
1. Now that you are out, is it hard to find a job? What do you put on your application?
2. Do they inform you on what kinds of jobs you can apply for or is there a web site you can locate that information at? (I'm in San Bernardino, CA)
3. Have you thought about expunging your records or have you found out about that, like the charge for that and what exactly does it cover and who can look into it or can they, and what do you put on your application once it is done?
I know these are crazy questions, but if you don't know can you inform me who can or where can I find this info. at?
Thanks payroll

Hi Gruper,
Wow, this is really helpful information. I'll let my family and friends know about the money for the vending machines and about arriving early to see me... going outside to visit sounds good. We don't smoke so I don't need to tell them about the pack of cigarettes.
I will try to get my watch in, if possible. I suppose the worst that can happen is that the watch is sent home, along with my clothes. Sigh.:yuck: I do so love wearing bright colors. I'm hoping to be able to keep my bra, too... but, if it goes in that box, it goes. Should the money order be a "postal money order"? How much is reasonable? :confused: I was fined $500, and I understand that money will be taken out of my commissary account for that.
meowmachine:ham:

Hi Sheryl,
My probation officer told me to report to Danbury FCI on April 6. I asked him to postpone it for me for a week or two so that I could have Easter with my church choir... but he said no to this soprano. Sigh. (I'm such a diva!) My sentence is ninety days for trespassing on a military base during a protest.
I'll suggest to my mom that she carry a deck of cards in her purse. I don't think that she can fit a Scrabble game... it would be too obvious! I think that's funny about sneaking the food into the camp!!!:D
I hope that you're having a good day.
meowmachine:cool:

Finding a job can be difficult depending on what you are looking for. I have had trouble with this. I am ALWAYS honest on my applications. The majority of businesses will do a background check on you and if you lie this will automatically disqualify you from the position that you are applying for. The best thing to do is have your resume ready even before you are released. I did that and it was one less thing I had to worry about. It's a tight job market and it can be difficult to find employment. I live in Tennessee and I have found no resources that are available to help felons find employment. I'm sure that some states do have something like that available.

I agree with cjjack on always being honest on an application, although I must admit, facing the prospect of people asking questions and automatically assuming the worst about you is terrible. Oh well! As for expunging your records; from what I understand, it cannot be done until your time "on paper" (probation) is complete, and even then, I'm not sure what it entails. I plan on asking my attorney about it. I know of no real resources to help you find employment except your probation officer - mine is very nice.

As for bras... forget it! Anything they THINK you'll like will be tossed into the box to send home! (One thing about the box that I didn't think of was how hard it would be for my family to get it - my husband said it was like I had died or something, and he put it in a closet without opening it). Yes, take a postal money order - the feds like to know it's THEIR money already! To go in, I took $350 and was glad I did. I'd take no less than $200. At Carswell, no one could bring in any type of purse at all, but people did sneak in "food goodies" in the pockets of their jackets, etc. There was nothing I craved THAT much except pizza, and it wasn't "smuggle-able"!!

Meow - there was a woman at Carswell with the same sentence, and I did notice that she was somewhat shunned (for lack of a better word) because (a) her sentence was SO short compared to the rest of the women there, and (b) few women there found the sense in why she was even there. So, keep in mind that you'll be a "short-timer" and just get by. You WILL find friends ... I don't mean to be discouraging, but it's more difficult. I was only in for 6 months and many still had nothing to do with me... which isn't that surprising when you consider some had been there 8+ years with MANY more left. Prison is NOT the place to complain, whine, etc! (waaaaaaaaahhhh... I often WANTED to!)

Sheryl - If you are looking at an RDAP program to shorten your sentence, the camp at Carswell doesn't have that program and you'll be sent to another facility - probably Bryan. The one thing I did figure out was worth avoiding was any kind of transfer - they shackle you during transport. For someone who managed to complete the whole ordeal having never even been handcuffed, that scared me to death! Lots of women left for RDAP programs while I was there, because it significantly shortens your sentence, but I heard the aftercare part was a pain... don't know exactly what THAT means. I would find out more about RDAP before requesting Carswell, but all of that depends on how long your sentence is, I suppose. Sometimes getting in to an RDAP program takes quite awhile.

I've been home since the middle of December and left many good friends there - which sounds strange till you experience it. Before leaving, I was firmly convinced I'd be the ONLY normal person there - ha!! I wouldn't want to ever go back, but it was certainly not as bad as I expected... amazingly enough!

Hi Gruper,

Thank you for all of the advice. It's very helpful and gives me a good idea of what to expect. The bra, of course, will be on me... but if I don't get to keep it, well, that's life. I understand that concept of short-timer. Yes, I will be there for a very short amount of time, and I am sure that there will be plenty of people who will have no clue as to what the heck I'm doing there. I also understand that their sentences run for years, not for weeks. I am able to put up more resistance to authority than they can because I don't have to endure it for all that long. I will try to keep my attitude in check and not whine. Nobody wants to hear that! But I also don't want them to feel sad because I get to go home so soon and they don't. I feel very bad for them already and I'm not even there yet! sigh.
meowmachine

Actually aftercare is not that difficult at all. I went through RDAP and I highly recommend it. I am only required to go to a class once a month for six months, next week is my last class. If you are doing what you are supposed to do then supervised release and aftercare are not that difficult at all.
Also, if you do transfer many times they let you furlough to another institution. When they transferred 48 of us from Alderson to Bryan 2/3 of us got to furlough transfer. You get a bus ticket and some money and off you go.

I just wanted to add something about the RDAP program. Yes, one year of aftercare is required but the majority of the people who go through RDAP are committed to staying clean and sober so the aftercare is actually a great place of support for you once you are released and faced with temptation. I would highly recommend anyone who is eligible for RDAP to take it. I can't say enough about how great the program is. It is definitely one of the things that the BOP has done right!!

Meow, you can get it from bop.gov website. and your letter tells you your prisoner number...I guess that's you prisoner number?

If anyone wants to know about MCC Chicago (women's unit), MCC NYC, Oklahoma FTC, Danbury FCI (women) and Pekin FPC let me know.

If anyone wants to know about MCC Chicago (women's unit), MCC NYC, Oklahoma FTC, Danbury FCI (women) and Pekin FPC let me know.

Yes, please, I am headed to a women's federal facility - don't know where yet. I am in Minneapolis and I am thinking about what I would want my attorney to ask for. I know I would qualify for a camp. What is MCC Chicago? as that would be closest to my home and then next is Pekin. Were you in both? How do they compare?

Thanks for any general info you could give me. Do they both have the RDAP program?

Sheryl

All things being equal - without any separation issues and with available bedspace - someone from Minnesota (female) would probably go to Pekin, Il. I have several clients there and they do not complain any more than most.

Yes, please, I am going to Danbury. My letter says "FCI." I would like to know more about it.

meowmachine

Hi Sbrown, got your Pm.

MCC Chicago is most for people awaiting trial, unsentences and newly arrested. High security, overcrowded and pretty much not a place you want be in. If you are in MN and self surrender, you will probably go to Pekin FPC (granting that are classified low security). Pekin has no fences. It has two units, they are named Kansas and Nebraska. The units have two long hallways with two bed cubicles. At first you will not go to a cubicle, you will be in a new inmate intake room with bunk beds until there is an available dorm room. There is an exercise facility, pool table, religious services, a law library, education department, racquet court, walking trail and gardening in the spring. The avaialble jobs are landscaping, HVAC, construction, GED tutoring, and orderly jobs.
The food is acceptable but nothing to scream about. The commisary sells a wide variety of stuff including monthly purchases of beads and related craft materials.
Comparing this facility to others it gets the 4 star rating. However, don't forget it is prison. They have zero tolerance for rule breaking. Unruly women get Segregation time in Peoria if they are found out of line or out of bounds. I hope this helps. PM me if you need additional info.Peace

Oh Forgot

No drug program in Pekin. You will have to go to Danbury for that.

Hey Meowmachine

Danbury ah. Danbury has a camp and an adjacent prison. I was in the prison. Danbury prison was build sometime ago and it housed men until a decade ago. I believe it is a rough place. There are some 1100 women there. There are multiple units. The drug program unit, the trauma unit, the rest of the units are numbered from 2 to 12. Unit 2 (where I was) is most undesirable unit to be in. IT is a three tiered structure with metal bars and all just like the movies.A 6x8 cell that houses 2 inmates. If you weigh more than 120lbs you cannot turned around in the cell. There is a huge recreational area, an oval running/walking track, religious hall, messhole (cafeteria), workshop area and UNICOR. They also have a greenhouse program. The library is the only noteworthy place in Danbury. The law library is outdated therefore legal research is impossible. Laundry is done by the inmates in each unit. Laundry detergent is distributed at 6:00 am on tuesdays and thursdays, if you are not up and in line to get it, you cannot do laundry. Shakedowns are done routinely. Fights are the norm. Women there have a variety of sentences and charges. I met women with life sentences, 40 year sentences and short timers all in one place.
Danbury is also the federal dumbing ground for women to be deported after the completion of their sentence. Inmates with violent offenses from DC are also placed in there. Segregation is right next to unit 2, so women going to seg are trafficked through unit 2. The rest of the units are open dormitories with bunk beds.
Jobs are kitchen, orderly, painting and construction, workshop, yard worker and library or educational and some clerical positions. Commissary is distributed according to your assigned day. In order to prevent any writes you must check the unit list nightly (roster) to see if any appointments have been set for you. If you do not show up in appointments you will be picking up cigarette butts from the yard for a week.
Danbury is a true prison experience. My advice in surviving it, is make yourself usefull to other women. Help with GED classes, create a study group, be a legal researcher, work really hard. Personal survival guide: read like it's going out of style, choose the women that surround you very carefully, beware of head games, sexual predators, promises of protection and set ups.
No matter where you are going, remember to tell yourself that you can handle it. No matter what, it will be OK, I promise you. Keep you chin up. Peace.

Wow, Ramiella, thats sounds rough. Do you have any info about the camp? I have never heard much about it.

HI cjjack

Don't know about Danbury's camp. Sorry. Peace

Ladies,
I am heading to Coleman camp next month. Any body been there...done that..? Can you keep yourself busy all day or there are some time during the day that you have nothing to do? Before my bond i spent some time at the county and the most difficult were the hours of doing nothing and the time just stops.
Do you start the work and the classes as soon as you arrive there or it takes time?
Thank you for all the other information you provided here

Does anyone know how the Danbury camp compares to the adjacent prison? And where is RDAP housed? This place sounds awful. The only upside if I went to Danbury is I may get to be Martha's roommate!! LOL

OK , my real question is.... what is a 4 star prison??? like we're discussing hotels and comparing the Hyatt to Holiday Inn... Who does the ratings?

Has anyone here read any of the "Going to Federal Prison" books out there? Would you recommend them? Seems like I can get everything I need to know here at PTO. And with new rules/wardens something published 1-2 years ago could already be way outdated??? Do you think a woman headed to prison needs to read any of these manuals???

Thanks,
Sheryl

Hey hey!

What are the showering facilities like in a camp? Clean? Mildewy? Strange creatures living in the grout?

Would anyone here have any information on the camps on the west coast i.e. California?

And on a random note...are all the bras that are available, sports bras? :hmm:

Thank you!

No, they aren't all sports bras. Just depends on the facility.

The showers aren't too bad, at least the places I was at. You will need to buy shower shoes from the commissary though. But the unit orderlies do a pretty good job of keeping the bathrooms clean. At least until all the women come in and mess them up!

One more thing. Some commissaries sell bras, others don't.

Showers at Carswell Camp are heaven - you are housed in an old military hotel, and each room has up to 5 women with an individual bath! Hooray - you get to take a shower BY YOURSELF with the door closed! Each room does their own cleaning, and let me tell you, some of them are SO CLEAN even Martha wouldn't complain. Others.... well..... it depends! But, the housing facilities are great - individual room heat & air, a TV that rotates to each room about every 5th week (depending on if you keep your room clean enough at inspection), carpet on the floors, and a kitchenette (sink and cabinets) area. I hated prison, but compared to what I'd read, I could not complain about being there!

Bras - LOL - sports bra was given to me at R&D, then I got the yukkiest nylon (typical WalMart $5 special) type bras when I got my uniforms (it's called getting "dressed out" if you're learning prison lingo like I had to). They weren't great, but I survived. Bras were available for sale at commissary, but they were no better. One of my happiest moments when leaving? Putting on the Victoria's Secret bra my husband sent me to wear home!! Talk about learning to appreciate the little things!!

Almost forgot - I bought books before leaving (copies of the handbook and commissary list, etc.), but that was BEFORE I found this site. If I had to do it again, I'd just have found this sooner and saved a LOT of money. However, they were helpful, and even though they were several years old, they had not changed ONE bit. I got the same ones upon arrival (and still have them). It helped to know things, but still was quite an experience figuring out all the UNWRITTEN rules when I got there!

Hi Remiella,
Danbury prison sounds very frightening... like one of those B-movies. :eek: And those cages must have been quite claustrophobic. Can I assume that "segregation" and "the hole" are one and the same???
Thank you for the advice about helping out with GED. I have a degree in journalism and could help tutor anyone who needs help with writing skills. And I'll read a lot and write and try to avoid head games...
Hmmm...
I'm very grateful for your support and encouragement, Remiella.
meowmachine

Another petty, silly question... Can you get tweezers in prison?

Thanks,
Sheryl

Sheryl tweezers are contraband in medium security but are allowed in some institutions... go figure.Peace

You could buy tweezers at Alderson, along with toenail and fingernail clippers, scissors, and cuticle trimmers.

thanks, about the tweezers. I think I will be in a camp. I just can't imagine not being able to get rid of the wild hairs that show up on my face sometimes. How embarrassing... LOL

Sheryl

Has anyone here read any of the "Going to Federal Prison" books out there? Would you recommend them? Seems like I can get everything I need to know here at PTO. And with new rules/wardens something published 1-2 years ago could already be way outdated??? Do you think a woman headed to prison needs to read any of these manuals???

I have purchased for $70.
"The US Federal Prison System" by Mary Bosworth.

You'll have to understand my review...when we first started this bit, and knew nothing about feds except what others say, it would have been a good read.

However, now that places like PTO (not being partial here) are available, it's not worth the $70. {to me}

You all are getting more first hand interaction with these woman here and it doesn't touch what the book could cover.

Diane

Thanks Diane. I was thinking all this first hand info thru PTO was probably more than the books could offer. The women here at PTO who have been thru what I am facing are fabulous for sharing their experiences. I hope to do the same for other fearful females when I make it to the other side.

Sheryl

Sheryl

I cannot speak for all women but the issue for tweezers was the least of worries.When i got to prison i had an inward experience, meaning examination of myself, my limits, wants and needs and truly understanding what i am composed of. I could care less if I turned into a wolf with the facial hair and the plucking of the eyebrows. I hope you experience the same, it is very rewarding. However, I was always a self examiner, prison just exaggerated it. Peace

If anyone wants to know about MCC Chicago (women's unit), MCC NYC, Oklahoma FTC, Danbury FCI (women) and Pekin FPC let me know.
I am going to pekin April 23rd. Everything you can tell me would be great. I'm starting to get very nervous.

Angie0

Pekin isn't hard time. I will walk you through it. You arrive at R&D (receiving and discharge). You fill out some paper work. Just normal stuff. Then you state your size of clothing. The uniform is dark green ( a lovely forest green). You get 3 pants, 3 shirts, 3 white t-shirts, a pair of steel toe boots, toothbrush, socks and underwear. Physical exam follows, in the nude (go ahead and take it off they have seen it before). Case manager sees you next, spells out some rules. You may get some shots, like tetanus and a PPD test (tuberculosis). These are precaution for you as well as the inmates already inside.
After this processing you will be led to one of the housing units. You will either stay in Kansas or Nebraska. Both units have a preliminary intake unit, an open dorm with 6 or 8 bunk beds. After a month or so you will be given a bed in a cubicle which houses two women instead of 8. You will be assigned a job from your second day of arrival. They availability is limited and your choice even more so.
Pekin has a library, legal library, a large rec area, walking trail, greenhouse program, educational Ged programming, landscaping, construction jobs and HVAC.
Visiting room usually fills up on the weekends. You are searched going and coming from visits. The visiting room is pleasant, has vending machines and an outdoor small yard with picnic tables.
Commissary has cigarretes, candy, laundry stuff, quite a few items. Some crafts are allowed. Beading and crotching are the most popular.
While I was in Pekin i was allowed to teach a creative writing class. Take personal inventory of what you know well and ask the educational department is you will be allowed to teach. It is rewarding and gives other women the opportunity to occupy thier time constructively.
No fences, no bars in Pekin. Make sure you tame your tendency to just walk away from this place. The escape charge is going to add 5 years to your senetence.
Things to watch out for: groups formed for a particular reason, gossip and pettiness, relationships with other women based on favors/protection, gay sexuality (will land you in seg at Peoria), contraband.
I know this may sound goofy to you. Be thankful it is Pekin. The hardest thing I had to do there was rake rocks in the middle of nowhere; but I was outside looking at the sun. Keep you head high. The time will pass. Let me know if you have any more questions. Peace

To all the women who have been there can you tell me about violence in the camps?

I have read a handful of very scary posts about violence. I am certain they are all male facilities, and probably not camp enviornments. But if you could please, can you be truthful and gentle at the same time. What's the worst thing going on? What's the worst you saw?

I have never been a fighter on the outside. And I intend to mind my own business and maintain a low profile while in. Do other women just come after you because they can? without being provoked?

Looking forward to hearing any feedback.

Thanks,
Sheryl

It was my experience that violence is extremely rare in camps. If you stay away from the troublemakers you'll be just fine. No one will come up to you and just beat you up. No way. Most women just want to do their time. And if you do fight you will be shipped to a higher level institution. The 4 camps I was in had zero tolerance for violence. If you fight you get shipped. Period. If you have a history of violence you would not be designated to a camp. It does happen but I only saw one fight when I was incarcerated. Most of the time there are just verbal arguements if anything. Don't worry about being attacked while your there. That is really the least of your worries. Just be respectful to others and you will find that most of the ladies are very kind.

thanks Chrisa, I'm going to stop reading the scary posts and swear off all of those prison movies also.

Sheryl

lol. You'll be okay! :)

lol. You'll be okay! :)



does anyone have any info about vspw my sister just got 4 years this is our first experience with prison please help im scared for her.

Emily, is she going to a federal facility?

I have made contact with lots of you ladies who, along with me, will be surrendering soon. I can't keep all of your names and screen names straight. Who all is on their way, where and when. I don't have a sentencing date or surrender date yet so I imagine it will come after yours. In the meantime I would like to trade information, and stay in contact. If I follow even one of you to the facility where you go, I would like to look you up. Let's stay strong for each other and ourselves.

Sheryl

Sheryl, that sounds like a good idea. I get sentenced on April 12, 2004, and yes i'm kinda scared, but I know there is nothing I can do. I signed a plea bargain for 2 years to do 16 months, but my attorney called me the other day to inform me that the district attorney talked to him and they are going to reduce my time even more. I am happy, but I don't know how much more, I will find out on the 12th. Well keep in touch.
Georgia

This may seem rather random, but...

Could anyone tell me what an "average" day is like in a camp? What time do you wake up? Where do you go? What do you do? I am just curious and once again mentally gearing up for what will probably be 2+ years of BOP "hospitality." :-P

How are the camps at FCI Dublin and FCI Phoenix?

Mimi, every day is pretty much the same. I would wake up at 6 a.m. and take a shower. I would go to breakfast at 7 and then report to my job detail by 7:30 for roll call. I worked until 11 a.m. Everyone is called back to their units to wait to be released for lunch. Lunch lasted until 12:30. I worked until 3:45 in the afternoon. At 4 p.m is stand up count. After count cleared the units were released for dinner. You have free time up until 10 p.m. count. After that count clears you can go watch television but are not allowed in the common areas. We had to be in our rooms by 11:30 in Bryan and 1:00 a.m. in Alderson.
The weekends are a little different as we had brunch instead of lunch. There is also a 10:00 a.m. count on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. If you don't work your time is pretty much free. There is a stand up 4:00 count every day.

Good morning girls..

If you self surrender to a camp, is there an orientation period? How long does it take to get a job if you do want one? At some camps I've heard no jobs are available, and you must cope with boredom. I've also heard you must work. Does it vary from camp to camp?

Thanks,
Sheryl

Yes, you definitely have to work. You have no choice. They will find something for you to do. They do have a one day orientation outlining the rules of the camp. They will have someone from the kitchen, education, the mail room, etc. speaking to you.

As far as how long it takes to find a job, it varies. Until you find a job you will be working in the unit with the orderlies cleaning. Just staying in your room doing nothing is not allowed.

Let me just say that you will be assigned a job. According to many, not all jobs involve work.

LOL Hkieffer

You are right. Some of the jobs are just called jobs but require that you show up with a regular pulse and breathing. However, my job at the camp was landscaping. I drove a tractor, trimmed the grass(endless task) with a weed wacker, rebuild faulty carbirators in lawn mowers, kept equipment clean, loaded soil and rocks in trucks and decorated the extrerior of all buildings. I was a tough job but I ilked working hard. It wore me out so i could just take a shower and crash, in addition to keeping me fit.
Peace

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about FPC Phoenix. I will be headed there May 17. I wanted to work on my master's thesis while in there - but I guess computer access or access to a word processor is wishful thinking?? What about reading materials sent in - do they have to come directly from the publisher/ or am I just limited to what is in the prison library? What about getting old journal articles for my research - is it at all possible? Can someone tell me more about the prison library - what it contains, and what is available? I want to continue my graduate education in prison, but I am not sure how I am going to do that without having a computer, word processor, ability to attend lectures, email access, library catalogs, easy access to reading materials pertinent to my research, etc. Not only that - but I am too embarrassed to tell my program what is going on with me - I am afraid what they will think. So, I am thinking that I am going to ask for a year leave of absence for "peronal reasons" - and not let on about the whole prison stint. ANyone have any suggestions for me??
I AM SO LOST!
Jamie

Jamie,

I am afraid I can't help you with much knowledge of the federal camps. cjjack, and the others will be able to help there. I can't advise about your progress towards your BA, however, I knew a girl on state that managed to get hers. It took her awhile, but we had (I say had - it has since been ended) a program where we were allowed to attend classes, etc., at a women's college, just across the road from the prison. Sue, is now an Associate Prof. at UVA so I know it can be done.

But, as I said, cjjack and others can help more than I here.

Just for now, do me the favor of taking this one moment at a time one day at a time. Deal with one thing at a time if possible, the stress is enough without adding to it.

Your lost now, but we are here to listen and help, so you are not alone in this.

Stay strong,

Patti

Jamie, I am sorry to say that there is no internet access at all.

You can have reading material sent in. Paperback books can be sent from family/friends and hardback books can be sent as long as they come directly from the publisher. The prison library will vary from institution to institution but there will be mainly romance or suspense novels. Probably nothing at all that would help you.

This website has been SO helpful to me. I feel like reading everyone's posts especially other women who are headed to federal prison - has really helped me mentally prepare for this. I am sure that when I go to prison I will find there are many lovely ladies that I will form friendships with as there are here in this forum. When I first got sentenced in November - I was completely unprepared for what I heard. My lawyer had me CONVINCED I would get probation (even 5 minutes before I was called up for sentencing I told him I was a little nervous and he replied "Don't be. There is absolutely no way the judge is going to send you to prison." Well, 5 minutes later I almost fainted at the year and a day sentence, and the WORST went through my mind (getting beaten up, raped, both, etc.). However, gratefully, the judge has given me until May 17 to surrender so I have had almost 6 months to prepare for this. A couple of months ago - it was literally not-do-able, and the prospect of going to prison was totally preposterous! I am finally adjusting to the reality of things - and I am so grateful for this website - as it has helped me tremendously.
Thanks!
Jamie

I had the same experience! I was told there was no way I'd go to prison, that at worst I'd get 30 days at home, "shock confinement". Well, I got that year and a day too! That one day is a blessing though.

Do have you been assigned a location yet? I was at Pekin, if that helps.

Good luck!

Hi Felonmom

I was at Pekin from Feb of 1999 to June of 1999. Do we possibly know each other?
Peace

No, we weren't there at the same time. I was there in '03. But it's nice to meet you now. I bet we know a lot of the same people!

Hi Felonmom,
I have been assigned FPC Phoenix, will be surrendering May 17. My mom will be taking care of my 6-year-old son while I am away. I do have a question for you - out of the one year and one day, how much did you actually spend in prison, in a halfway house, etc.? And, is there anything I should be concerned about, going to prison??
Jamie

With my good time, I was there for 10 1/2 months. I turned down halfway house, or I would've been out in 91/2 months. It was a personal decision for me, but a lot of women were trying to turn down halfway when I left, especially if they had less than 35 days in Halfway or less.

Good luck with everything. You can do this.

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa
Hi. I have just entered a plea agreement to spend 33 months in FPC camp. As you are all aware, I am very nervous. I am 36-years old and a mother of a 7 year old son.(whom will staywith my mother) I live in Champaign, Illinois and am requesting to go to Pekin. I read all the postings on this forum and am so much more at ease. So I want to say thanks to all of you. Pretty much all of my questions were answered. I do have a few more:

1. What are the chances of getting into the prison your attorney/sentencing consulatant recommends? (such as Pekin) If not, how difficult is it to get a transfer?

2. Also, I need a few glasses of wine to sleep every night because of the anxiety- do you think this would constitute being admitted into an RDAP program?

3. Are there alot of children in the visiting room at Pekin?

4. Lastly, what does the typical menu consist of?

And any other information you think I need to know would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Kim

Hi. I have just entered a plea agreement to spend 33 months in FPC camp. As you are all aware, I am very nervous. I am 36-years old and a mother of a 7 year old son.(whom will staywith my mother) I live in Champaign, Illinois and am requesting to go to Pekin. I read all the postings on this forum and am so much more at ease. So I want to say thanks to all of you. Pretty much all of my questions were answered. I do have a few more:

1. What are the chances of getting into the prison your attorney/sentencing consulatant recommends? (such as Pekin) If not, how difficult is it to get a transfer?

2. Also, I need a few glasses of wine to sleep every night because of the anxiety- do you think this would constitute being admitted into an RDAP program?

3. Are there alot of children in the visiting room at Pekin?

4. Lastly, what does the typical menu consist of?

And any other information you think I need to know would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Kim

Hi Yasmine

If you do not get to Pekin, see your case worker wherever you go and request a transfer, the sooner you put in a request the sooner things roll. That can only happen if you are minimum out custody and you are classified by the BOP as such.
LOL about the wine. The RDAP program is designed for people who were determined in need of it in the PSI. If you have history of drug abuse, or charges related to drugs you may be eligible. Wine to calm your nerves scenarios do not qualify. LOL.
While I was at Pekin I saw hundreds of children visit. They actually have a little yard with toys past the visiting room for little people to play and interact with their parents and also a side room with videos and toys. The visiting room is decent, clean and has vending machines for food and beverages.
Typical menu items: salad bar every day, spaghetti and meat sauce (mystery sauce)
chicken occasionally, pizza, typical breakfast (eggs, pancakes etc), macaroni and cheese, mystery stir fry (LOL), once in a while meat but paper thin. Don't expect much from the kitchen. I survived on the salad and some commisary items.
Prison is no easy experience but do thank the BOP "gods" if you find yourself at Pekin.
I experienced the BOP's harshest places only to see Pekin at the last 3 months of sentence and I was upset not having been sent there for all my sentence.
The places that may ease your mind a little is the library and the gym. If religion is your thing they do have all kinds of services. My generic prison suggestion for survival is to keep yourself busy. Do whatever it takes to fill your day with activities. Idle time means troublesome time. Your mind will roam more if you sit around, so get busy. My typical day (Pekin or not) started at 6:30 am and finished at 10:30pm non stop. I kept my sanity this way.
If you do get to Pekin look for Valerie in Kansas unit. She is on a wheelchair, young sweet woman. Say hi from Maria, the creative writing class instructor. Love that girl. (Hope she is still there)
I wish you strength, endurance, and the will to become stronger. Peace sis.

Maria, I don't think Valerie's still there. The only woman in a wheelchair in either units is an elderly african-american woman. And her name's not Valerie. She does live in Kansas though. Well, of course, that's where all the wheelchair bound women go because of the handicap accessibility. Duh!

Hello,
There is one question that I have neglected to ask about the federal prison camps, because I have not even thought about it (with everything else to worry about) until now. I am a vegetarian - and I have been all my life. I eat cheese and dairy, but no meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs. In fact, I gag at just the thought of eating these items (I know it sounds pretentious). Is there a possibility that I may starve to death while at the camp? Is it reasonable for an inmate to maintain a vegetarian diet of this sort while in there? 2 summers ago I went on a study abroad program with my university, and we stopped in Tunisia for a week. All they served us was meat and lettuce with no dressing and nothing else (just the green leaves, not even carrots or tomatoes) and I had to survive on the lettuce for the whole week, because I just could not bring myself to eat the meat. By the end of the stay there - I felt terrible - headachy, weak, and just plain starving! I don't know how I would manage this for ten months, though. Maybe I should spend my last few weeks of freedom forcing myself to get used to eating meat?? I know this probably sounds weird - but this is a legitimate concern of mine! Any thoughts??
Jamie :)

Jamie,

I know of several women at Alderson who were also vegetarians. They had to have their diet approved through medical, and special trays were prepared for them.
If Phoenix's CDR is anything like Alderson's you will not have a problem. It won't be like home, but it will be ok. :)

Most of the time a special diet must be for religious reasons.

Thanks so much for your answers. It has helped alot. I just have a few more questions. How soon after I am admitted can I see my son or call home? And, is there anything I should be doing now to prepare myself? I drove to the camp and checked it out. That really helped. Also, how is the first night there- is it terrifying? Did women reach out to you right away or did you make the inital contact? I guess I am asking what the protocol is?

Thanks again!

Kim

Hey Yasmine

You can call home after 2-3 days. They need to place your name and the numbers you will be calling in the phone system. Visiting depends on how fast your loved ones are approved. There are forms you need to get from your case manager. Get them as soon as you can. Mail them home and have your relatives fill them out and send back to the prison. Bureaucratic processes can be excruciating in prison, keep your cool.
As far as the first night in, let's consider this. Everything that is new or unknown is kind of scary. You will probably feel a bit lost and jumpy. I am sure that women will immediately reach out to you. It seems that within 24 hours you will have a network of women that will gravitate towards you and you towards them. It happens everytime a new woman comes in. It is important to keep focused. This is not forever, it is temporary, it will come to an end and must make the best of it.
For me, imprisonment was a profoundly inward experience. This may strike you as philosophical jargon, but I felt that prison was a descent into the deepest parts of myself, and an ascendent to the highest peaks. Your spirit is never imprisoned, noone can touch it or taint it, it is free to roam. This notion will keep you grinning with satisfaction of self knowledge. Keep your chin up.

remiella,

what a fabulous post, so inspirational to all of us facing time. I too believe they cannot reach my spirit. Who I am and my spirit resides inside of me, in my heart. No matter what anyone says to me or how many strip searches, or whatever means used to degrade/humiliate me.... They cannot touch who I am, I get to keep this. And only me, can keep my spirit alive and well.

Again, thank you for posting this wonderful information. Especially from someone who made it thru.

Sheryl

Amen Remiella!! Well put. I did my time way also. I used it as a time to get to know me, what made me tick, why I did the things I do. For me personally it was a time to enrich my faith. I started working out, losing weight. When someone asks me, I tell them that the experience profoundly changed me and may well be one of the best things to happen to me.

It will be OK. Stay positive, walk the track, stay busy. Read to you limit, journal, just lock it in you locker. Write your son often. :) xoxo

Remiella, Brilliant! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and strengh with ALL of us here at PTO!! With Gratitude!

To felonmom -

All I have heard about is everyone gaining weight in prison and the food being loaded with carbs and fat. How is it you lost weight??? How can I at least maintain my weight and not come home depressed over my new larger size??? I would love to see you post about the good things that happened for you because of prison. How has it changed you? and do you believe the change will last? Thanks, if you are willing to share.

Sheryl

You guys brought tears to my eyes with your recognition and gratitude. Thank you.

And to Sbrown

Here is a way to get fit while in prison. Eat your breakfast. Eat some protein (eggs) and some carbs, like oatmeal (medium portions). Have plenty of water. Choose a job that involves physical labor like landscaping or warehouse and push yourself to sweat a little. Don't get excessive. Eat a moderate lunch. Take it easy with the carbs.But do have some. (Cutting out carbs all together is dangerous to your health, you don't want to visit medical facilities while you're imprisoned). Finish your work day. After 4:00pm count dinner is served. Eat a very light dinner. Keep any fruit you are allowed to take back to the unit. Wait until 6:00pm to digest. Then from 6-7:30 lift weights. In the beginning lift light weights, do leg curls, work your bicepts and tricepts, squats with weights, lats, deltoids, gluteous, langes. Make sure you start with 10 sets (15 per set) of sit ups after you lift. Every facility I have been in had charts on the wall of specific exercises targeting the muscle groups. It is up to you to design a routine you can live with. Stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous or weak. It is suppose to be invigorating. After your workout, stretch and breath deeply. then walk for 15 minutes.
(Some facilities do not have free weights because unruly children hit each other with dumbells. In that case there should be machines to accomodate you).
By 9:00 eat your fruit and have plenty of water. You will soon be ready to graduate to heavier weights for the ripped look, and I mean ripped.
I followed this pattern for 18 months. I want to brag but i won't. Solid as a rock may be descriptive. You will absolutely love the way you look, you will be praised and looked upon as a leader. you may even get a following. Try it and have a ball while you are trying it. Don't forget to laugh at yourself. Peace
Maria

thanks for the advise. You haven't seen my body, I doubt I'll ever get the ripped look, too far gone..... But congrats to you. If I develop a following it will be because of compassion and laughter. Thank god we have laughter.

Sheryl

Remiella~ It is quite obvious from your posts, you have a true gift and you share openly and freely and our lives are enriched because of it ... You have given each and everyone of us HOPE where it has been barren for Soooooooo long ... We wish you much joy in all of your endeavors and much PEACE in your world! With Gratitude to you ALWAYS!

I was just wondering, when I first go in, will the other ladies wait until I approach them, or will they make me feel welcome there? I am shy, so it is hard for me to take the initiative with new people - especially in such a novel and stressful situation such as my first day of prison. I really want to make friends there, and feel comfortable as soon as possible. Do the people who have been there longer make fun of the new people or anything like that (as is depicted in movies)? Are there any "implicit rules of etiquette" that I should always remember that may not be as obvious to a newcomer? What is it at like at night time when everyone goes to sleep? Does everyone go right to sleep when the lights go out, or do they gossip and whisper amongst themselves :)
Are you permitted to nap during the day (after work, of course!). Sorry for all of these crazy questions, but May 17 is fast approaching, and I still have all of these little concerns and questions!
Jamie

Mach1

I want to thank you for your comments. You made my week. It takes ability to recognize it in someone else. Good wishes to you. Peace

sbrown- you can lose weight in prison! When I went into Pekin, I needed 6X pants and weight about 315 pounds. By the time I left I was in an XL pant and L shirt. I got on the construction crew and our favorite phrase was, "mow, mow, mow" !! We walked miles and miles pushing those red or green mowers. After I got on Grounds crew, which had a MUCH lighter schedule, I had my days to myself and instead of sitting in the TV room crocheting (no offense to you crafty ladies!) I got up and got out. I walked 3 miles every day and added weights and abdominal workouts. There was a step aerobics class 4 nights a week and man can you burn off the lbs. I'm around 220 now (I've gained about 20) but I'm no longer always in plus sizes and when I came home I got to shop at Old Navy!! PLEASE!! Don't go on the Atkins diet while you are there. It's the craze right now and the women are being very unhealthy and falling out all over the place. Be safe, eat smart and move your body!!

Jamie- my first moments there were bonding experiences. Two of my best friends were in the bus stop with me and they will be in my life for a long time. At first, you will likely bond with your bus stop, depending on the group. I was lucky, we were almost all money crimes, with like stories. And yes, we did talk all night. Since my time in the bus stop they've cracked down on lights out hours, but we stayed up talking and sometimes crying, sharing our life stories. I hope you like to play cards, because that is a nightly ritual!! Caramel corn and cards!! If you're in the bus stop be careful about napping. Our counselor would go in the bus stop and wake up sleepers and give them extra duty. Once I got my Grounds Crew job, however, I relished my afternoon nap, or the quick zz's I caught after hustling back to my room after getting off from construction, hoping I woke up for count. As for rules of etiquette, the one thing that sticks with me is that the women who have been there for a while don't trust anyone who comes in too eager or asks too many questions. Slow your roll, and stick with your group! If you go to Pekin and anyone hears you say the above, they're going to know that you know me!! :)

Dear Remiella and Felonmom-

I want to thank you again for all the information you have given me and all the personal feelings you two shared. I am trying to believe that this is happening for a "good" reason and I will grow from it. I guess I will know for certain when I can look back and reflect on it-once I am finished with my sentence.(which is still about two-three months from beginning)

I have a question for anyone with small children- how did your kids react the first time they saw you in prison and how were they when you got out? I have such a fear that my 7-year-old son is going to feel like I abandoned him because I will not be there when he needs me. Quite honestly, this is what scares me most about going- the guilt of not being there for him and going for days without seeing him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks-

Kim

Thanks felonmom!
One more question - if I get a cavity while in the camp, are dental services provided? If so - do they just pull the teeth or is it possible to get cleanings/fillings? I am going to try to get a dental check-up before I go in, but I am not sure if I will be able to get into an appointment with this short notice. I think I feel a cavity coming on!
Jamie

HI Jamie

Please don't rely on the BOP for the well being of your teeth. It is hard to see a dentist, especially if you have short time to do. Medical services in general is a gray area, try to enter the system with no need for any medical attention. It will only aggravate you. Peace

Hi Sheryl

Hilarious response about the following, you are such a goof. I want to asuure you that the heavier you are the easier to alter your metabolism to lose weight. It is the last 15-20 lbs that are hard get rid off. So don't excuse the exercise thing by saying that you are too heavy to get the ripped look. YES YOU CAN. Just start. You remind me of my son and the little train going up the hill. I THINK I CAN, ITHINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN. And my husband in the background mubbles, "the little train the could and should and would". LOL Come on Sheryl tell me you will try. Peace

Yasmine - about your son. My wife is at FPC Bryan and I'm home with our two daughters (6 & 2). It was a few weeks before we took the kids to see mom in prison. I wanted to give them time to adjust to her not being around when they wanted something. Amazingly it only took a day or two for them to stop asking for her. We were honest and open w/the 6yo about where mommy was and why she was there and were firm that mom wouldn't be home for a while. Right away she was able to understand that we were here and mom was there. I don't intend to diminish the importance of Mom being home with us, but the kids have been so adaptable, flexible. Much more so than I ever would have imagined. As far as the separation goes, I believe it's much harder on Mom than on the kids. I also have a fabulous support system here at home w/family help and such. Just my $0.02 worth. Which facility are you headed to?

I have read all of the post, and have to agree with all that was said about Pekin. I did almost two years there, and honestly think that God put me there for a reason. The first day I arrived, I was so scared, and had no ideal what to expect. The women in the bus stop became my first friends, but it didn't take long before, everyone was talking to me, and I made lots friends. There are five ladies, who I am still very close to, and helped me learn a lot about myself. My father died while I was at Pekin, and everyone was there for me, and help me deal with how I was feeling. If, people in the real world were as kind and friendly as most people I did my time with, the world would be a lot better of a place to be.
You are the one who makes your experience a valuable one......just be your self, and remember it is an experience that you can learn from.
My children were young when I went to Pekin, and I was honest with them before I left. I didn't go into the details of why I was going, but did explain to them where I was going and for how long. They understood, and I called them as much as I could. My ex-husband made it hard on me at first, but I got with my counselor, and she got me into a group, that really helped. The people who conducted the group, my counselor, and the other ladies at Pekin helped me learn what my rights were, and send letters to the schools, courts and etc. The resources are there....you just have to use them. I took every parenting class that was available, and once I got home, I got my children right back. My ex is even a state probation and parole office and tired to fight me for custody, but I won, nad the judge stated it was because I took advantage of what was being offered, and admitted that I was not perfect. I did take some college courses and worked in the HVAC department, which taught me a lot. You can take advantage of what they offer.....I figured I HAD to be there, I might as well let the Goverment pay for something.
I can honestly say that there will be some hard days, especially during the holidays, and when you first enter back into the real world, but you just hold your head high. I have come to the conclusion, I don't care what others think of me cause of my past, I know that I am a better person cause of it. I made the best friends that I have ever had, am a better parent, learned alot about myself, and am proud of who I am. Yea, I made a mistake, but who hasn't. And anyone who thinks I am bad because I did time, well I don't need them.
To all of you that are getting ready to go....I wish you luck, just do your time one day at a time.

Well put, newlife. Us Pekin chicks stick together!! :)

Thanks so much for your advice. I am hoping to have a similar experience and believe this is happening for a reason!

Kim

Kim - I don't know if you're headed to Pekin or not . . . But if you are, another PTO member started her time there in late Feb. or Mar. of this year - Mrsg (Tamie Gordon). Got 3 yrs. I think. If you're going there, look her up. I know my wife has run into a few PTOers at Bryan. She said it's nice to have at least one thing in common with the other ladies.

BusyMan,

Have you heard from Tamie? I just posted a letter to her last Monday, when she hit the BOP site it still had her at FTC OK.

Patti

Patti - my wife asked me to look her up on the BOP site because she thought she might be headed to Bryan also and wanted to meet her. So I checked the site today and it has her listed at Pekin.

Can some one tell me what the BOP web site is?

www.bop.gov
If you're looking for someone, click on the inmate locator button. It'll tell you what to do from there.

Thanks for the information. I was able to locate a friend that I lost contact with, and found out that another is out. So, now I need to send some letters.

Hi Newlife. Did you ever see any fights when you were at Pekin? Also, I just got a letter from an inmate- Ruth- she seems great. Do you know her?

Thanks-

Kim

I never saw any fights while I was there, but did hear about a few. But, there were all between two people, never any gang's or anything. All, the fights that happen while I was there, was due to lover quarrels. Pekin, isn't a bad place. To be honest, except for missing my freedom, and my family, my time was their was easy. While I was there there was always something going on, seems like there was activities of some sort. The family day's were nice, they allow you family to go to other places in the camp, beside the visiting room. I made some of the greatest friends, and I know that these friends don't judge me for the things that I have done. :thumbsup: Just go in there and be willing to learn something, and you will. You can learn some interesting skills, and alot about you self. I worked in HVAC while I was there, it is an easy job, and we use to have fun. A lot of times, we would come up with a reason and go on top of food service, and then we would set up there and just talked for a long time. Make sure you know how to play spades, there are a lot of nights there different people are sitten around playing spades.
If, you have any more questions, feel free to ask them, and I will gladly tell you what I can.
There isn't anyone left at Pekin that I know. All of them are now at home, drug program or the half-way house.

I'm just home from Pekin. Well, it seems like I just got home, it's been four months already. I know women who are still there.

There weren't any fights while I was there. The weapon of choice during my time was horrible gossip and outright lies! Women can be ferocious!! (sp?)

I'm down with everything new life says. I was on Construction 2 and we had a ball. Mowing season is a great way to lose weight.

Tamie and I live in the same city, and I know that there are women in Pekin who were expecting her and are looking out for her. She'll be taken care of, I'm sure.

OH, FYI Newlife- the new camp administrator did away with open family days. Now the only family day is part of the parenting class and it takes place over in the cramped Parity building. Our families don't get to see the compound anymore. :(

felonmom:

You are 100% correct about the gossip and lies. I made some close friends and spent 90% of my time with them. That way I knew I was getting the truth. It really sucks, that they did away with Family day, it helped for my boys to see where I was staying at the time. They got to go into the housing unit, and even stayed in our "rooms" for awhile. That really helped them, to see that I wasn't inside a cell, and didn't have the metal doors. At Christmas family day, they were allowed to stay till after dark, and we had a lighting of the Christmas tree, and a singing contest, the families would judge, then they had to go. Guess the new camp administrator thought "inmates" were getting to many privlages. But, you know by having thoes family days, and etc, really helped the moral and did make you realize what all you were missing. Cause, once your family left, it was hard.

Morale was at a low when I left. More and more changes were being made. We were having to sign up for a laundry time each week. Every alley had one day of the week and you got one hour during that day. What a mess. But, camp adm thought it was a dandy idea. The women were also made to take all magazine pix off the bulletin boards. You know how it is, some women only had those pictures to put up. It was getting crazy. This year hardly anyone came out for the tree lighting and the play was cancelled due to lack of enthusiasm. The more crowded it gets the lower morale will sink I am afraid.

I was the same way. Our motto was, "stay with your group" that way you knew they had your back. Of course, since we were always together that meant we were all gay. :)

Sounds like they need to do something about the morale. I know it is suppose to be prison, but still, they should treat people like humans, not animals. I got to the point, I didn't care what other people said about me and my friends. I knew we were not gay, but good friends, and still are friends.

I hear ya! I'm still friends with my group too. We kind of have been through the fire together and that bonds you.

For some reason, there were a group of 'haters' who thought the ultimate insult was to say you were gay. It didn't bother me a bit, if I were gay, I'd be proud to be hooked up with my friends! :)

People like that are just jealous cause other people make good friends and that bothers them. I do hope that PTO members that go to Pekin or any-where else, let other inmates know about this web site. I wish I would of know about it when I got out. I know it would of helped me a lot.:thumbsup:

If any of you know Inmates that are still in....if you add their name to the first "free" issue of Con-tact news.....they will get to know we exist! And hopefully share with others outside or come visit when they see freedom! Just a thought....:p

Here is the link....

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54330

Diane

Hello,

Well, I am now officially 13 days from self-surrendering. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is how the guards are going to talk/treat me like an animal just because I'm one of their "prisoners." I've heard a lot of stories about the guards (not sure if they are true or not) - that most of them are mean "power-trippers," and relish in making one's life miserable if someone shows them a tiny bit of disrespect. I have a tendency to get my feelings hurt easily, and cry! But, oh well, I guess. I still believe I will get through this and come out a stronger person! And hopefully, meet many new friends along the way.

Hi Jamie. I understand your concerns and I am sure you will get your questions answered. ( I am curious myself and so far I have gotten all the answers I have needed) Do you know your number yet, so we can write?

Kim

Jamie- I have to tell you that I never came across a guard that was like that. There were some button-pushers, but all in all, they were pretty decent. Now, if you are trouble and make them have to work harder then maybe it's a different story, but I don't think you will have to worry about that.

You are not the first woman who cries while inside. There are good people in there who will stand by you. I was a real mooshie one, and I did have to toughen up, not let them see me get my feelings hurt, and it's been good for me. You'll be OK. PM if you need anything. :) xoxo

Yes, I do have my register number and the FPC Phoenix address and everything. I would love to keep in touch with anyone who wants to write to me! I know I am not allowed to post the information here in the forum, but will gladly give the info to anyone who PMs me!
This site has really helped me prepare for this, and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me!
Jamie

:p I went from a size 12 to a 16! When my family picked me up form Coleman to go to CCC, I could not even get my pants over my hips!
Since I hung out inbig baggy sweats and did not give a sh?! what i ate when I was in, the pounds creeped up on me. Now I am doing Atkins, UGH!! To lose it, I am working on it!
When you first get out you want to eat a LOT too! LOL


To felonmom -

All I have heard about is everyone gaining weight in prison and the food being loaded with carbs and fat. How is it you lost weight??? How can I at least maintain my weight and not come home depressed over my new larger size??? I would love to see you post about the good things that happened for you because of prison. How has it changed you? and do you believe the change will last? Thanks, if you are willing to share.

Sheryl

Where is the closest airport to Pekin? or what about Greenville? Is pekin a camp only? and there is no RDAP there? Does Greenville have RDAP? Is it a camp?

Thanks,
Sheryl

Okay, so now I am twelve days from surrendering, and I am finally realizing that I am not going to wake up and realize this was all a terrible nightmare. I guess I have one more little "silly" question:
Do they have hair driers and/or curling irons in the camps?? Otherwise, I will just have to wear a pony tail or bun every day (I have wild hair without these items).
Jamie

When I was at Pekin, there were hairdryers and curling irons. Sometimes you had to hunt them down on the weekend, because people had a habit of "sleeping' with them so they'd have them to get ready for their visit. But they were quality items and they worked well. I wore my hair in a ponytail to work and play softball though.

You will wake up one day and realize that you did it, and now it's over and you can move on with your life. This is just a bump in the road, it's not who you are. :)

Sherly:

I do not know where the nearest airport is, but I know there is one close by. Pekin, is a camp, and not a bad place. I totally agree with what felonmom said "you will wake up one day and realize that you did it, and not it's over and you can move on with you life. IT IS JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT'S NOT WHO YOU ARE.
Before I ever surrendered, I never thought that I would make it. I was scared to death, cried for two or three days before I got there, and all day the day I surrendered. But, I did it, with no problems, and am a much better person for it now. I know that there isn't anything that I can't get through now.

Just always remember that you are a good person, and what every-one else thinks doesn't matter, it's what you think of yourself that counts.

Hi, Thank you all for so much information and positive thoughts. I just filed my objections for the preliminary PSI and expect sentencing to be set in late June. My husband (my co-defendent) just received his sentencing date of June 21. Our three children will be in North Carolina. We live in Missouri currently. My attorney said she would request the nearest camp to Charlotte, NC. But I have been doing research and that would be Lexington KY, or Danbury. However there are minimum in West Virginia and South Carolina, I think. Would I be insane to request minimum over camp? How likely is the judge to request that of the BOP? How likely is the BOP to actually place me there? The guideline range is 21 - 27 months - for fraud w/ no criminal history. Any suggestions?

Also, I wear contacts - my vision is horrible. Can I wear contacts? Or do I wear my big glasses? (vanity - ugh...). If I can wear contacts - do they have cleanser and stuff at commissary?

Thank you for all the info you've provided.
Suzanne

Alderson is in WV and it is a federal prison camp for women. From my limited experience, a federal prison camp is minimum. The designations are minimum, low, medium and maximum. You can make a request to the judge and if the judge is so compelled, he or she can make a judicial recommendation to a specific designation. However, the BOP decides where you will actually serve your sentence. Typically, the BOP tries to get you within 500 miles, but no absolutes.

With regard to contact lenses, I don't know what they allow or disallow??? Best of Luck!

Here is a link where it had been asked prior about contact lenses....

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50655&highlight=contact+lenses

Hi Ladies (and men if you are in this thread)-

I have written a letter to JAMIE BC- I miss her posts. If anybody wants to add anything just PM or post here and I will put it in the envelope. She has just completed her first week at FPC Phoenix and would probably like to here from PTO members. ( I know I will when I surrender)


Thanks-

Kim

I'm so confused...my self surrender date is June 6. I live in Colorado where there are no facilities. No one has told me where I'm going. What do I do? Who do I call? I think that I may be going to Phoenix...how often can my family visit me and how long can they visit for? Is it possible to get furloughs? My sentence is for 7 months- I know that is nothing in comparison to what I've read but I'm so scared. I feel like such a failure!

Cori, don't be so hard on yourself!! Everyone makes mistakes. It's what you do with your life in the future that counts!

As far as a surrender date and to where, you should call the U.S. Marshall service and they should be able to give you some information.

Visiting days and hours depend on each individual institution. As soon as you know where you are going we can help you find out that information.

Furloughs are possible but on a sentence of 7 months I don't believe you will be eligible. I think greyghost can answer that for you.

Hang in there and remember that we are here for you!

Welcome to PTO!

I'm unfamiliar with the terminology....what/who is greyghost?

Cori, Welcome to PTO!

I think cjjack has said it all - we all do make mistakes - learn from them - then we go on. You are not a failure!

The fear I understand, I have been in your shoes, I honestly think that the waiting is the worst.

I know there is probably nothing I can say to relieve you of the fear except to say that there is many of us here who have traveled the road you are on now, and we have come through the journey.

Lean on you family and everyone here at PTO, we are here for you.

Patti

greyghost is a fellow member of the PTO family, he is an excellent source of information and support in the Federal Forums.

Patti

thank you for the information...how do I contact greyghost?

I'm sorry, I should have clarified who greyghost is. He is an invaluable member here on PTO. He will give you sound advice and accurate information.

If you have any questions or just need to talk just let us know. Thats why we are here.

You will make it through this!

Greyghost will come along and see your post or you can pm him.

I guess I do need to talk...I am just so disappointed in myself. I never thought this is where I would end up. I am mother of 4 and I have preached and preached to my children about taking responsibility and accountability and here is where I landed. How in the world will my children ever take me seriously?? How in the world am I suppose to keep up on their grades, their sports, their lives in a 10 minute a day phone call? I'm going to miss my kids desperately! I'm going to miss my husband, this is not what he signed on for. I'm trying to make sense of this and I can't. I know that I made a mistake. I've lost my faith and I'm trying not to become cynical and bitter. I'm angry.

My questions are these....
how much money can I bring?
in what form can I bring it?
what about femine products? are they provided/do I purchase them?
is t.v. available?

I feel selfish since my sentence is 7 months- but I'm just so scared.

I did 4 years in fed prison so I can definitely relate to how you are feeling. I have children myself and at times the guilt has been tremendous for what I put them through. But my children love me and have forgiven me. Yours will as well. Children are more resilient than we think.

Please don't lose your faith. None of us are perfect. We are human and make mistakes as such. You need to forgive yourself. But that will come in time. Don't ever feel selfish about your sentence. Any time in prison is difficult no matter how short.

You can bring as much money as you like but there is a spending limit of $290 per month. Your family can send it in the form of a money order after that.

Feminine products are provided for you.

There are T.V. rooms. It depends on where you go as to how many T.V. rooms are available.

I know you are scared-I was, too. But you will find the vast majority of the ladies to be very kind. They are just like you. You will find people that you have things in common with.

Cori,

I just want to also say welcome to PTO. We'll do everything we can to help you through this transition. First and foremost, you are not a failure; you may have failed but that does not make you a failure. It's taken me many, many years to learn that.

First, you can take as much money as you like with you, however, you are only permitted to spend $290.00 a month at commissary, excluding the cost of prepaid telephone calls and stamps. That spending limited is raised during November and December for the holidays. The money should bring with you should either be a money order or cashier's check. Personal checks take up to two weeks to clear, and delays your being able to shop.

You are initially provided a package of hygiene products the day you arrive to tide you over until you are able to shop at comissary. Depending on the day you self surrending that could take up to a week. Most commissaries are fairly well stocked, especially in a camp setting.

There are TV's and television rooms in most facilities. I do not believe inmates are allowed individual sets.

Once you know where you are going, its is highly likely that someone will have "intimate" :) knowledge of the facility and will be able to answer just about all of your questions.

Stay strong and we will all get through this journey together.

thank you so much for your time...my husband is over my shoulder reading along with me and we are just so thankful for this website, it has calmed my nerves. I have vowed to stop reading the horror stories.

Don't read the horror stories, Cori. Take it from those who have been there, like myself and guysgal (we were in prison together by the way!) that you will be fine. It will not be easy on you or your family but you are going to be alright.

I have read so many different things regarding contacts and glasses....I don't own glasses but wear contacts- should I go and get my prescription filled with a new pair of glasses or can I take contacts with me?

Make sure you have a pair of glasses with your current prescription. When I was at FPC ALderson, girls were allowed to have their contacts sent to them thru medical, but it probably depends on the facility where you are housed.

I know that this is rather out of date, but it still scared me to death when I read it.

For vast numbers of women behind bars, prison is a hell of sexual terror. (http://dir.salon.com/mwt/feature/1998/09/cov_01feature.html)


Is this still happening?!?! :eek:

these are the kind of articles that petrify me....everyone on here says that this stuff doesn't happen! I have to believe them to avoid complete insanity.....this article was written in 1998- can we please take some consideration into that?!

I just read this article. Let me say that what happend to this lady was terrible, but in my 4 years in federal prison camps I have never heard of anything like this happening. I have also never heard of males and females being housed together.

This is my opinion, based on my personal experience and of the many ladies that I knew in prison, that things like that RARELY happen. I never had a male staff member treat me with disrespect, at least not in a sexual way. I don't believe that this is something that anyone going to a camp should worry about.

Cori: I just read that article, and in my 18 months, I never saw or heard of anything like that happening. I can still remember the day that I had to surrender, and wish to God, that there would of been this web site back then. I was terrified, but by the end of the first day, I realized that the stories I had heard were just that stories. The time wasn't easy, but it wasn't because of the way I was treated, it was because I missed my children and family.

No one is a failure that goes to prison, they are just someone who made a mistake. My children understand what happened, and what I always tell them is that people make mistakes, as long as you learn from that mistake, then you have just made yourself a better person.

I am such a better person cause of doing my time. I know that sounds strange, but a lot of the other women in there made me realize that I am worth something. I learned to appreciate myself, and respect myself. It gave me plently of time to evalute my life, and how I could make it better. In the five years that I have been home, there have been challenages, but I keep my head held high, and don't care what others think of me. As, long as you respect yourself, then that is all that matters. My husband was my biggest support, and tells me still to this day, not to worry about other people. I am starting to rattle here, but YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE, and always remember that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I honestly think God put that detour in my life, so that I would become a better person, and puts it in others for the same reason. Just keep your head high, and remember that there are a lot of us on here, who have been where you are, and we made it, so you can to.:)

newlife: thank you for the post...I just feel so desperate. I have been on probation for 3 1/2 years and I live a very suburban life...I'm going for probation violation because I received a traffic ticket that I didn't report to my p.o. I'm trying to make sense of this all-
how am I going to be a responsible Mom when I'm now having to pass all of my childrens needs on to others? I've spent the last month talking to parents on my kids sports teams to work out carpool, half the time trying not to cry and let these people know that I'm going to prison. I've gone in to speak to all of my kids teachers to let them know that our family is going through a hardship and to please watch out for them. It's so humiliating-this is my responsibility!!!! I have a very open relationship with my kids and I've been honest about what is happening....but how embarrassing- I'm the parent and I'm suppose to take care of my kids and here they are now doing whatever they need to do to take care of my- how dysfunctional!!!

how am going to be financially responsible now that my husband has to take a second job just to pay the bills? His primary job is already a 60 hour/wk gig.

how am I ever going to find a job?

I understand what you're saying about not worrying about what others say but when I was convicted in 2000 I was holding public office as a Mayor of a mid-size city. It was all over the newspapers and it sucked. I lost my job and resigned from office. Plenty of my 'friends' turned me out. I learned who my friends were.
Since this has happened I have held 13 jobs....I have never lost my job due to performance. I can usually get in the door and confide in someone about my conviction but on a couple of occasions other people would recognize me as the person in the newspaper and they would let me go due to public exposure. Therefore, my work life is constantly exposed to what others think of me.

I'm trying to accept that I'm going to be away from my husband and my kids....like you, my husband is my biggest supporter but on the other hand that is what makes it more difficult.....he loves me- a lot. I love cuddling with him- I love how I feel when I'm with him....and now I'm going to leave him alone to raise my kids. All 4 of my kids are from my first marriage and my children have nothing to do with their bio Dad since he is a convicted sex offender. Saying that- my kids bio parents are both felons......nice. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm still in the early phases of failuredom....I haven't forgiven myself and I am angry at the system. I know, I know...this is where I'm suppose to take responsiblilty and accept my sentence...but I haven't!!!! I'm angry that I have been a productive member of society. Yes, I may have held 13 jobs but I kept trying....my bills have been paid, my kids have been taken care of and I have picked myself up only to be in a worse situation than when I was initially convicted.

I don't live a life of luxury and I never have....I get by and now that I'm going away to live off of tax payer dollars, I'm sad.

Thank goodness for the website...it is the only thing that gives me hope (?). I don't think I'm going to get beaten up, I don't think I'm going to get raped. I'm sure I'm going to meet some really great women in there who will give me insight. But damn it, I'm not here with my family. I know that so many others are in considerably worse situations than I am and that makes me feel selfish.

I have rattled on and on and feel a little better. Sorry for the pity story!

Newlife, you are right on the money! It's what you do with your life after your release that counts. We are all human and make mistakes. I, too, am a much better person for all that I have gone through. I know that at times it felt like the end of the world but it surely wasn't! I met people that I otherwise would never have met, people who taught me, and are still teaching me, what the important things in life are. I saw and met people who made me realize how fortunate I really am. I don't care what people think of me, the people who have never been where I have been and gone through the things I did. I believe in myself and that has made all the difference.

Cori, you will be able to find a job that you want. It may take some work but it can happen! I am ALWAYS honest in an interview as to my past history. I believe if you are forthright that it shows honesty and integrity. I had 3 job offers in one week. There are companies that are willing to give you a chance.

I have suffered much guilt over what I put my kids through. I am guilty of what I was charged with and I knew what I was doing was wrong. Yet I did it anyway. My children love me and have forgiven me. I hope that I am a good example today for my children. I believe I am. I try to teach my children about compassion and forgiveness and accepting people who may be different from themselves. I will always live with the guilt. My youngest son was 1 month old when I went to prison. He only knew me from prison visiting rooms. How sad is that? But I think of the other ladies that are still on the inside with many, many more years to serve. There children are growing up with out them.

Let me tell you about a lady that I knew in FPC Lexington. Toni had a 15 year sentence. She had only one daughter. Her daughter was in college. One weekend she came to visit Toni. On her way home she was killed in a car accident. Her only daughter. Toni served 11 years and on the day before President Clinton left office he granted her clemency. She was released that day. I remember it so vividly! What a joyous occasion. But it didn't bring her daughter back.

You will survive this and so will your kids. So many of us here have been where you are right now. We are hear to help and support you no matter what!

Chrisa

I understand everything that you're saying....and everytime I feel sorry for me, I know that there are so many more people in this world with worse stories. I've always been a fighter and I know I will overcome this as well. It's the unknown. It's the fear of my kids losing all respect for me. My boys running wild while I'm in there, my daughters crying and starting to resent me because I'm not there to talk about their issues. Ironically about your posting, one of the first things I feared was the loss of one of my children and having it somehow be my fault and me not being there to prevent it. The guilt is tremendous and it's a weight in the middle of my chest that I have never felt before.

All in all I know I will survive and in turn I feel guilty because of it. My family will be without me and I will be in prison making friends, working out, eating at tax payers expense. I know it won't be easy but I will make the best of it.

I accept that I should have told my p.o. about the ticket but I also know that reflecting back on the fear I felt because I had been told from the beginning that I could not get so much as a traffic ticket because my probation would be revoked was horrible. I was scared of the unknown. Come to find out if I would have just come forward, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Live and learn.

I'm afraid of losing my spirit....I've already lost my faith.

cjjack & newlife: thanks for your listening.... I don't have anyone on the outside that has any idea what I'm feeling. My family is empathetic but they don't know what I feel on the inside.

Cori, again, this is why we are here.

I didn't mean to scare you with the story about my friend Toni. It's just that whenever I felt sorry for myself and didn't think I could cope, I thought about her and her wonderful spirit even after all she had been through.

Trust me, I understand how you are feeling about the kids. I worried a lot. I worried about what they were eating, about how they were doing in school, how they were feeling. The list was endless! But sometimes I just had to not think about it or I would drive myself crazy! They are fine boys, and I am lucky that I had someone available to take good care of them.

Please don't let the guilt eat you up. It will ease with time. As far as your faith, I hope that with time you will regain that also. I believe you will. Nothing wrong with feeling sorry for yourself either! We all do at times.

I read the scary article. The idea that this could happen to me used to freak me out. Since I've been at PTO and talked to so many women who have walked before me I no longer fear this. I have come to realize that the worst part of prison is not going to be prison itself; it is going to be the fact that I will miss my family, my husband, and my daughter.

If God forbid, something horrible should happen to myself in prison or anyone on the outside that I care for.... well, I will have to confront it when it happens. Worrying about it today is a waste of my energy. Living in fear is robbing me of being with my family right now, and enjoying the next few months before I surrender. Everyday I deal with fear, but as time goes by I am getting better at living, and setting aside the fear. Somedays I lose this battle. But it is worth the struggle. I cannot let the fear consume me and take over. Today, I am happy to report there is no fear.

Sheryl

I found out today that Phoenix is my destination point....for a really weird reason I'm relieved. I guess knowing where I'm going was a stressful point for me.

sbrowne: thanks for the post- I have spent too much time worrying about the unknown. I am appreciating the time I have with my family. I haven't told a lot of people just out of sheer embarrassment. My husband is creative when discussing this situation with our friends....we've thought about telling everyone that I'm helping to rebuild Iraq, hmmmm.....maybe not such a good idea.

Today has been a good day. Thanks for all of the posts. I feel better than I've felt in a long time. :)

Cori, do you know when you report. Another PTO member, Jamie, reported to Phoenix on May 17th. I think someone here has her address, you could write and tell her you are on your way. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone there waiting with open arms??? What do you think?

Sheryl

Sheryl, I think it would be a great thing to have someone to talk to! I've ready Jamie's posts and she was just as worried as me....maybe we could help each other?? I report on June 7th.

Thanks for the info

Sheryl....how would I get ahold of Jamie?

Cori,

I have Jamie's name and address. PM me and I will give you the info. :) And, if you like, make sure to leave yours and we will keep in touch!

Cori:

I don't know of one person who hasn't been scared of leaving there family and going off to prison. But, it all works out for the best in the long run, you just take it one day at a time, and keep going. The one thing about being in prison, is everyone is in the same boat. Most of them have children at home, husbands at home or in prison, and they all feel the guilt and shame also. These women, make you a better person, cause they aren't judging you, they are being you friend. They like you for who you are, not what you have or don't have, cause you all have the same thing. If, you go to prison, and make friends, all the hard times will be a little bit easier, cause you will have someone who totally understands and will sit and talk to you about what ever. I couldn't of done the time with out the friends I made while I was in prison. They taught me so much about myself, and they are what pulled me through the hard times. They let me cry when I needed to, laughed with me, hugged me when I needed a hug. To be very honest, it was very hard for me to leave some of them, cause they were the best friends I had ever made, and they each still had three or four years to do.

My children were six and eight when I went to prison, and they are now 12 & 14. They both knew I was gone to prison, and Thank God, they did fine while I was gone. Now, that they are older, they know most of the details, and my being in prison, has helped make them a better person. I am able to show them what can happen and will happen, if you make the wrong choice. I tell them all the time, that life has choices, and no matter if you make a good or bad choice, they will be a conquence. Good choices have good conquences and bad choices have the bad conquence. I try to take my experience, and let them learn from it. Cori, I know that you said you lost your faith, but you don't need to. God will get you and your family through this, and make each of you stronger.

Your children, husband and yourself, will all make it through this, and all of you will be better stronger people for it. The people who judge you, or are not your friends anymore, you don't need them. They are not worth your time.
If, you stay busy, those seven months will fly by. There is a lot to do while you are there, take advantage of it. I took all the parenting classes, drug classes ( and my charge was not drug related), DARE for parents and all the other classes they offered. I learned a lot, my time went by faster, and I know more about drugs then most parents in my town. These classes helped me learn how to deal with my children, my guilt and etc. There are crafts to do, if you are in to that. Staying busy really helps, if you just stay in your room doing nothing, your time will drag by.

Make the most of this experience, and that is what it is a life changing experience. :)

Hello everyone. I am going to sentencing on June 18th. I have requested a judical recommediton to Bryan Federal Boot Camp. Can anyone give me some feedback on this facility?? Thanks so much.

lilbit, here is a link to a thread with info on Bryan.

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55735&highlight=FPC+Bryan

Hi. I just got a letter from Jamie BC- she seems to be adjusting well. She said the first two days were the hardest- cried and slept most of the day. But since then has made friends and although she is picking up cigarette butts from 6:30- 1:30, with an hour for lunch- she is in good spirits. She is awaiting a job and has signed up for several classes. She saw he son and said the visit went really well. She told me to wish all of you her best. Also, Cori- definitely write to her, I am sure she will help you out.

-Kim

Thanks for the info Yasmine!! Glad to hear she is adjusting!

Yasmine:
Thanks so much for that. I wrote Jamie but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to receive a reply before I depart on Sunday a.m.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to survive. I'm not going to get beat up. I'm not going to die. My teeth aren't going to fall out of my head. I'm going to be okay.

Thanks to everyone who has provided me with information. Without this website I still wouldn't have any idea how to check where I was going to be located. I've never received a package.

I have posted my information on another thread. I would be grateful to receive letters.

Cori

pardon my stupidity, but my wife has been sentenced to Bryan boot camp at the end of July. Are there two seperate facilities in Bryan? Is there a boot camp and a sperate womans minimum security unit?

aplbd, the boot camp and regular camp are separated, but they eat in the same dining hall, just at different times. You do see people from boot camp on the compound but they are not allowed to speak to the other inmates.

hello I just wanted to thank everyone for giving my wife cori all the information,it really helped. She turned herself in on Monday. She doing OK. Everyone should know all money you put on your books must now
be sent to Des Moines Iowa,

What an awesome thread! Thank you. It really has helped with many of my questions. Hasn't stopped the fear or the guilt of leaving my daughter and causing her to change schools in her junior year of high school, but at least I can answer some of her questions and some of mine.

Some more questions, though -- Can I bring cigarettes with me? If so, how much? What about needlepoint? Can I have someone mail me two projects I was working on or are dull needles not allowed? How big of a "care" package can I send to myself and what can I include in it -- pictures, books, addresses, smokes (?), craft projects ......? How do you get past the guilt of what you're doing to your family and friends?

You cannot bring cigarettes with you but you can purchase them there.

You cannot have anything mailed in except letters, books, cards and money. Nothing else.

You can also have someone mail you photos, 5 per envelope, 25 total.

As far as the guilt- it gets easier with time to deal with but honestly it will always be there in some way. That has been my experience anyway.

You can also purchase craft items on commissary. Yarn, crochet hooks, beads, ceramic supplies. Some of the ladies make absolutely beautiful things.

You may want to write all of your addresses on a piece of paper and mail it to yourself right before you go.

Well, I just read through most of the thread. I guess I'll be ok. I have 3 days left till doom. It doesn't sound impossible to get through, thank you all so much for your input. I guess I'll run into Jamie and Cori and most of my questions have been answered (although I'm sure I'll think of more). I'm still grappling with how much money to bring, I do have a small restitution, on the other hand I don't want to lay anymore burden on friends/family to send it in. This site is a real life-saver, thank you all.

My niece will be going to a Camp in a couple months-She is being held in a county jail at this time and is very scared. I told her about this site. I only wish I had known about it before . Maybe she wouldn't have gotten into this last bit of trouble.She wanted me to ask about camps that had Drug Programs and what camp she should try and get into if she can..? She is in Mpls. now ,her children are in Iowa. Thanks for any information you may give..

fish you asked about how much money to bring, don't bring any it has to be sent to Des Moines Iowa. It only slows down the time before it will get to your account if you bring it with you.

I will be surrendering on July 15th to Bryan - I was told here that I should bring the money with me - But you are saying that you are supposed to send it in. Can you mail it early so that it is credited to you and on the books when you get there?

jewela,

It might be best if you call Bryan and ask them the question about bringing money with you. Since there seems to be two different responses in the forum, the personnel can tell you directly.

:)

I agree with Vicki. You can call before you go and find out that information.

Okay - Took your advice and called Bryan - The lady who answered was very nice. She advised me to send money in to Iowa address 10-14 days before surrender and to also bring money with me. That way I have covered all bases. So both threads were correct. Now I did forget to ask who do you make the money order out to? Do you make it payable to the Bureau of Prisons or to yourself? Does anyone here know the answer.....

You make it payable to yourself

If you get a postal money order, it is cheaper (.90) ea and it also gets posted to your account faster. Make it to Your Name, #Inmate ID
Prison Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Is there anyone out there that can give me some information on the 500 hour drug programs? Is it offered at all camps or just some of them? I need this information for my niece.. Thank you for any help you can give. Worried Aunt;

cbrey, it is not offered at all of them. Here is a list taken from www.bop.gov (http://www.bop.gov). There is more information about the program at that site also. I went through the program so if you have any questions I will be happy to try and answer them.


Mid-Atlantic Region


FPC ALDERSON (WV)
FCI BECKLEY (WV)
FPC BECKLEY (WV)
FPC CUMBERLAND (MD)
FMC LEXINGTON (KY)
FCI MORGANTOWN (WV)
Northeast Region


FPC ALLENWOOD (PA)
FCI DANBURY (CT)
FMC DEVENS (MA)
FCI FAIRTON (NJ)
FCI FORT DIX (NJ)
FPC MCKEAN (PA)


North Central Region


FCI ENGLEWOOD (CO)
FCI FLORENCE (CO)
FPC FLORENCE (CO)
FPC LEAVENWORTH (KS)
FCI MILAN (MI)
FCI OXFORD (WI)
FPC SANDSTONE (MN)
FCI WASECA (MN)
FPC YANKTON (SD)


Southeast Region


FCI COLEMAN (FL)
FPC EDGEFIELD (SC)
FPC EGLIN (FL)
FCI JESUP (GA)
FCI MARIANNA (FL)
FPC MIAMI (FL)
FPC MONTGOMERY (AL)
FPC TALLADEGA (AL)
FCI TALLAHASSEE (FL)


South Central Region


FCI BASTROP (TX)
FCI BEAUMONT (TX)
FPC BEAUMONT (TX)
FPC BRYAN (TX)
FMC CARSWELL (TX)
FCI EL RENO (OK)
FMC FORT WORTH (TX)
FCI LA TUNA (TX)
FCI SEAGOVILLE (TX)
FPC TEXARKANA (TX)
Western Region


FCI DUBLIN (CA)
FPC DUBLIN (CA)
FCI LOMPOC (CA)
FPC NELLIS (NV)
FPC PHOENIX (AZ)
FCI PHOENIX (AZ)
FPC SHERIDAN (OR)
FCI SHERIDAN (OR)
FCI TERMINAL ISLAND (CA)

I did find some information on the BOP site.. Thank you for telling me about it. Do you know which ones offer the 500 hour program? I guess she would like to know if it is offered at Bryan or Pekin..Any thing you can tell me about the program that I could pass on to her would be appreciated..

It is offered at Bryan but not at Pekin. Ladies from Pekin usually transfer to Bryan for the program. I went to RDAP in Bryan.

It is offered at Bryan but not at Pekin. Ladies from Pekin usually transfer to Bryan for the program. I went to RDAP in Bryan.
If you get in the program- is it possible to get some time off on your sentence?Is the program offered during the day or evening? I was wondering about your job during this time. Hope these arn't silly questions..:confused:

cbrey

FYI- RDAP is up and running at FPC Greenville now too. There was just a big group of women from Pekin who went there. It's only about an hour or so away from pekin.

I want to thank you all for your help on the durg programs... I will pass the information on to my niece...:thumbsup:

I have to report on 7/19 to Lexington FMC. I have read all of your reports and am very thankful there is a site out here for this. Can any of you please tell me what to expect in Lexington? I was told by the Marshalls office that I would go to a camp for a few months and then to a half way house. Does anyone know how long I would be at the camp before they move me? By the way I received a year and one day. I thought for sure since I'm from MI I would end up in Pekin and am not sure how I got Lexington. I would also like to know if anyone can tell me about the halfway houses in IL. I don't want to come back to MI and was hoping they would put me in IL so I could get a job and find a place to live there.

I was curious about the crafts. I will be headed to a FPC soon- probably Pekin and I was wondering if you crochet a blanket for instance- do you get to use it on your bed and keep it or does it have to be put away. And how is the A/C- heat at Pekin? Is it freezing in the winter?

-Kim

It depends on where you are actually. At Alderson, you could keep your crocheted blanket. But I do not know about Pekin. Most places allow you to crochet, but when your project is completed you must send it home.

Yamine:

When I was at Pekin, they allowed us to keep some of our craft items. You could not keep a whole bunch, but I always had one on my bed, plus the one I was working on . They use to be very easy going about the amount of crafts you have, around Christmas time, cause they know people want to send them home, as gifts.

I will be entering Bryan Camp in August [only a few weeks away] and will be serving four months and have a few questions:
(1) Since I have false teeth and use a denture adhesive to hold these things in my month - can this be purchased at the camp or can I have it mailed to me from my home?

(2) Crafts have been mentioned on this thread such as crocheting - Can hand sewing be done - such as quilt piecing - etc. Also can this be mailed to me from my home?

BTW, I have learned lots on this website and really appreciate all the answers that have been given. I have not call the Camp as my pre-trial officer suggested and will do as soon as I find a quiet moment in this house. :confused:

They do sell denture adhesive on Commissary.

You can purchase yarn and beading materials, also some ceramic and fimo clay items, but no material for a quilt. You have to send your projects home after you complete them.

You cannot have any items sent from home save for money, letters and cards.

Thanks, Guess I'll be back to reading. Can magazines be sent in from the family?:)

Will race be a big deal while at a female prison camp? Are you forced to only hang out with "your kind"? Is it possible to be liked by all? Or have friends from many groups? Can you be friends with the lesbians, without participating? How does it compare to getting along with others on the outside.

I keep telling my friends and family here that I expect it to be like a work environment - with 300 plus women around you - only 24/7 instead of leaving at 5 everyday. I imagine there will be some I like. Some I want to be friends with. Some I would not trust with a 10 foot pole. Some will back stab you. Some you will loathe. Some will annoy you. Some make you laugh. Some will drive you bonkers. And some will make you want to quit.

Am I wrong?

Sheryl

I report on the 13th and will try to have my daughter post what my opinion is of the prison since I am an "Ole White Woman" who has never been in any kind of trouble until now.
As for starving, one has to learn to eat when served. I know my grandkids do not eat properly - as old folks would say - but the food is there at every meal - meat and vegetables. They say they are always starving but really want to eat junk. Pizza is a meal to them. Well, I was raised by a mother who did not cook and any time I could get vegetables I did. When I started raising my family, dinner was served most every night - meat and vegetables. I say most every night as we did have Hot Dogs or Hamburger nights. A trip to McDonalds was a treat.

I do have a question. I am on medication for my heart and blood pressure. My attorney advised me to see all my doctors and I have new prescriptions for 12 months. Should I get them filled before I go and then let them get them refilled them so the prescription will be at my pharmacy when I get out in Dec. I will see one doctor this week and probably get two prescriptions from him and I have three from my heart doctor that will have to be filled this week.

I have had black, hispanic, and lesbian roomates and friends in prison. I never felt sexually harrassed by her or any other lesbain. Sexual activity does occur, it is consensual and they are discreet. If any person gets caught then they are shipped out, therefore most are extremely careful. But its not like your roomate is in the next bed with her girlfriend or something.

I suppose that there are racial issues at times, never anything major and rarely personal. There are good and bad in every race, but truly, most people get along. My bunkie from Lexington was black, and I loved her, we had so much fun playing practical jokes on people. My roomate in Bryan was black, we got along great.

No one gets beat up or kicked around or pushed simply because they are of a certain color.

txgrannie - I spoke with my wife this weekend (she's in Bryan) about your meds. She said it would be best for you to take your pills with you. Also take new prescriptions for the same meds just to give the facility the option of using your existing pills (not likely) or having your prescriptions filled at thier facility. Once checked in you should receive a full medical work-up within 48 hours or so.

Chrisa - my wife's roomates are: 1 hispanic, 1 black, 1 old hispanic lady, and herself (white). Mr. Brady was explaining the finer points of their "Lesbian Book". Did you know there was such a thing? There is.

No, I didn't know that there was a lesbian book!! Who knew they had such a thing?! At Bryan they take that stuff seriously. There were a few times when they just caught people blatantly, umm..well, you know. But not too often. They would post their pictures in the Leiutenants office.

Busyman, I'm going to send you a pm, a message for Mr. Brady.

I am going to my doctor this week and get him to write me a four month prescription and a letter explaining what I am to take, etc. This way, it will not mess with the prescription that the heart doctor wrote for 12 months. Since my insurance will not pay for meds but once every 28 days, I will carry the prescriptions with me and the letter to explain everything. My regular doctor know all about me going to Bryan as he sent letters to my attorney in TN before my sentencing. The judge recommended a medical prison but I got Bryan - Which is fine with me as Carswell would have been 4-5 hours from home and Bryan is about 90 miles.
What is this about this book?

No, I didn't know that there was a lesbian book!! Who knew they had such a thing?! At Bryan they take that stuff seriously. There were a few times when they just caught people blatantly, umm..well, you know. But not too often. They would post their pictures in the Leiutenants office.

In Danbury, they take that stuff seriously, too. They almost seemed obsessed with it. They had an early recall one day and everyone had to gather around in the building... and the unit manager spoke into the microphone (unlike some of the other staff members, he was incapable of shouting loud enough to get himself heard by the "residents" of cemeteries far and wide)... and he said, "If we catch you at that, you're going to the SHU immediately!"

I don't know about any book... and I think that most people were discreet enough to avoid getting caught and shooed to the SHU.

alice

As I understand it, it's just a 3-ring binder with photos/descriptions of ladies that have either been caught or are suspected of that type of behavior. Yes, they do take it seriously at Bryan.

Hi everyone, I just signed up and this is my first post. I have a really funny question to ask?

First I'd like to know the difference between a strip search and a cavity search?

Second, I know this is gross but what if they do a strip search on you and it's that time of the month??? I mean will they make you take your undies off or go around that or? I mean I know it's nasty to think of but I was just curious?

I have another question (sorry)

In the camps and the low security how are the beds set up I mean and the rooms are you allowed to walk around at night do they lock the doors to the dormitory ? turn off the lights a certain time?

I am going to do 8 months and I have done like 3 days in a county jail and that was enough to straighten me out but this is going to be a new experience I can't lie it is a little scary but I have God with me so I'm straight but if you could anwser my questions I'd appreciate it.

OH one last question, my husband is also going to a camp or something for the same amount of time? I wonder if I will be able to arrange to speak with him or write him directly???

A strip search is just a visual search, take your clothes off, run your fingers through your hair, lift your feet. A cavity search I think is self explanatory!! No cavity searches, don't worry!!

If its that time of the month the procedure is the same.

Different camps are set up in different ways. Some have rooms, some have cubicles. There is a time for lights out. Usually 11:30 on weeknights, varies on the weekends.

You will be able to write your husband with approval from both institutions, and phone calls will depend on each individual institution as to whether or not they allow them.

So during these searches I assume they check your clothes? Then you get booty naked??? and they look at you? ( Oh lord!) then that's it do you put your clothes back on that you came in with or will they then give you a uniform??? That would be really nasty for someone to be on that time of the month and you know make a mess. EWWW

They do not check your clothes because you won't be wearing them again, at least the ones you show up in!! They give you a uniform to wear.

How bout your underwear will they give it back to you???? like if you come in with them on and then they do the search and you take your clothes off or do you have to wear their underwear????

You have to wear their underwear.

Ok how about commisary is it true you can buy a small tv? I doubt it but anyways , how bout perfumes, makeup, rubbing alcohol?? etcc????

Hi D. Welcome to PTO. I was sent a commissary list from some women at Pekin. I will be headed to a camp within the next three months. PM me and I will send it to you. They have more than you would expect- but no TV's.

-Kim

I was going through some stuff, and came across a lot of items that I brought home from my time at Pekin. I found this poem, and know that any women going to prison and leaving their children behind, might like it. It helped me out a lot.

TO MY CHILD WITH LOVE

WHEN I FIRST LAID EYES UPON YOU,
I KNOW YOU WERE MY DREAM COME TRUE.
YOU WERE A GIFT FROM UP ABOVE,
A BEAUTIFUL CHILD FOR ME TO LOVE.

I WATCHED YOU AS YOU BEGAN TO GROW,
AND TAUGHT YOU THINGS YOU NEEDED TO KNOW.
I NEVER THOUGHT THERE'S BE A DAY
WHEN MOMMY'D HAVE TO GO AWAY.

I NEVER MEANT TO CAUSE YOU SHAME,
BUT I MADE A MISTAKE AND I'M TO BLAME.
I KNOW IT HURTS THAT WE'RE APART,
JUST KEEP ME WITH YOU IN YOUR HEART.

I REALIZE THAT YOU ARE SAD,
AND I UNDERSTAND YOU MIGHT BE MAD
YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT MOM'S OKAY,
AND THAT I'LL BE COMING HOME SOMEDAY.

I'M ASKING YOU TO BE REAL STRONG
MOMMY WON'T BE GONE FOR LONG.
AND WHEN I FINALLY DO COME HOME,
I PROMISE THAT I'LL NEVER ROAM.

I'LL TRY MY BEST TO NEVER HURT YOU,
IF THINGS GO WRONG, I WON'T DESERT YOU.
SO BE AS PATIENT AS YOU CAN BE,
AND I'LL BE BACK....JUST WAIT AND SEE.

I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DAY,
WHAT YOU EAT AND WHERE YOU PLAY.
EVEN THOUGH I CAN'T BE THERE
I WOULD STILL LIKE A CHANVE TO HEAR.

PLEASE DON'T FEEL THAT YOU'RE ALONE
I'LL WRITE AND CALL YOU ON THE PHONE.
I PRAY EACH NNIGHT GOD WILL GUIDE YOU
WHILE MOMMY CAN NOT BE BESIDE YOU.

TRUST IN ME AND HAVE NO FEAR.
MY LOVE WILL NEVER DISAPPEAR.
EVEN THOUGH WE'RE NOT TOGETHER,
YOU'LL BE A PART OF ME FOREVER.

LOVE MOM

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa
Thank you for your willingness to answer questions for those of us who have friends and loved ones in prison. We are sometimes in the dark about what is happening to them. If it is not too much trouble, will you please try to shed some light on a couple of issues? I have a dear friend in the Lexington, Kentucky Camp. Her father is a good friend of mine and is very concerned about her. We are Christians and are concerned about her freedom to have and read Christian literature. Also, my friend has been told that prayer is strictly regulated at the camp. For example, he was told that he could not pray with his daughter while visiting and that prayers were restricted to the chapel and they must be short. Please help us understand if you can. It must be horrible to be on the inside wondering what is going on with family and friends outside. I know it is terrible wondering on the outside, what's going on inside. Thank you in advance for any help you can give! I will certainly add you to my prayer list, if that is alright with you.
Psalm 121:1&2

Actually prayer was a big part of some of the ladies lives. I don't remember it ever being an issue with the staff. The ladies used to have a prayer call at 9 p.m. every night.

She can have Christian literature, in fact Lexington had many, many Christian groups come in on a weekly basis for bible study.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I hope All is well with you and yours. Your answer will help my friend feel much better.

Home Folks
Proverbs 3:5&6

cjack:

I read you post from before, and you are right about the camps. The media sure makes it out a lot worse than it is. I made some really good friends, and there were times that I had a good time. I honestly believe that the friends I made in there are TRUE FRIENDS, unlike the people I thought were my friends on the out-side.

HOME FOLKS: I attended church services while I was in prison. There were always some sort of christian bases meeting/service/etc going on. Some of it was really educational for me, I had a friend who was Jewish, and she explained to me a lot about her religion. Not that I agree, but I have always been one, who likes to learn more about other religions, and I did that while at the camp.

Greetings all! I am a new member who wishes that I had searched the internet more diligently for information! I will be enroute to FPC Lexington within days....hardly enough time to read the oodles of information posted here.

I have a question though about cooperation with the prosecutors:

In this era of plea agreements and reduced sentences for substantial assistance, it seems to me that providing assistance to prosecutors once incarcerated would only help me. [I think it would be a reduction under Rule 35?] Does anyone out there have any experience with this type of sentence reduction?

One of my friends asked me if I was worried about being labeled "a rat" by other inmates. Is this something to worry about?

Any information would be welcome. Thanks!

Could very well be a way to be labeled..considering what your offering! There are many mixed feelings on the "Rule 35"...and everyone has to make their own choice.

Try doing a search here for that "Rule 35". I know it has been discussed before...can't remember how much.

Welcome to PTO!

Diane

Newlife-


Thanks for the uplifting poem. I am requesting Pekin- I will serve 33-41 months and I am leaving behind a 8 year-old son, which of course, is the hardest part. I hope my time at PEKIN will be of some use and I will not have constant guilt over being apart from my son. Anyhow, I loved the poem. I pasted it to a word document to read to him before I go.

-Kim

I did my time at Pekin, and it wasn't bad at all. Everyone was really nice, which helped a lot. Don't listen to half the things you hear in the Media, cause they sure like to make it sound a lot worse than it really is. The reality of it is, thewomen are all just like you and me, made a mistake and paying the price. Everyone there is glad to be at a camp then some of the other places they could of been sent, or have earned the right to be there now, so everyone for the most part treats people with the respect and kindness.

The leaving the children to me, was the biggest punishment, and unfortunally, the children deal with it for a lot longer than we do. My oldest was almost 7 when I went to Pekin, and once I got home we were real close. He is now almost 15, and has went to live with his dad, he is laying the guilt trip on me, and blaming me for his life being messed up. He said that if I wouldn't of went to prison, none of this would be happening to him, and etc. I have not talk to him since this summer, cause he refuses to talk to me, and it has been very hard for me at times.

I sent him a letter awhile back and told him that life is full of choices and to think each choice out because the outcome may not be worth it. That didn't help, cause of course he doesn't think I know what I am talking about.

I use to really feel guilt about leaving both my children while I was in prison, but not anymore. One, can only carry the guilt for so long, and if you don't get over it, you can never move on. Yea, I made a mistake, and I paid the price, but I also became a better parent, cause it made me realize how precious my children were, and my freedom was.

I hope my son will come around, he is at the age, that he thinks he is grow, and that all adults are stupid. He knows that right now I know the game he is playing, cause I have called him on the carpet for it, more than once. I hope he will learn from my mistakes, and not go down the same road I did, cuase he sure is heading that way, and I don't know how to stop him.

I know I am rattling on about my son, I guess I am hoping someone has some advise for me.

Pam

Looking for anyone who has been through Alderson Prison who is in St. Louis or Missouri area. Please e-mail me at email edited by moderator I'm working on a sory about Alderson. thank you.

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

I am also awaiting self surrender and am wondering the same thing. It is my first offense in my 38 years and I just was released from 11 1\2 months in the county jail. Eek!!!! The women were not all that quick at introducing themselves and when they did it was something I had never been thru before. I wish to find someone that can help me with my anxiety about all this new info. First time offender and I was sentenced to 120 months. Wow! I sure do appreciate any info you or anyone else can offer. I have a recommendation for FPC Danbury and wonder if any of you with knowledge can help this baby out??? ThanksI was just wondering, when I first go in, will the other ladies wait until I approach them, or will they make me feel welcome there? I am shy, so it is hard for me to take the initiative with new people - especially in such a novel and stressful situation such as my first day of prison. I really want to make friends there, and feel comfortable as soon as possible. Do the people who have been there longer make fun of the new people or anything like that (as is depicted in movies)? Are there any "implicit rules of etiquette" that I should always remember that may not be as obvious to a newcomer? What is it at like at night time when everyone goes to sleep? Does everyone go right to sleep when the lights go out, or do they gossip and whisper amongst themselves :)
Are you permitted to nap during the day (after work, of course!). Sorry for all of these crazy questions, but May 17 is fast approaching, and I still have all of these little concerns and questions!
Jamie

Wow! You are an ispiration to this first timer. I am very nervous and scared to get on my way. I was sentenced to 120 months and just did 11 1\2 months in county. I am reading here on this page that county was the hardest time you can do and let me say, having never been in trouble before, I am looking forward to something a bit different. FPC Danbury Conn. is where I have a recommendation for. Do you have any info that you could share with this baby or maybe someone you could point me too?? I appreciate just being able to read everyone's letters. Thanks for your support!

yjdavis

Hi Chrisa '
Thank you so much for your sharing your experience with all of us. I sent you a private message and then I realized I could reply here too. It has taken me some time to figure out how to use this sight I am not really familiar with this. I think my questions could help someone else too. I am going to Bryan Jan. 16 and I am really scared. I am from Kalamazoo Michigan and have 4 children its really a long way away from my family. I doubt they will even be able to visit. I hope to be in the 500 hour program. My attorney spoke with a person at Bryan and they said they wouldn't know for sure until I got there. But they said that since the judge requested it and I have a long history of alcoholism that I was probably in it and thats why I was being sent so far away. Anyway I would love to know all about Bryan and especially the program I haven't found out anything about it online so I am sure others are interested too. Thank you for offering to answer our questions I have felt so alone. This sight and people like you make this so much better. I feel like a person again. I intend to make the absolute best of the situation and it really helps to know about it from someone who was there. It will help me to help my kids deal with this too.
Thank you again for all of your help.
BeckyFor those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

i am waiting for my designation to serve an 18 mos sentence..my lawyer requested the camp at dublin, but i have ammended that request to stay in hawaii FDC.. though the honolulu facility doesn't have any outside areas for recreation at least they have daily visiting hours for those who have been sentenced..
*does anyone know about programs at the honolulu facility? are you ever assigned to go out of the facility to work?
*will i be permitted to carry my migrane inhaler with me? i have very severe migranes with sudden onset which require immediate interception or i am hopitalized..
i am still in shock that i am heading to prison...thanks for all of the guidance to ease the fears...
much aloha!

The drug program is called RDAP. They go by your discharge date to admit people to the program. They have RDAP classes for 9 months and then graduate and go to the half way house for 6 months. You are paid after 3 months in class for attending RDAP classes.

hi again, I just got my letter and it has me designated to Dublin FCI on Jan 18th. I was recommended to go to the camp and was just wondering if you start there at the FCI and then go to the camp or what. I have tried to write to you several times but just thought that I would try again and see. I know you answer alot of folks so... Thank you again for any info you can help me with.

Peace,
yjd

Getting to a camp often involves going through a FCI; it's 100% up to the BOP. Not your judge, not your lawyer, not even G-d has a say in it. ONLY the BOP decides when you're ready for a camp. My husband did 10 years and never got to a camp, but I got to one after three years.

hi again, I just got my letter and it has me designated to Dublin FCI on Jan 18th. I was recommended to go to the camp and was just wondering if you start there at the FCI and then go to the camp or what. I have tried to write to you several times but just thought that I would try again and see. I know you answer alot of folks so... Thank you again for any info you can help me with.

Peace,
yjd

Even if you are designated to the camp, the designation would still say FCI Dublin - because the camp is part of that institution. If you are a self-surrender, you are most probably designated to the camp.

Cjjack-

I am to self-surrender to the Lexington Facility in three days. Can you tell me how long it will be before I am able to call home? Also I called and they said that the only thing people could mail me was letters. I thought they would be able to send pictures, soft covered books and magazines. How many women to one room usually. You said in Lexington it may be two? Did I understand that correctly? I've been hearing that some people do not hear from their family members for months. Is there a waiting period on visitation or phone calls. I'm so worried about my family.

You can have one room mate or up to 10 or so. You will most likely be in a room with many other women when you first arrive. To get a two-person room you must be there for awhile first.

The showers have curtains. They do have single-person bathrooms also but be prepared to wait in line for one of those. Regardless you will have privacy when you shower.

You can have up to 5 paperback books sent to you. Harcovers must come from the publisher. You can have photos sent in. You cannot have more than 25 photos in your possession.

It usually takes a week or two to get your PIN number for the telephone and to have your list approved and phone numbers added. You can ask your counselor to use the phone to call your family when you first arrive. They may or may not let you.

I have a couple of questions about the female federal prisons. I ended up recieving a five month sentence for a drug trafficking charge. There was no violence or anything involved with my crime. Will I get a minimum security prison or camp? I was a teacher before all this happened, Could I tutor as my job. And what really scares me is how bad I think prison is because of what I see on tv. What is it really like

exteach

Cannot give you any information you wanted, sorry, but I wanted to welcome you to PTO. It is a wonderful place full of kind, generous and knowledgeable people who will do their utmost to help and support you when they can.

I am sure you will get your anwers soon. You could also try the search engine (top left).

All I have read here suggests camp isn't bad (in that tv sense)..especially, easy to keep away from any violence. But it is not fun.

Chrisa,
You are indeed an asset to this website that I have only recently discovered. It is always a great comfort to others when someone can pull back the curtain of mystery on the Great Unknown. I would have sent a PM, but decided that if you had a co-signer to your advice, it might provide an even greater measure of comfort to those with questions. Yeah, I'm a guy, but listen to me ladies, Chrisa is giving you the straight poop. I did enough Fed time to know. By the way, I can't tell anyone much about female facilities, save one. The Federal Transit Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City. I was cadre there twice (recently released) so if any of you think you might be flying Con-Air, I can sort of let you know what to expect if anyone's interested.
Again, Chrisa, you've served a Higher Purpose to your fellow man.
Er, woman.
Best wishes, Kevin

Kevin, we could always use the same type of info from the males perspective. Looking forward to reading your posts!

Thanks, and welcome to PTO!!!!!

gruper, is the camp at Carswell have the same rules as the medical side? I know my sister will probably serve her time at FMC-Carswell at least that is where she went last time. I have a few questions, my sister never talks about her stay there and I am currious.

In the regards to restitution, I thought there was a certain amount they could only make you pay. I read some where here that the max is $50.00 a month but they encourage you to pay more and you can't be punish for not agreeing to pay more. Is that true? For instance, if someone owes $30,000. they will have to start paying restitution in 30-days based on a formula? The more money we send the more she pays?

Do you know what kind of classes they offer on the Medical side? I think she will be in general population and I know she isn't require to work due to her illness.

You also mentioned, some people got in with their own tennie shoes and watch? I guess its worth a try for someone to wear these on the day they surrender, right?

Thanks for the information.

GottheTshirt (Kevin)

I want to welcome you to PTO. It is a wonderful place full of kind, generous and knowledgeable people who will do their utmost to help and support you when they can.

Like you I am male, unlike you I have been fortunate enough to never be incarcerated. Yes Chrisa is indeed an asset.

ExTeach -- First, ignore the stories you see on TV. The Camps are not like that at all. Fights are few and physical damage is usually minor -- those in the Camps do not want to go into the prisons or lose their good time. You do have to worry about things like theft if you leave things out, but you will have a locker and you can purchase a lock for it. I saw no real abuse by staff, just a lot of petty irritants. While I am by no means a hardened criminal (middle class, paper crime; 5-month sentence), I did make friends in prison and these are women I will truly miss. One had been in prisons most of her adult life; another was a gang-banger from LA; another a middle-class female from my area. I wasn't judged by the time I was serving or my crime, but simply by who I was as a person and what I did with my time there. Hope this helps you a little.

As to being able to tutor, don't hold your breath. I know that at the Dublin Camp anyway, they wouldn't let you tutor unless you were going to be there for at least two years. They felt it was detrimental to the women being tutored no matter what your experience or how you could help. But, like everything else, it really depends on the staff and warden at your Camp.

P.S. Feel free to PM me if you have any particular questions or need reassurance. I vividly remember my fears.

Thanks so much for informative post. I just got sentenced to 41 months and am hoping to get designated to DUblin, CA, either the FCI or FPC. I know you mnetioned being bale to shop on commissary, but is it like a weekly thing? ALso, can your family send you stamps. About how long does it normally take to get assigned to a unit?

ALso, is it true that they take one year off ig you complete the RDAP program? If so, how does that work?

I've got so many questions, and I am so nervous & afraid. Thanksto all your posts though, much of my questions have already been answerd.

My mother gets sentenced in Federal Court on Monday. I am very worried!!!!!!!! :( Can you tell me where the women's camps are in California?

Thank you Chrisa !
I have been actually making myself physically ill over the prospect of going to a camp and my attorney says my surrender date will probably be sometime this summer. You put my mind at ease about a lot of things and I can't thank you enough. It seems that this web site is the only place where you really find people that can give you honest answers. All my attorney could tell me was that his clients say its not too bad and that its like a camp or a farm. Well that wasn't really much info. Thank you again. I can't think of any thing right now that you didn't already answer.

does anyone have any information on what happens if you have bi-polar disorder and are permanently disabled because of it on the outside. What do they do with you at the camps?

This has to be the best I could have read. I was senteced to 30 mo. I am from MN and they have not yet said where I will be going. Pekin keeps coming up. The judge ordered minimum sec close to home. I thank all of you for your advice on what to do and how to keep your head up. I have a 9 yr old and 18 month old. Reading all of your posts in regards to children is helping my with my guilt of leaving the kids and my husband. The poem brought me to tears. I keep re-reading all your stories on how the time away has made you a better person and that you have found peace with yourselves, I hope that I can to. I considered suicide to help my family not to deal with the shame and embarrasement of what I have caused. My husband talked to me and said that would be the worse thing for this family, he will stand by my side and help us through this. Our family is so supportive and all have pitched in to help with the children and the day to day chores. I do have a few more questions if you can help out.

- My surrender date is 4/18 - is it possible to have it pushed back a month, we are having daycare issues. Not sure that the court systems cares, but we are trying.
- Is 30 months really that long, what about good behavior? I don't qualify for the drug program.


Thank you again for all your support, you have no idea how much this is helping me get through this time in my life.

Hi,my name is Jan and im from the UK i would just like to say i enjoyed reading your article,i have never been to prison and i hope i never will.I do think the way some prison inmates are treat is terrible but we only know what we see on the news or read in the papers.I know your prisons are worse than our's over here our's are to much like holiday camps i know because my x partner has been in quite a few,i hav traveled miles to see him,i have seen the inside of many many prisons and court room's and police stations to last me a live time.I would be terrified if i got locked up and i don't know how you coped i wish you the very best of luck with the rest of your life.:thumbsup: For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Dear Chrisa;

Thank you! your post is a bit comforting to me because my girlfriend is locked up in a state prison right now. I think your right and it fortifies what I have always told her," Your prison time is what you make of it." SHe is a short timer and I know it sounds sick but I am glad in a way that she got locked up because if she didn't I fear she would have died soon. She is a drug addict! I also tell her that going back to drugs isn't a option for her because that is the way to death.When she is not useing she is the sweetest most loveable woman you can meet, but when she is on drugs she is a psychotic.

So hopefully this will get her off the drugs and get her set on the right track in life.

Don

Hello- I have a few questions I am wondering about. Maybe someone can answer them for me. It would really help me start to clear my head with all my thinking about heading to prison.

1) The judge ordered me to start paying restitution 60 days after release from prison. Do I have to pay while I am there also?

2) For the women that were at Carswell, Can you get a hair cut while you are there or are you just out of luck?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Kaci

Kaci, I will try to answer any questions you have before you go. I have MIA here at PTO for the last few months, and have not gotten to my pm's as I should. Between a new baby and work, I am exhausted! So my apologies to everyone.

Yes, you will have to pay restitution, $25 every three months.

Yes, they do have cosmetologists there who will cut your hair. Some are students. I believe that has not changed since I was there. It's been a long time though, so anyone please correct me if I am wrong.

Hi, I have NO idea if I'm doing this right please forgive me if I'm not. I have a few questions about self surrender. MY wife was sentenced yesterday to 30 months. The judge in the case was going to RECOMEND to the BOP that she go to Bryan Texas. First...what are the real chances she will be going there? Second How long before we are notified by the BOP as to the where and when? How long typically after you receive the letter from BOP's do they give you before you must surrender?
For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

If she goes directly to a Camp depends on too many things, but I can tell you that the judges opinion has NOTHING to do with The Bop. The Bop send you where THEY want and the judge can't do a thing about it.

I do think that generally they try to send a person to where the judge recommends....but yes, they can, and so often will, do whatever they want.....

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

I am from Oklahoma and have requested a facility closest to home. I am to report by April 29. Where will I report to? I know nothing about if I report directly to the prison or what. I am to do 5 months, 5 months house arrest, and 2 years probation. What federal prison will I probably go to and what's it like? Help! Thanks for the information you gave in your thread. Hope you can tell me more. Jonie

I have a few odd questions. :confused: I'm curious about the Bryan camp. Can anyone give me any details about it?

1. I noticed visitation is Saturday and Sunday. -- Can you visit both days, or are visitors only allowed once per week?

2. Does the commissary sell food items? (Sunflower seeds, etc.?)

3. Is Iced Tea available? (In the cafeteria or commissary?)

4. Is there a TV available for anyone to watch?

5. How many people share a room? Bunk beds?

6. Are magazines available?

I'm sorry for the weird questions, but I'm just concerned for my mom. Any other info you have about Bryan would be VERY helpful. I'm curious as to how things are there.

Thanks SOOO much!

Jonie--
Visit www.bop.gov (http://www.bop.gov) and search for your name. If it is already in their system it will tell you which facility you are going to. (It will say, "in transit" until you check in.)

Good luck!

I am from Oklahoma and have requested a facility closest to home. I am to report by April 29. Where will I report to? I know nothing about if I report directly to the prison or what. I am to do 5 months, 5 months house arrest, and 2 years probation. What federal prison will I probably go to and what's it like? Help! Thanks for the information you gave in your thread. Hope you can tell me more. Jonie

I am from Oklahoma and have requested a facility closest to home. I am to report by April 29. Where will I report to? I know nothing about if I report directly to the prison or what. I am to do 5 months, 5 months house arrest, and 2 years probation. What federal prison will I probably go to and what's it like? Help! Thanks for the information you gave in your thread. Hope you can tell me more. Jonie
Jonie I am from Oklahoma also and I will be reporting somewhere on May 18th. You will probably either go to Bryan or Carswell Satellite Camp. If you have any questions feel free to PM me at anytime.

Kaci

Just wondering what the typical time is from your sentencing date until you actually have to surrender yourself...whats about average? We were sentenced March 31st....



I do think that generally they try to send a person to where the judge recommends....but yes, they can, and so often will, do whatever they want.....

Did the judge not tell you when you were sentenced? I was sentenced on March 29th and I am to report on May 18th. I think its usually around four weeks. The judge is letting me spend mothers day with my daughter.

Yours is the very first post I read when I registered here. I am a 48 yr old mom, former banker, convicted of embezzlement. I know I did wrong, but I'm very scared. I have a daughter, now 24, who has had problems since the age of 4. She has had problems with depression, anorexia, drug problems. She has been raped and has attempted suicide. I have done everything to make this child happy and that includes breaking the law. I also have a 16 yr old daughter and I worry about her more than anyone. I am an only child of 2 wonderful parents and I have a great husband. I have lost my job, my home, people I thought were my friends, but on the other hand, I have found friends I didn't know I had or just plain forgot about. I have never been in trouble for anything, but they started out saying I had taken about $450,000, which I have nothing to show for and now it's up to over $600,000. My attorney thinks they have found some other losses and are using me to recover the loss. Since the federal guidelines have been thrown out, I am hoping the judge will give me home confinement and let me continue to work at the job I am doing now. I feel somewhat doubtful though, since the amount of loss is so high. I will be sent to a camp for women and I hope it's somewhere close to home. My sentencing date is April 18th and I pray every day that I won't be sent away. I know what I did was wrong, but I just don't know how understanding the court will be. Thanks for listening.

Well, I received an extension on my surrender date, I am now to report to Bryan on May 23rd. I can't believe that is the closest they could find, I am MN. Anything anyone can tell me I would appreciate it.

My girlfriend is on her way to Alderson right this second. I have been visiting her at the local facility when I can, which is one hour a week. Alderson has five days of visitation, most lasting for 8 hours. Will be amazing. I have done an immense amount of research, and what I surmise is this is about the nicest place she could be going to. I have one concern however which I read in a posting. Are most of the guards men and can they perform strip searches at will? This completely freaked me out. In reading all of these postings, it sounds like it is nice; but I also feel like all of the women who have been there aren't telling the whole story, like it is a sorority secret or something. Can someone tell me about the guards and likelihood of my fears being answered???

Your fears are groundless - NO Federal prison has males strip searching females. Yes, they can be done "at will", but the chances of that happening at a Camp are so slim it's not worth stressing over.

There are no secrets; Alderson is as nice a a prison gets - I know I spent FOUR years there and after 18 months in an FCI and 18 months in 7 country jails I felt like I ended up at an inexpensive women's college.

PM if you have specific questions, but if a woman HAS to go to prison Alderson is THE place to go.

NO WAY does a male CO strip search an inmate. Strip searches are rare anyway. Even at visitation. They are only required to strip search 5 inmates per day during visits. Just depends on your luck of the draw.........in four years I was never strip searched after a visit.

Thank you both so much for clearing that up. Where she is right now, strip searches are routine. She says she is used to them, but it is just another one of those cases of the system trying to beat you down and make you feel like hell. I can't wait for her to get there and see her much more often. I guess the only other question I would have are about the hospitality house. Did either of you have family that stayed there? I am sure it is nice and safe, but just want to make sure. What exactly did your family bring for donations? I just graduated from college and am somewhat in debt, unable to spend a ton on groceries, but can do something. Also, I am really very optimistic, looking at the positive here for her as much as I can, but I want to be prepared for the worst. Aside from the food and founded complaints about medical care, is there anything that should concern me? She has been told that there is a lot of female contact, is this ALWAYS concentual? This is something that I know she is trying to look away from at the place she is now, as it is somehwat common. There she said people constantly flirt with her, but that she believes no one would cross that line. Is this the same at Alderson (I am not saying there is anything wrong with this, just that I know she has no interest in being a part of that)? She is incredibly smart, a advanced degree holder and has a knack for getting along with anyone. Is there any job she shouuld try to get that would be more rewarding? Thanks so much for the help!

A couple of more quick questions from her mother. Is there fresh fruit at Alderson? Tampons in stead of pads (Sorry, but wondering)? A limit to the number of visits one can have (some other facilities use a point system as far as I understand)? THANKS!

There will be ladies there that are just like her. I met wonderful, kind people there. She will do fine.

Any sexual activity that goes on is completely consentual. No one just comes to you and starts bothering you. She will be just fine in that respect as well.

No point system at Alderson for visits. Tampons are available.

There used to be fresh fruit, it's been a few years since I was there so I don't know now. But they used to have apples, oranges, sometimes bananas.

Thanks so much for the information. I am really hesitant to ask anything that makes me appear as though she or I are higher than anyone else there. It is just that you worry for your loved ones. I know from her experience so far that she has met amazing people, some like her, and many not. I really appreciate your candor and ability to give me and her family some peace of mind. I can't tell you how relieved it makes me to know that no male guards can do anything inappropriate and that any activity that happens there is stricty consensual. I suppose after she is processed, it will just be a waiting game for her to get out, without any new concerns other than establishing our lives once more when this is through. I don't mean to pester you, but I have been talking to her 3 or 4 times daily. I know that that won't continue when she is there, but I wonder how long it will be before she can call and say she is alright. I hope today or very soon. Thanks so much for your help and time!

Hi my name is Kel. I just got my letter today and i have to be at Alderson on April 29. I have been writing with Alwaysenuff in Alderson she has been in there 4 weeks. Her release date is Aug 12 for anyone that knows her. Anyway she said that if anyone needs any info about Alderson to let me know and i can give them an address to write to her. Just pm me. I also have a copy of the commissary sheet from there if anyone wants to know anything. I feel alot better since i talked to her. I am one of the lucky one i only have to get thru 5 months and i guess it's not that bad. If anyone else is going to Alderson feel free to message me or respond. And when i get there maybe i can help someone not be so afraid as i was helped by this site. Thanks Kel

Thanks so much for the information. I am really hesitant to ask anything that makes me appear as though she or I are higher than anyone else there. It is just that you worry for your loved ones. I know from her experience so far that she has met amazing people, some like her, and many not. I really appreciate your candor and ability to give me and her family some peace of mind. I can't tell you how relieved it makes me to know that no male guards can do anything inappropriate and that any activity that happens there is stricty consensual. I suppose after she is processed, it will just be a waiting game for her to get out, without any new concerns other than establishing our lives once more when this is through. I don't mean to pester you, but I have been talking to her 3 or 4 times daily. I know that that won't continue when she is there, but I wonder how long it will be before she can call and say she is alright. I hope today or very soon. Thanks so much for your help and time!
Hi Missing T. If you read my post under yours i am on my way to Alderson. Did she get transfered from another prison? I have been writing a friend in Alderson she has been there 4 weeks it takes a couple days sometimes to set up your phone list. Thar is what i was told anyway. I have lots of info on Alderson if you want any. Kel

Hey there, sorry for the delay in responding. My girlfriend got there last week and says it is paradise compared with the prison she was in before. I know you will be fine there, and I told her to look out for someone named Kel that is showing up on the 29th. She says that everyone is so nice and the increased freedom that she had compared with the place before is amazing. I have learned a whole lot about Alderson and feel as comfortable as one can knowing she is there. Hang in there, enjoy everyday, and thanks...

Prison - even Alderson - is a great equalizer; I did time with MDs, lawyers, dentists and not one of them were treated any better than me with a Masters or my bunkie that never made it to high school. I promise you your firend will be fine - none of my family ever stayed at the Hospitality House, but I SWEAR that the entire town of Alderson is safer than safe; their economy DEPENDS on the prison and the treat all family like their family.

I still think of it as an inexpensive private women's college - you friend will be okay.

I have to talk to my PO tomorrow, but I think Alderson is where I'll end up. If I have to someplace, I think that's where I want to be. Besides, there are many of us at this site that will end up there. I'll post when I know for sure. I for one am just glad it's over and after I serve my time, it will be over. I have to keep thinking that way. It could be alot worse.

Thanks everyone. I have met a few people going into Alderson around the same time and that sure has made things alot easier. I still have some info from gina on the inside if anyone has questions. Kel

Well, my girlfriend has been there for a week and says it is so nice compared to what she was used to in a local facility. If you are headed there, I feel like I have as much info as one can for never having been there. Going to visit her in a week or so, can't wait. Thanks to everyone for giving me info on Alderson, it has given me a lot of piece of mind. Good luck to all who are headed there soon. It is will give you an appreciation for all that we have on the outside and will go quickly once you get adjusted to life there. I know all will be okay. Let me know if there is anything I can do...THANKS AGAIN!

Hi all, I just got home from serving time at FPC Dublin. If anyone has any questions or anything that I can help with let me know.

Hi,
I am learning so much from reading the threads now that I know where to go. Sorry for the long pm cjjack, but I heard you were the one to ask. So many of my questions are being answered. You all are being such a great help to my mind and spirit. I wish I knew how long before I hear from the BOP. I was sentenced on 04-21-05 to five months. I feel bad, I thought that was a long time. Now I know there are so many out there who have to endure so much more. I live outside of Seattle, trying to find out if there is someplace close they would send me.
My best to you all.

Bella, I will pm you back today sometime, I promise!! :)

No - at a camp the woman do not attack for no reason - the very few fights I saw were ALL over the same thing. Cheatin' lovers. MY best advice is to stay out of the TV room especially during any sort of sporting event and to not get caught up a girlfriend.

While at an FCI (18 months of hell) I saw a fight every day and at least once a week I saw a fight that sent at least one person the the Infirmary.

Whew, I have been out of federal prison camp for a month now, what an experience. A year ago I posted a lot of frantic messages about going to prison, I was very scared. I met the best friends I ever had in my life in prison, and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. If anyone is going to the Federal Prison Camp in Phoenix Arizona, please feel free to contact me with any questions at all. Also, I can give you the names of some wonderful people who are there who will help you get through your first couple of days. The two hardest days will be your first day (for obvious reasons) and your last day (leaving behind so many friends and experiences - it really is a bittersweet moment). I never ever suspected that I would cry the day I left prison, I thought I would be laughing all the way out the front door. But I did cry, and still miss all my friends and all of our little "adventures" at the camp. To anyone going to prison - take is as it is and make the most of your time. Learn to crochet, further your education, learn to play Texas Hold Em', exercise, catch up on your reading, learn things you've wanted to learn but never had the time. Keep yourself busy while at the same time take the time to relax and take a deep breath. Know that there will be a day when you walk out of that prison with a profound learning experience under your belt - and that day WILL come. It will be fine - take it from a person who never thought that she would end up in prison in this lifetime -
Jamie

I forgot to mention - I ran into two wonderful people at the camp that posted on this forum after I self surrendered. Cori found me shortly after she got there and we talked about PTO, we remained friends during our time there. There was another post from fish_undercover shortly after Cori self-surrendered who turned into my very best friend and roommmate. We had a lot of adventures together, and I will miss her most of all. I know we are not allowed to have contact with ex-felons or anything, but I can't see not being in contact with her when she is released in August. Does anyone know what would happen if it was ever found out we communicate, is this strictly forbidden, or would they even find out??

Wow, Jamie, so glad to see you are home, safe and sound!! I am so happy it went better than you thought it would. It was the same for me. I had wondered what had happend to you! I wrote Cori while she was there, and was always happy to hear she was doing well.

Welcome Home, Jamie!!

Jamie! It is so good to see you!

Welcome Home!

Patti

Welcome HOME Jamie! I understand about leaving pals behind but ya gotta admit-bubble baths are really nice! How long were you at the camp?

Just a quick question for anyone about Alderson. My girlfriend has been there now for about two weeks and I am still not approved for visitation. I was not on her PSI, but I did fill out the form and overnight it back to them. Can anyone give me an idea about how long it will take for me to get cleared so that I can go and see her? It is so disappointing, day after day, for her and I, to hope for this to happen, and it hasn't so far. This whole process is much harder than I ever imagined. She has about a year there and it seems doable in my head, but day to day life is extremely difficult as we spent everyday together until she was taken in. Any words of wisdom or guidance? Thanks to everyone who has been so helpful up until this moment, I am so happy to have found this chat service!

Still waiting...almost a month now...

A big thank you to all who have posted their personal and moving experiences on this link. I will be surrendering at FPC Victorville on May 19th after 22 months of waiting. If anyone has any information about Victorville and can share I would be soooo appreciative.

Some specific questions are:

Medications - Info is in my PSR, should I bring prescriptions with me as well?
Magazines - Can family send to me or do you have to subscribe from publisher?
Glasses - Same as with meds - Do I need to bring dr info on prescription?
Visting days - Are visiting days only Sat/Sun and federal holidays?

Does anyone have a commisary list from Victorville? I have eight days and counting until I leave my beautiful family...and it makes me so sad. But I know they will be okay. I am counting on it!

Leanne ")

Chrisa,

This is very informative...Thanks so much...

JoJo

violence+camps=oxymoron

I was just sentenced on May 10th, and according to my atty I would have a self surrender date for sometime the end of June. I was given a sentence of 30 months. Well my atty was WRONG.:mad: ..I got a self surrender date for tomorrow...he gave me a whole 3 days to prepare my family which includes 3 children ages 12, 11 and 10. I will be surrendering to FDC Philadelphia and am not coping with this well at all. I was told I will most likely go to either Alderson or Danbury, but that the classification takes approximately one month and I will be housed in Phila until I hear from BOP as to where they will send me.
Has anyone been in FDC Philadelphia or has any idea what I can expect to encounter during this next month....
This forum is awesome and am glad to have found it not only to get some insight as to what to expect once I'm trasferred but for my family and loved ones to get answers....and support while I'm away.

Also...my partner is not listed in my PSI....how long can I expect it to take to have her added to my visiting list?
Thanks...
Karen

Hi again, I just read a post stating that everyone goes through Oklahoma...before getting to their assigned camp...is this true? If I'm assigned to a camp near me will they make me go through Oklahoma or would they transport me directly to camp?
Thank You so much for time answering these questions

I was just sentenced on May 10th, and according to my atty I would have a self surrender date for sometime the end of June. I was given a sentence of 30 months. Well my atty was WRONG.:mad: ..I got a self surrender date for tomorrow...he gave me a whole 3 days to prepare my family which includes 3 children ages 12, 11 and 10. I will be surrendering to FDC Philadelphia and am not coping with this well at all. I was told I will most likely go to either Alderson or Danbury, but that the classification takes approximately one month and I will be housed in Phila until I hear from BOP as to where they will send me.
Has anyone been in FDC Philadelphia or has any idea what I can expect to encounter during this next month....
This forum is awesome and am glad to have found it not only to get some insight as to what to expect once I'm trasferred but for my family and loved ones to get answers....and support while I'm away.

Also...my partner is not listed in my PSI....how long can I expect it to take to have her added to my visiting list?
Thanks...
KarenGood grief! Nothing like time to prepare. I was sentenced April 18th and I still don't know where I'm going. They gave me my report date at sentencing. Good luck with everything.

hello my name is monito and i was 4 years in new yersey state prison, i/m an foreigner so it's also very difficult to first understand well prison-talk than you are an foreigner and they treat you like that, you don't feel you belong to an group but even in those 4 years i make friends who helped me an with who i still have contact, after a year out, i still write on an weekly base with my friends, i also try to help one who have an sentence 30-to life, she was 15 when they arrested her and did already 15 years . Now she want to ask for clemency , but i live in the netherlands and i only can look for her on the net to find sites or people who can support her and help her with writing that, maybe somebody know what i can do or find special sites, i can't go to the usa anymore because of my time i did, the deport me so that's also an problem, because when i was there i can do a lot more for her! greetings monito:thumbsup:

I was just sentenced on May 10th, and according to my atty I would have a self surrender date for sometime the end of June. I was given a sentence of 30 months. Well my atty was WRONG.:mad: ..I got a self surrender date for tomorrow...he gave me a whole 3 days to prepare my family which includes 3 children ages 12, 11 and 10. I will be surrendering to FDC Philadelphia and am not coping with this well at all. I was told I will most likely go to either Alderson or Danbury, but that the classification takes approximately one month and I will be housed in Phila until I hear from BOP as to where they will send me.
Has anyone been in FDC Philadelphia or has any idea what I can expect to encounter during this next month....
This forum is awesome and am glad to have found it not only to get some insight as to what to expect once I'm trasferred but for my family and loved ones to get answers....and support while I'm away.

Also...my partner is not listed in my PSI....how long can I expect it to take to have her added to my visiting list?
Thanks...
Karen

Karen, I hope that you see this before you report!

I know this is of small comfort, but stay strong and know that you are going to make it through this.

If you like please private message me with your contact information, we will have plenty of letters coming your way!

Patti

In response to Karen, you will be okay! Really. I am close with someone who was stuck in DC for transport to a camp and she made it with very few problems. Sorry for the lack of preperation before reporting (we were given 24 hours with ours) and while it takes longer to get adjusted without preperation, you will be just fine and meet people who will care for you even in Philadelphia. As far as your partner getting approved, at Philadelphia (with my limited experience), you should be able to see her within a couple of weeks. Once you get to your long term facility, which I suppose will be a FPC, it should take somewhere between 2 weeks and a month. The background check process takes longer and many of the counselors who perform them are either overworked or lazy. No worries, you will be able to see her shortly. I hope you get this before you leave. Stay strong!

Also, I guess you have already reported Karen, but if her family is reading this, it is probably not known if she will have to go through Oklahoma. My guess is that they will transport her directly to the camp (as the feds are in the process of changing this procedure). The good thing, she will most likely be taken directly to the camp or have very few stops on the way, the downside, it may take longer for her to leave Philadelphia because they seem to wait until they have a vanload to move anyone (cost-cutting measure). Good luck to you all!

Hi Chrisa,

I am new to all of this and new to the system. I am very sick and need all my medicine. After reading many of the threads I am very scared. Can you tell me the procedures of Carswell: when you get there, what they do, etc. You also wrote about the commissary and buying things. How it is with the mail, the food, the library and other things.
I really appreciate that.
Thanks
Bebemgh

Hi I am new here because I just found out, that I have to go to Carswell in a few weeks. My attorney said it's the only medical facility for women in the country. I have been reading all of your threads and it seems to calm me down. I have been crying for a long time. Hopefully I can make it. I have to be there for 4 months and it seems forever. I just wrote a thread to Chrisa, who seems to the angel on this forum. Please send me info, anything you can think about, so I can prepare mentally. I have never been in any prison before and I am frightened. I am very sick and I am worried after reading all of this, that I have a problem with getting all the medicine I need. I need special food and I can't work. Please help me with info.
Thank you to all of you.
Bebemgh

Bebemgh,

Welcome to PTO! First of all take a deep breath and relax as much as you can. Chrisa is an Angel and will be along soon. Another member that you may want to Private Message is Tonib. She just came home from Carswell.

I promise you, you will make and though this time. I know four months seems like forever, it is not.

Hang in there and stay strong, we are here to help you get through this time.

Patti

bebemgh, look for a pm from me shortly. I am here to help you in any way I can. In the meantime, try to be calm......you will make it through this, and we are here to help you. :)

I have a couple of quick questions for anyone who might have information.
1. Does anyone know about a new law that would allow DC inmates to have early release allowance? (As this was formerly, or maybe currently, a loophole that didn't allow DC inmates this possibility).
2. Does anyone know about a possible new law that reduces parole time from 85% to 65%?
Thanks for the help if anyone knows anything! You all are the best here...

Hi Patti,
I still have a hard time to find my way even through this online talk.
It is nice to read and get strength from others. How do I get in touch with Tonib?
I am just so afraid because I am really very sick, need my medicine to survive and special food. You are right that 4 months are not forever, but I have never been close to anything like it and feel lost and have a lot of fear. I don't know the system very good, that's my problem too.
So I thank you for answering.
Bebemgh
:)

Bebemgh,

Welcome to PTO! First of all take a deep breath and relax as much as you can. Chrisa is an Angel and will be along soon. Another member that you may want to Private Message is Tonib. She just came home from Carswell.

I promise you, you will make and though this time. I know four months seems like forever, it is not.

Hang in there and stay strong, we are here to help you get through this time.

Patti

Bebemgh,

I promise you it is going to be ok. Those of us who have been there know the fear only too well. But it is going to be ok.

I tried to call Toni earlier and will try again tomorrow night to see if I can't get you two in touch on PTO.

Right now is the hardest time, the not knowing what to expect, but Chrisa and Toni and others will give you the information to ease the fear.

As for the medical concerns, ask Toni, I was on state time so I won't be able to help you there.

I can tell you this, when it came to going to prison I was scared to death, but you know I am here, many others are here, we all made it. So will you, have faith in yourself and just know that you are going to be ok.

Stay strong,

Patti

Hi Chrisa,
I already wrote you and don't really know yet how to post a new thread and how to find ones for me if somebody writes. You really seem to be the angel on this talkline. I have to leave within 6 weeks my attorney told me. Due to my medical problems I am scared, because I am taking narcotics for my pain. Again the attorney said that they have to give it to me. Because I know really nothing about prison and they way all of this is handled I would be so happy and thankful if you let me know how it works to start....I have so many questions and I don't know where to start. I didn't even know that you have to apply for somebody to visit you. How do you do that with the money if you can buy from the commissary, how to they take your money, how many times can you go and buy, how does is work with the calling cards or phone calls in general, how is the food, how are the rooms, you see I am totally new to this.
Please answer if you can.
Thanks so much
Bebemgh

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Sending you another pm right now.......I never got one from you.....

I wanted to say hello and hang in there to BBMGH. You are going to make it my dear, just fine. cjjack has been a huge help to me to include many others here. From what I understand, the women in Camp will help to get you through this. I am sure you will find strength from other sources as well. I leave for FPC Dublin in 9 days, and will be staying for five months. I have never been to prison and am currently trying to get as much info on Dublin as I can. I promise to send you good energy. You can write to me any time. If I had known Cjjack when all of this started I would have hired her in a heartbeat. Now she helps in whatever way she can.

For anyone else reading this...HOWDY! Well I am off to Camp Dublin and I am guessing there won't be any pubs open on Friday nights. I have heard it really sucks there but would love to hear the stories from you on the people if you have been there recently. LavenderROse is filling me in, but would like to hear from anyone else who has been there.
I was wondering what I need to take in regards to my daily meds. Do I take the script. from my Doctor? So do you have to walk to another building to get your meds every day? Wish I did not need the thyroid stuff....I know you can't take any meds in with you.

Well if anyone would like to chat send me a PM. I hope to hear from you soon.
Bella

Thank you for you candor. It makes me feel a little better knowing what my daughter will expect. She's only 25 facing 15 yrs. She's been at MDC in Calif for 18 mos. and had gotten along fine that I know of. :confused:
cFor those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Could you tell me anything about the medical care that you get at Alderson. My sister was there and now at Carswell. Has been for months.
Thanks for any help

I still cannot believe I made it through 10 1/2 months of federal prison camp. Just a little over a year ago, I was SO UPSET. I thought I was going to die. I thought it was the end of my life. Now here I am - through it and facing the rest of my life. My heart goes out to all the women and their families who are facing federal prison. Not knowing what to expect is the WORST part of it. I was fine in federal prison - I made the best of it, made a lot of friends, and we got along by seeing the humor in everyday life at the camp. I will never forget my days at the camp and all of the wonderful people there (before I went to the camp - I thought these very same people were going to be dangerous criminals and attack me, rape me, etc.) and now I see how absolutely ridiculous this presumption was. I met the best friends and nicest people I have ever met in my life. If anyone is facing federal prison in any way, and would like someone to talk to - please contact me! Yes - it is awful having to face prison - but the experience itself is really what you make it to be.

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

ChrisaI just wanted to thank you.I read about your experience and i have to say it made me feel better,I too have heard the horror stories,and for that I have been worried for a year about my father whom is incarcerated at Leavenworth FPC.My father is an older man so I wondered if he was being abused,and would he tell us if he was.Again I wanted to thank you for putting a little ease to my mind;)

I'm new to this site and I'm not sure if I am doing this correctly. Please let me know if I am doing this wrong.
I am to report to FPC Bryan next Wednesday. I am 62 years old and have a 24 month sentence. First time in my life something like this has happened to me. Needless to say I am very nervous. You have answered some of my questions but not all. What do you bring with you? How much money should I bring? I am in Louisiana and the only airline that goes to Bryan is Continental and it lands at 11:10 a.m.. That is cutting it pretty close, so I am thinking of going the day before. Can you report early? If so, how early, 1,2,3 days? What else should I know? I was told to keep to myself, but it seems that would be a very lonely existance for 24 months. I know this is a stupid question, but can you smoke there? (That is my only vice) I am anxious to hear from you.
For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Hello All~
I joined PTO last March ('04) after I entered my plea. What a wonderful site! I was finally sentenced in May, 2005 and I was assigned Carswell FPC. I have read all the wonderful and helpful things about FPC's. I will be leaving my Husband and four children behind in Kansas. They are 11 yrs., 9 yrs. 4 yrs and 2 yrs. I am nervious about how holidays go at Carswell and what the visitation room is like and the activities that can be done there. If anyone knows.....any information would be helpful. Thanks!!

You will be just fine at Bryan. I know several ladies that are there from Louisana. Everyone there is very nice and as to the part of staying to yourself...NO WAY! There are so many wonderful ladies there that will make you feel right at home. Reach out to them. Many will reach out to you on your arrival. Accept there generosity. Make some friends, some will become life long friends, and relax as best you can. It is all the unknown that drives you crazy. Go to the search box at the top of the page and type in "Federal Bryan" and there is an excelent post that will tell you VERY accuratley what to expect when you get there. From when you are first dropped off until you reach your assigned unit.. and further down that same post there are answers to your money questions.....good luck. PM me if you need more specific info....my wife is there now.....Garry



I'm new to this site and I'm not sure if I am doing this correctly. Please let me know if I am doing this wrong.
I am to report to FPC Bryan next Wednesday. I am 62 years old and have a 24 month sentence. First time in my life something like this has happened to me. Needless to say I am very nervous. You have answered some of my questions but not all. What do you bring with you? How much money should I bring? I am in Louisiana and the only airline that goes to Bryan is Continental and it lands at 11:10 a.m.. That is cutting it pretty close, so I am thinking of going the day before. Can you report early? If so, how early, 1,2,3 days? What else should I know? I was told to keep to myself, but it seems that would be a very lonely existance for 24 months. I know this is a stupid question, but can you smoke there? (That is my only vice) I am anxious to hear from you.

sorry I didn't answer your main question.....*S* Yes, you can smoke while there but, they are taking measures to take smoking out of all Federal Prisons and that will probably go into effect sometimes next year. Good luck

I'm curious how laundry works at Bryan? And, do they provide deodorant? I know you can buy it from the commissary, but I was curious what they actually do provide.

You can have your institutional clothing laundered at the prison laundry, no store-bought items. You drop it off one day, pick it up the next.

There are washing machines and dryers in the units, to use them you buy "tokens" at 20 cents a piece. You can do laundry in the units until 11.

You can have your institutional clothing laundered at the prison laundry, no store-bought items. You drop it off one day, pick it up the next.

There are washing machines and dryers in the units, to use them you buy "tokens" at 20 cents a piece. You can do laundry in the units until 11.
Also, once a month, sometimes longer, they have "government issue" night. They pass out toothbrushes, tiny tubes of toothpaste when they have it, pencils, envelopes. But they never have enough.

Another question. How do they side who you room with? Is it whatever is available, or do they work to get similar people together? Probably a dumb question. Oh yeah, and the laundry, what do most people do? Prison for prison issue stuff (and worry about it getting lost??) and tokens for the rest??

Hello all! A quick question/favor...if anyone hears of the changes in policy at Alderson due to the change in direction (warden), such as holiday visitation, family day, institutional rule changes, etc. could you post! I am very anxious about being able to spend the holidays with my loved one (as she was not there last year, and won't be there next)...Also, if you have spent Christmas or Thanksgiving there before, I would love to know your stories...Have a great one!

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Good info. I am to self surrender on Nov 7, 2005 to Bryan. I got 36 months and have college credit. I am just recently 21 yrs old. The judge ordered the 500 hour dug program. What do you suggest I do about work? Do I try to continue college? Does self surrender mean anything? I'm scared...how long beofre my Mom can come visit? I am small 105 lbs. Will I be OK?

For all of you that have been to Alderson or are going to Alderson there have been some changes in there my last month I spent there. I just came home 8-12-05.

First off, As the captain said. There has always been BOP policy, and then there was Alderson. They are now making Alderson follow all BOP policy. No more AND Alderson.

They stopped all night smokin on March 31. Now the last ciggarette is at 11:30 pm. Come January it will be a no smoking camp.

In July....... ALL cottages were closed. A & O is now in Range 3 of the A building. They built two ranges, and just opened up Range b next to the Recreation center. Range B is Air conditioned as to Range A won't have any til next summer.

ALL inmates moved up the hill from the cottages during one week.

The drug cottages are now in Range B in Units 1 and 2. When you enter R & D and the tell you ridge or Valley, you will first go to A & O in A3, and then get moved to B building if ridge and stay in A building if Valley.

Anyone who has ever been there, Ms. Altizer is now Ridge Unit Manager and Godbold is Valley. They switched!

The lower compound is now closed. Until further notice you may walk the sidewalk on your routine exercises but they will be tearing up the lower compound shortly to where no body can go down there unless you have an appointment at Physch, Lt's office, Commisary, and to CDR. and visiting.

The entire upper compound is holding all the woman, and it is pretty packed up there. Especially at meal time with all the woman coming out at once to go down the hill.

Gym is closed, is now at Recreation, and there aren't all the fitness machines in there yet. The free weights are GONE. BOP policy stated that we had use of free weights until they had been used as a weapon. Last month two girls used them on each other as weapons, the free weights were removed from the compound.

For all girls going in for short term: if you have a good driving record and low custody level apply for the inmate driver program. They only give it to short timers. You will drive the inmates to the hospital and to the bus stations when the are released. If you have 4-7 months or less, do that. The inmate driver they have right now, there is only one, and she is leaving in December.

If I think of anything else, I will post again.
Gina

Thanks so much for the info Gina. In visiting there it seems like the new warden is cracking down a lot more. I hear it is really cramped and that things are getting more strict. Would love to know anything else you learn about the changes, and very happy to hear of your release. Good luck to you in your freedom.

Thanks.
I did bring home the commisary sheet, if anyone interested in the prices, I will scan it. BUT a lot of the prices have gone up a tad.

My best friend is currently in Alderson FPC and is considering a request to move to Pekin as this would be closer to home. Can anyone give me some specific info on Pekin so that I can send it to her to help with her decision?

Chrisa,

You say there are many things to get used to. Can you tell me what those are? Thank you.

M. Kate

I'm glad I could answer some of your questions. Yes, you get 5 bras. You can take any class that they have available. There are many ladies in federal prison with degrees. As far as jobs go there are many. There is the kitchen, landscape, education, facilities. If you have a college degree you should go to education about a job as a GED tutor. They can always use good tutors and it is so rewarding!!
Please try not to worry. It is unnerving when you first arrive. There are many things to get used to. But you will be ok! Please feel free to ask anything you like!

Chrisa

I am new to the board and trying to prepare myself to face a federal sentence of up to 24 months. I live in Oklahoma City and am wondering if anybody knows what facilities I would possibly go to.

Also, do inmates have access to computers?

Thanks so much.

My biggest fear is the loneliness. Also, are you free to sleep in on weekends? Dumb question, I know. What was the hardest part for you? I'm 51 y.o. facing 24 months in federal prison for a white collar crime. Do you have access to a computer and how often can you exercise? Thank you so much.

No computer access. Yes, you can sleep in on the weekends. You can sleep all day as long as you aren't working. On the weekends, the only time you have to get up is for 10 am.m stand up count and 4 p.m. stand up count. You can exercise as often as you like. You will get lonely for your family, but you will also find friends as well.

PM me if you have any other questions.

I'm not sure how to respond to a particular post. Also, what does PM mean and how do I do it?

PM is private message. I just sent you one so you will see what they are. Let me know if you having trouble.

I just recieved my sentence on yesterday 41months I have a double degree in Computer Information Systems/Marketing any suggestions on the types of job I should look for also do they offer any law classes? I live in the Michigan area, not quite sure where I will be going yet, I have a question about the types of legal documents you are allowed to recieve while in prision and what types of legal documents you are allowed to mail out. I will be filing for BK prior to my departure and obviously I will not be able to attend any hearings but will I be able to recieve and send those types of documents to and from prision, will my husband be able to send them if necessary?

There are woman from Michigan in Alderson, as well as Fl, TX, and Iowa. Many more I am sure.
Your legal mail that comes IN will not come with regular mail. You will be on the Call OUT. (Daily appointments for inmates, that they make daily for the following day with any place you must be at a certain time)You will be called to the secretary's office at like 8am on the call out. They open it in front of you. then give it to you.
The only thing NOT allowed in the prison is your PSI. You can view it at your counselors office, or the records office during their open house hours which are posted on the doors of those areas.
There are not law classes, but there is a law library you can spend your entire day in if need be. copies are .15 a copy... load your debit card up for copies......!
As for jobs, you may be able to get into Education as an assistant to help learn computers, etc. That will be the only way you will ever use one anyway. unless you took the classes.
You have to buy your cartridge for typewriter usage. The cartridge is like 8.00 and the correct ribbon like 2-3.00. When you use the typewriters at the library you sign in, and if you do not have a ribbon, you receive 3or 4 uses of theirs per STAY at Alderson. They allow you 30 min. on the typewritier at one time, unless there isn't a line. They used to have them in the ranges too, but they took them out while I was there.
If they want you at the hearings for BK, you will go. They will take you on a writ, and house you at the county jail where your hearing is. Many woman do it.
I am sorry that you have so long inside, but remember one thing... there are many girls with much longer. You will make many friends.
Take care and good luck.

I am thankful for my situation it could have been much worse, I was prepared for this a long time ago, "Destiny Delayed is not Destiny Denied there are just Detours in the Journey" I believe for me at least there is a much bigger picture and this is part of God's perfect plan so with humbleness I accept his assignement for me. If you think narrow minded and small you get narrow minded and small if you thing big and open minded you get big and open minded I am not a pity party person and do not wish to dwell in the past. I already have my business plan ready for when I come home to start my business back up again. I have a small business doing Judgment Enforcement and I love it.

How are the church services, do they have a choir, bible study?

My Aunt is doing 5 years in Carsons camp. She got caought 2 times with a pack of smokes within a couple months. So she has been in the shu for 70 days. Is that alot of time in the shu for just that or is it average. And what exactly is the "shu"? Any clues then please answer back. Thanks:confused:

70 days for smokes is a real long time and SHU stands for "Special Housing Unit" Not a nice place to be. Somewhat like solitary confinement.

I am due to surrender at Bryan, TX on October 19th. What can I expect? How long will it take for funds to post to my commissary account? Can I smoke? I am so scared and sad for my boys, 6 and 13. Any information would be greatly appreciated...

"Houston Detention Center " please we need infomation
anybody know about this place? please!!!

i have to surrender to either danbury ct, or coleburn, fl. i dont think i have a choice, but whice is bettre? also, i got a year and a day how much time will i actually serve? thanks

Wow all of this is so imformative and I really appreciate getting to read all or you all's post. You are are so nice and helpful and have answered many of the questions that are running threw my mind. I appreciate all that you all are doing and keep up the great work.

Hi, I think I will be going in to do my time in the spring of 2006. I was wondering, I have braces on my teeth and will have them for another 10 months supposedly. Will they make me take off my braces in prison or before I go? Will they be considered contraband? Thanks and I appreciate your support.

Does anyone have a recent commissary list from Alderson? If so, please pm it to me as I am headed there are 1/9/06.

Thanks to all who have posted here. Because of all the information, I am only nervous for my family and not scared to death for myself.

I just found these boards while researching the federal prison system. I really believe that everyone is doing a great service to those of us not sure of what is going to happen next. I have been sentenced to five months federal prison and five months home confinement. Every one keeps assuring me that I will most likely me assigned to the Carswell camp due to my location, but I read somewhere on these boards that short terms may be assigned to a federal detention center... What is that? I have to self surrender on 1/9/06, and I just don't know how to hold myself together until then.

Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Scared/Unsure Welcome to PTO

I'm so new to this and scared to death. I have never been caught as much as speeding much less going to prison. I have to serve 4 months in prison and 4 months house arrest and 5 years probation. I still don't know where I have to go and hope I find out soon. Thanks so much I just found this site and it has answered lots of my questions. I guess the most scary thing is the unknown and leaving my family. I do have one question. How soon to your self reporting date do you find out where they are sending you? Thanks again!!!!
MeLisa

Going to Greenville camp on Jan 13th, I have no clue about this place. I was told I was going to Alderson and did all the research for there. Now I'm back at step one. Does anyone know anyone there or can help me in any way?

I have just been indicted on a federal charge. I am possible facing prison time in Springfield Missouri. Does anyone know any information regarding this facility? I am scared and looking for answers. I still have the hopes of home confindment but since I have a good chance of confindment I would like to know what to expect. I am beaten down worse than I have even been in my life. I just lost my 14 year old daughter 3 months ago due to a most unfortunate accident and my father back in March. 2005 for me is a year I would wish on no one. I hope I never experience one like it again. I am frightened for my 9 year old, who also just lost his sister and now has to deal with the possiblity of Mom being gone. I hope he can withstand the losses in his life. I am worried my ex-husband will not allow him to come and visit me even though I know my husband would bring him. We have joint custody but I have no clue how it will work. Maybe that is not even a good idea though because I wouldn't want to expose my son to any further tramatic experiences. I am asking for help and know after reading some of the post that many of you have good insight. I would appreciate any information you can give me.

There is no facility for women in Springfield. The closest to you I believe would be FPC Greenville, IL.

PLEASE TELL ME ALL ABOUT DUBLIN LOW SECURITY,i NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING i CAN BEFORE i GO FEB8TH

Hi everyone, I'm really glad I found this forum as you have answered many of the questions that Google couldn't help me with.

I'm 26 years old and will be serving a federal sentence of 5 months starting February 15th. I don't have my assignment yet, but there's a good chance I'll be going to Dublin FPC since that's very near to my family and I'm a first time (and only time!) offender on a non-violent crime.

I'm so nervous. I've already informed my boss about what happened and, although I will have to quit my position officially, she's hoping that she'll be able to hire me back after I get out. That knowledge is one of the things that's keeping me going right now. Also knowing that my parents won't disown me and will support and love me regardless has been a huge huge relief. I really want to get it done with so I can try to rebuild and move on with my life.

Thank you guys for providing so much information in this thread. I got up to page 12 or so before I posted, but I'm probably going to go back and read through the rest to see what else there is I should know. I haven't seen anyone mention the Dublin facility yet, but I can't imagine that it's that much different than what I've read about other FPCs.

Hey, I just read theposting you made about what we can expect when going in.....
I am awaiting sentencing in Feb.. And I am looking at probably 12 months... Hopefully I can go to (close to home) Pekin, IL (Fed.-time)... Can you tell me a little about how that one is, or what I can expect?
Also, of that 12 mths fed time, how much will I have to do and is there a such thing as 'good behavior time' for early releases on fed-time?
I have a 3 yr. old son and my parents are deceased, so I don't really have anyone that can keep him while I'm gone.... Is there a way that I can plead to the judge or submit any other type of request for a sentence reduction or even home confinement, with time to go to work?
Thanks,
Marie

Hi
I am new and expecting to receive 12 mth federal time...
But I didn't know there was a fed. prison camp and a detention center... what's the difference?
Please help,
Confused....:confused:

New Here as of yesterday. I am to surrender to a camp in Florida the Judaye mention Miami n the 7th of April. From reading these dites I know that is a big maybe but if......I am a 64 year old women no previous record first time in any trouble and must o 5 months at camp and 5 month ankle bracelet. Has anyone been to Miamia womens camp. If so what is it like. Thank's so much for any info.

Does any one know if Miami still has a prison camp? If so has anyone been there? I am to s/s on April 7th. I would like to hear a bit about the camp from someone who has been or knows someone who has been there. Thanks.

what you wrote was very helpful.i was sentenced today,and will be going to Bryan,Texas.this is going to be a whole new world to me and i do admit im getting scared.can you tell me what its like,what to expect?how is the prison in general?i would greatly appreciate it if you would talk to me about this.hope to hear from you.

D14MF,

Today has been a tough day. I served 14 months in Bryan and there are others here that have served or currently have a loved one there. Do bear in mind that the BOP can send you anywhere and you will not know for certain until you receive your letter.

Spend some time reading through the posts to learn what to expect upon arrival and acclimation. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions and offer some guidance on making the best of your stay.

fyi the cottages at alderson have been closed there are two buildings "on the hill" that are made up of the cubicles you wrote of as well as the "bus stop" which is closer quarters near the co.s desk and the "fish bowel" which is a glass enclosed room that is also near the co.s desk if i remember correctly the "fish bowel" is mostly where "trouble makers" bed down ( at least temp.)
my wife is in alderson serving way too much time( damn i miss her )
jim

Well, I just received my leter today. I am gling to Coleman FCC,SCP. I don't know why this has hit me so hard. I knew I was going in on the 7th of April somewhere. What is a SCP. I am shaking like a leaf and can't even find the site were Colemen is at. Near Tampa I think. Has anyone else had the LETTER jit them like this1 Whinning like a baby my friends.

It's near to Ocala. I assume that SCP means satellite camp. It's my hope that when I get assigned that that's where they'll place me. From what I've read, it's one of the better ones and they do some innovative programs there. Good luck

Thanks, Francesca48 please post when you doget you letter. Have you been sentenced yet?

I just officially pled guilty on Friday so, according to the prosecutor, it will be at least 90 days before I'm sentenced. I will be sentenced at the same time as a co-defendent. She hasn't decided whether or not to go to trial.

This is also the first and only time in trouble for me. I'm looking at a level 15 and my attorney told me to expect at least 18 months at a camp. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

I don't know how I can possibly break this to my 87 year old father. I'm waiting until I know specifics as I don't want him to worry and stress until I know exactly what will happen.

Good luck to you and feel free to PM me anytime.

Yep, that's what I did.Prepared for the worst and really didn't get that, but the best for me would have been to have had a portion of home confinement. Not having a criminal background, like you not even a traffic ticket helped me. I was hoping for home incarceration but I got the 5 and 5 the prosecutor was not going to budge. At this point I just want to get it over with. I am shaking in my boots, I do not want to share this with my daughter and grandchildren on the west coast. I leave in April for Coleman and have drug my feet and know that is my next step to tell them. Uug...I will PM you my name and maybe we will run into each other at Coleman. I will be the one in corner with biggggggggg glasses (don't want to invest for 5 monts in a new snappy looking pair) and grey roots hopefully not rocking and in the fetal position. LOL

I don't know how I can possibly break this to my 87 year old father. I'm waiting until I know specifics as I don't want him to worry and stress until I know exactly what will happen.


Francesca, I know how you feel, I had to tell my parents. But you know what, I was so glad I did. Yes they were angry with me and yes I disappointed them.

But, I am their daughter and they were there for me every step of the way! I could not have gone through it all without their unconditional love and support. My parents, my life partner, my sisters, and my children they are my strength, from their strength and love I was able to rebuild my courage and strength to make it through the bad times.

When you choose to tell your Father, just tell him. He will be angry and disappointed, but you know he will be your strength, don't deny yourself his support, tell him sooner than later.

My Father was in his 80s as well when we went through the mess I created, he will be 92 this coming October. I saw him this last Christmas, and the last thing he said to me before we left for home was, "I love you and I am proud of you!" You do not know how much that meant to me.

Good Luck, and God Bless! Keep you head high and strong no matter what!

Patti

Martha2, you CAN get your hair colored at the camp. They sell the color in the commissary and in the cosmotology dept., they apply it free.

Regarding family, telling my Dad was so difficult but he was supportive, wrote me letters every day and I was able to get a 12 hour furlough to visit with him at a local motel.

He passed away three weeks before my release but in one of his letters he told me he was proud of me and knew that I always tried to do the right thing. I treasure that letter as well as all the ones he & I wrote.

My incarceration brought us much closer together because we no longer took the fact that we could visit any time we wish for granted.

Thanks so much Susan T. and Frisco Lady, the infromation regarding your family brought trears to my eyes. Yes, I am going to share this with my daughter and let her decide how she wants to tell the boys. I am jumpimg and doing the doing the "no grey roots" dance and its free. I love this site it is my life line for now. Hopefully when I come home in September I can be of some help to other regarding my time in Coleman Camp. God Bless you all. I always told my children, "if I can't be a good example let me be a terrible reminder!'

What can I take with me to FPC dublin for women? What is that camp like. I will leave in a few days but plan to keep a jounal for everyone so I can keep us all up to date,Thanks Renee

Bella, you can take cash or a money order, one wedding band with no stones, on religious medallion such as a cross, on a chain (value not to exceed $150), prescription glasses, and a Bible. Everything else including all the clothes your wearing and your shoes will be mailed back to your home.

I am reporting to Danbury CT Camp early February and can't find out what I can bring with me. I know every facility differs a little bit...Can anyone help me out here? Scared to death! Anyone been there recently??

jag, you can phone the facility and ask for specifics. This is BOP policy so it will be the same at all facilities.

You can spend $290 per month.

Is there a max on how much you can have in your account at one time? I plan on devoting part of my tax return to my account & want to know how much is allowed in it at one time.

There is a limit on what you are allowed to spend during a month but the amount in your account doesn't matter. If you have someone you trust at home, you should consider giving them a power of attorney. They will then be able to file your taxes while you're away as well as maintain your bank accounts etc.

This can, in effect, keep the IRS as well as the credit bureaus unaware of your temporary status.

hey there,
saw your post and was glad to read it. my girlfriend was just sentenced to 21 months and we are kind of scared. i would love to ask you a few questions. thanks in advance.
jeffrey
jeffreygranich@mac.com

Hi,
I'm new to PTO. I was recently sentenced on Jan. 27, 2006 to 28 months. I am waiting for my designation letter, but believe I will be going to FPC Bryan in TX. I know it's not a guarantee, but that is what the judge requested and it is the location closest to where I live. I am looking for anyone who might be able to give me some general info. Anything is appreciated, I will keep you posted on when I get my designation letter with my surrender date.

I want to add to Mimikity post on what we can purchace on commissary are the products decent as for lotions , soaps and shampoo and can you also purchase work-out clothes like sweats and gym shoes
Are there also internet access
And do i understand this that our family can't send us care packages

Jeffery,

You can get sweats and just about all the items are what you would find at a Walmart. For instance, you can get Biolage shampoo but the cosmetics are going to be Cover Girl & Maybelline. You will never have any internet access.

When I was confined, family could send you paperback books, magazines, newspaper clippings, and cards. One of my friends was an artist and for cards sent me small watercolors with handwritten greetings so I did have some original art.

crista, i just read your post-thank you so much for that in-depth perspective I feel more at ease-glad to know the other immates are women similar to me who just made some really bad choices and that these camps are safe. I'm leaving behind this really great guy and would feel so much better if i knew if i would have to serve all the 21 months sentence my lawyer says that i would serve 85percent of the 21 months and then there is a month or so off for good time and possibly 6months leave for a halfway house-should i not get my hopes up on these time off.

My lawyer requested that I be sent to Greenville women camp, anyone been there.

Hi chrisa,
Just wanted to say that this stuff is soooo good and does relieve a lot stress that I have as well. I was wondering, a lot of people (whom never been to fed. prison) have been telling me that fed time is real easy to do, is this true? And also anything or anyone that you know who can tell me a little more about the Pekin Womens Camp? What kind of programs (educational) do they have for 15 mth sentences?
Thanks
Ms Lady

I just received my phone call from the Marshall's office about 2 hours ago. I have been assigned to FPC Bryan and have to report in 2 weeks exactly. Friday, 3-10 by 2pm. I guess I'm just in a sense of shock. I thought I had really prepared myself for all of this, but now I feel completely scared. Not sure what to do.

Hi I was recently sentenced on 2/17 to 18 mos in a womens camp. My lawyer requested I be located close to my O'Fallon, IL home. The closest is Greenville, IL. I have heard a lot about the Pekin, IL facility for women, but does anyone know anything about the conditions at Greenville?

I have been sentenced to 18 mos. DO I serve all 18 mos in the camp? I have heard you spend half the time at a halfway house, Is this true?

You will not serve the entire 18 months at the camp. TxRhino will can give you more precise dates. You will receive approximately 47 days off your sentence per year served as good time credit and with an 18 months sentence, a matter of several weeks at the halfway house. FYI, for someone serving at a camp, the halfway house is usually more difficult than camp life.

My lawyer requested that I be sent to Greenville women camp, anyone been there.I am trying to ge to Greenville also, but I dont know anything about it. I am a first timer.

Ms. Lady, I don't know much about Pekin. I did serve time with others who were there, and I don't recall hearing anything too terrible about it. While prison is not a place you want to be, most camps for women are bearable.

I need to know about Greenville, Il camp.

Good Intro to Prison 101...but don't forget the 10 Commandments of Doin' Time...ie: Mind your own business. Never repeat out of your mouth ANYTHING you hear come out of someone elses. The C.O.'s are NOT your friends, no matter how nice they might be. If you have a problem, deal with it yourself - or live with it...Never seek assistance from staff...Stay UNDER the radar and it's possible to skate through your time without drawing too much attention. Just kick back and take the ride...it's all about Acceptance and Surrender.

You must serve one year and one day to qualify for good time credit. There are several members who are headed to Pekin. You will hear from them.

Welcome to PTO.

SusanT

Hi I Was Just Sentenced To 12 Months And A Day. I Surrender 6/26/06 And I Was Wondering Can Anyone Tell Me How Much Time Will I Actually Spend There(i Was Sentenced To Go To Carswell,ok) Do You Go To Halfway House The Last 6 Months. I Also Have A Husband At Another Prison Camp Will I Be Able To Write Him. Can I Get Any Info On Carswell From Someone That Has Been There Recently.

On a sentence like that you would not go to halfway house for 6 months. You would go for approximately one month.

As for the exact time calculations, TxRhino can help you with that.

Thanks for the information. Do you know if me and my husband will be able to write each other he is at el reno, ok federal prison camp.

You must have permission from the warden at both institutions to exchange mail.

I just left Carsell Camp in February. My sentence was 12 mos 1 day. Let me know if you have any questions. As soon as you get there get with your counselor or case manager to get your husband approved.

Kaci

My Lawyer Is Trying To File A Motion With The Judge To Put In My File That I Go To Halfway House My Last Six Months Because My Job Is Allowing Me To Come Back There. Do You Think This Is A Possibilty? How Is The Camp There? Are The People Nice? Ive Never Been Through Anything Like This. Im Really Scared.

I hope that your attorney can get you this, but prepare yourself for the reality that it won't. I don't know what half-way house you will go to,but its not all what it is cracked up to be. I had a job before going into prison, the half-way house would not let me go back there. You will soon learn that there is a difference from the BOP and the justice system. The half-way house and the BOP are ran together so the rules are sometimes really stupid. I met some great woman at Carswell. Some which will still be there when you get there. Let me know what your interest are and I can direct you to some great women to meet. Good Luck!

Kaci

i love to read, thats about all but i would love to learn to do other things to help pass my time while im there. i hope to meet some nice people.

All of this information has helped eliviate some of my fears about the possiblity of going to prison which I do not know yet, what is the lenght of the cosmo courses and is there along wait to get into them, also do you have to have a certain amount of time you are sentenced to before you can get this I am only looking at a max of 12 months.

Annie, I believe the Cosmotology course is one full year and it starts only once per year. With a maximum 12 month sentence you would need to choose something with a shorter length such as one of the office courses like medical transcription or horticulture.

i was just told by my husband that they will not let me go and see him anymore at the federal camp he is at. can they do that? i am self surrendering in june. does that play apart in why i cant see him. they approved me to go one week then when my husband requested for me to come again they denied it.

Yes they can do that. It is my understanding that once you have a register number you are a convicted felon and cannot visit a Federal Prison.

I Dont Understand Why They Went Through The Process To Approve It And Get A Letter From My Probation Officer And Tell Us Im Approved Then Decide Later To Unapprove It, They Knew My Situation From The Beginning.

I haven't been on here in awhile, and decided it was time to get back on and see what people had to say and there questions. I did my time at Pekin FPC from 1996 to 1998. After reading most of what was on here, I thought I would share a little advise to anyone who is heading to Camp in the near future. I do know that some things have changed over the past 7 years, but how you do your time is still the same. Someone stated that it was best to keep your mouth shut and remember the CO's are not your friend and that is so true.

I do know that if you go in with the right attitude, your time will be a lot easier on you. No one deserves the sentence that they receive, but that is what we were given, and sometimes it isn't worth fighting the system over it. MOst of us are scared when we report that first day, but my advice to everyone is: a) it is okay to be scared, cause so was most of the other ladies in there b) make some friends...the friends that I made there are still the best friends I have ever had. (Unless someone has done time, they don't understand what you are going through, plus the friends you make here will never judge you.) c) keep yourself busy....your time can go slow or fast. If you don't do anything but sit and dwell on how the courts gave you a bad deal (which they proable did) you time will be long and hard, but if you make those friends, take up a hobby, and stay busy if will go faster then you know. d) Remember when you come home that the ones waiting for you aren't going to understand what you have been through.

It is your choice how you do your time, easy or hard. I made my friends, stayed out of everyone elses business, took classes and learned a new hobby. It was the worse two years of my life, but I can handle anything now (including an ex-husband).

I wish all of you luck, and God will be watching over you.

Pam

Martha 2 sent me this information about Coleman.

RECREATION - WELLNESS PROGRAMS AND CLASSES

Recreation:
Piano Class (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)
Model Ship building
Arts & Crafts Leathercraft Class
Music Clubs: Piano, Boleto Guitar
Music Theory Class (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)
Percussion/Drums (Beg, Inter, Adv)
Spanish guitar Class (Beg, Inter, adv)
English guitar (Beg, Inter, adv)
Bolero Guitar (Beg, Inter, adv)
Crochet Class (Beg, Inter, adv)
Portrait Painting (Beg, Inter, adv)
Drawing (beg, inter, ad)
Painting/Master Art (beg, inter adv)
Sports Offficials classes: Football, softball, soccer, basketball
Quiet craft program: beadwork and leather lacing
Calligraphy (beg, inter, adv)
Recreation detail class
crochet Club
Knitting Class
Dungeons & Dragons club
Sports coaching class

Wellness:
run/walk club
step aerobics class
therapeutic education class
wellness (non-ambulatory) class
health promotion and disease prevention
Yoga (beg, inter, adv
abdominal class (beg, inter, adv)
step aerobics class (beg, inter, adv)
dance class (beg, inter, adv)
fullfigure class (beg, inter, adv)
jazzercise (beg, inter, adv
Modern dance (beg, inter, adv)
total body class (beg, inter, adv)
senior pilates/yoga
stetching & flexibility clcass
Yoga club
stationary bike
callisthenics class
fitness assessments
crosstraining class

Miscellaneous:
radio repair program
Photography (compound, recreation & visiting room)

UNIT BASED PROGRAMS AND CLASSES

Alcoholics anonymous
credit report
youth encouraging supporters
Stop the Revolving Door
Alternatives to Violence
Y.E.S.
As a Woman thinketh
Employment skills & resume writing
Fathers behind bars
Job Interviews
Life Skills
Victim impact
Camp Hope
Chavol C
Money Smart

EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND CLASSES
General Equivalency Diploma
Real Estate
Buisness Concepts
Beginning Spanish
CDL
Music Business
Creative Writing
Fatherhood
Drafting
Guide Dog - Vet Tech
Legal Research
Consumer Skills Employment
Rebuilding Consumer Credit
Computer Assister Drafting (AutoCad)
Business Education (computers)
HVAC (Heating and Air Conditioning)
English as a Second Language
Adult continuing Education
Interview
Advanced Spanish
International Business
typing
Parenting 1 - 4
Culinary Arts
Advanced drafting
Microsoft
Legal Rights
Mock Job Fair
Personal finance

PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS AND CLASSES
40 hour drug abuse education (Spanish)
12-Step Living group
skills education
40 hour drug abuse education (English)
Criminal thinking elimination
Addication, Recovery and Treatment (A.R.T. Group)
Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds
The Money Group
Relapse Prevention Group
Skills Treatment
Anger Management
Smoking Cessation Group

Jeri also sent the commissary list but it was so similar to others posted, I'm not going to retype.

WOW, what a list. I realize it is still prison, but I am impressed. It's no wonder, every 3 or 4 months when the Early Release Rumors surface that some of the girls at my wife's camp cry and tell others they have no place to go. Seems for some life inside has a lot to offer, but then it is still prison.

Keep the Faith

Michael :thumbsup:

Does anyone have information on Alderson, such as the commissary list or activity list as mentioned above aboout Coleman?

Please let me know because I will be surrendering to Alderson on August 2, 2006, and would like as much information as possible.

Greetings,
I am a self surrender at Alderson on August 2, 2006
We will be arriving around the same time, and I too would like to know items on the commisary list, and also what kind of exercise
classes are offered. Is there Yoga or aerobics? I read somewhere
they took way the salad bar at Alderson due to Federal cutbacks.
Any one know if this is correct information....Thanks, pomega

I self report on July 6th. I've already talked to a woman in R&D - - she was really nice!! She told me what I could bring and explained things to me.
Alderson has a new phone number - - 304-445-3300. I'm trying to be able to complete some of my master's program while there, but don't know if that's going to be possible.

There's a nice lady on this board who just returned and I'm sure she'll be able to answer the questions about the salad bar (I hope there's one!!) and the Yoga classes.

I'll make sure that my husband uses my login and post as much information as I can give him (and he can remember!!!) I've not had much success in getting info from "official" people (except the nice lady at Alderson) so I'm going to try and help as many ladies by providing as much info as possible. I know that I don't like the "unknown" - - it drives me nuts!!!

The people on this board are WONDERFUL!!! I was leery of any "prison" message boards but this one has been a big help to me.

Enjoy your time at home (to the best of your ability). This experience has shown me just how precious time is.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help you out!!!

Hello. My name is Andrew. My wife was sentenced to 1 yr. & 1 day on Wednesday. Judge ordered Danbury FPC with a self-surrender date of 9/12/06. I came across the website last night and I've been reading as many of the postings as possible. I am truly grateful for the positive encouragement that the women have brought forward and I'm giong to try my best to help my wife through this most difficult period. This being said, there are 2 questions that I have that I've not found an answer for after reading 100's of postings.

1. What are the rules of contact between inmate and visitors? Are we allowed to hold hands? Kiss? More? I don't believe that conjugal visits are allowed in federal prisons, but I read on one website that holding hands wasn't allowed at Danbury,l but I believe that is the prison, not the camp. Please advise if you know anything.

2. Before she was sentenced, we were trying to have a baby. She isn't regular with her cycle, but she's late. IF she were pregnant, how would this affect her stay at the camp.

3. With phone calls, only she could call out? I couldn't call her? What if there were an emergency with one of our kids? Her parents?

4. Could I bring in videos of our family events, such as Christmas or graduation? Etc.

Any information that you could shed on either or all of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Daddyof4,
1.) You will be able to embrace at the beginning and end of each visit and hold hands. Just remember this is a family atmosphere and act appropriately.

2.) Should she be pregnant, she would be eligible for the MINT (Mothers and Infants Together) program. Under this program, the infant stays with the mother for several months in order to bond and then is turned over to family while serving the remainder of the sentence in the general population.

3.) She will be allowed 300 outgoing phone minutes per month. You cannot phone her but should there be an emergency phone the prison and ask to speak with the chaplain.

4.) You cannot bring anything into the visits except change for the vending machines. She cannot receive videos, but you may send non-polaroid photos.

Search the Federal forum and you will find answers to many of your questions.

SusanT,

Thank you for the reply. My wife and I are reading your post now. I have another questions and I truly apologize for asking - will I be notified if she goes into labor? I understand that I will most likely not be able to be in the delivery room for birth, but will I be able to see my child soon thereafter? Will my older children be allowed to see their brother/sister?

I read an article that the mother goes to a halfway house 1 month before expected birth. Is this true? Who determines what halfway house she would go to if this is true? Can you try to push for 1 closer to home in light of the situation? Thanks again for your time and all your help.

Andrew

Andrew, I don't know the answer to many of those questions but I will do the research and let you know as soon as possible. If she were at a halfway house you probably could be there but I suspect they have a separate facility exclusively for inmates and the infants. I'm certain they have visitation and that would include your other children. Most of the camps have a playroom area as well as outside playground equipment in the visitation area.

Hi Charisa,

I have been assigned to FPC Lexington,Ky, so I have some questions that are specific to that camp. How long were you there and how long ago did you leave there?

1. Does everyone get up and go to bed at the same time each day?
2. What is the food like? Does everyone eat at the same time?
3. Is there food available in the commisary, and if so, can you take it to your room?
4. How many people are in each room?
5. Are there private showers?
6. I have been sentenced to 27 months, how and when do you find out how long you actually have to stay there?

I'm sure I will have more questions. This website is wonderful. Thank you for your information.

Kybound

Hi, my mom was recently sentenced to 24 months incarceration. During sentencing the judge recommended the least restrictive facility in Arizona and based on my research I believe that is FCI Phoenix. She was told to self surrender by 12:00 noon on August 7. Can anyone tell me what pitfalls we may encounter with respect to her actual designation? And if everything does go well and she is designated to FCI Phoenix, does anyone have any specific information about this facility? My mother is almost 69 and has never been in trouble in her life until now. She is a gardener and a weaver who loves to read and just recently obtained her GED. She is interested in computers and wants to be able to use the internet. Thank you for your input....

Kim

Hi, my mom has been at Alderson FPC since march 31st of this year, and she's been hearing a lot of rumors floating about concerning people going home, and funding being cut off, and all this other stuff and it's coming back to our family very jumbled and very confusing because she had us watching the news for an entire day straight because she was told there would be "breaking news" about the federal prisons and nothing ever came on.

If anyone knows any information on ANYTHING relating to Alderson FPC and what's happening there now, please let me know...thank you.

I have been sentenced to 18 months and I have various medical issues. I live in GA and they say that Carswell is the closest FMC. Do they give you your medication? What abut CPAPS and Breathing treatments? What about mental health?

Can anyone tell me anything about Coleman's Women's facility?

Every time I read this thread, it really gets to me!! I laugh, and cry,but the best part is there are people just like me who were scared, but came out with such positive comments. This thread really saved me!!!

Big thank you to all who contributed!!!!

Nitersweet, Hi, As far as prison camps go Coleman is just about as good as it gets. It is clean and has good food. Just like anywhere else you have some wondeful people you will meet and some you will want to avoid. Just take your time and get to know people and you will be fine. Some inmates make up welcome baskets with some things you will need and give them to new inmates. If you are sent to Coleman and I were you I would be happy to hear that news. Keep your chin up and you will get thru this fine.
KC

ditto

Is there a difference in the FPC and the FCC at Coleman?

The FCC is Federal Corrections Complex and at Coleman it consists of 2 mens prisons and medium and low mens fci and a womens camp. There is one main entrance onto the grounds but the different units are all seperate other then the fact that the camp is part of the fci medium however it is completely seperate if that makes any sense. If you look up on the bop locator for someone at the womens camp it shows them being at fci medium. Long story short the FPC is part of the FCC.
KC

Thanks Greyeagle that did make it more clear for me. For mail everyone should send it to the Satelite address - right? :confused: I am really nervous about this. :eek: I have never lived outside of GA and never been away from my family. This seems to have gone on forever (over three years) and I am really glad to be getting this over. I am really tired.:o This website has been great and when I return I want to be an active part and help people like you have helped me.

Anita

One of our members Martha2 is at Coleman and reports that she is doing OK. She had lots of fears also before going in and was so relieved after she got there.

Hi all,

I have been reading threads and all your information for over a year now. I was indicted in 2004 and my sentencing is coming up the end of 2006. I am a mother of 2 boys and married 19 years. Of course, my attorneys have already discussed requesting Coleman Women's Camp, but I understand the BOP has all the control over where you are designated.

My questions are these: Is there any visitation during the week?

How can I begin communicating with someone at Coleman before I surrender? Does anyone know anyone who is there for quite sometime that I can look up on the BOP and begin writing to. I, like most others am frightented. Everytime I have to deal with the Government my body goes into a non-eating mode. In general I recover, but I am scared. I saw a post by Kapara. Does anyone know if she is still there? Or anyone else for that matter?

Does anyone know about requesting Kosher Meals? Are there visits from a Rabbi or Priest?

Right now, just knowing I have a sentence date is causing nightmares and I worry so much. I have been very open and hoenst with my 16 year old, but my 8 year does not know a thing yet. They are just starting back to schol and I want them to get off to good start. My husband is a very hands on father. He is not afraid to cook and clean. He is from Israel. I am Italian Catholic, so I have strong ties to both faiths and both traditions. My fear is that he will crash? He just refuses to believe that I am going to be sentenced to prison time? he is my biggest supporter and fan in life.

I have no family left in Florida, so there is really no one to assist them. We do howver, have a few sets of good friends (that are like family and have been extremely supportive).

I speak fluent Hebrew? Does anyone know of any Israeli women In Coleman? This may be a bonding point for me..Not Sure.

Prosecutor has promised a 5k1, but has yet to file it. I am extremely nervous how my husband will react at sentencing. He is a big believer in miracles. There are many co-defendants in my case (non of which I ratted on, so-to-speak). In fact, I have forgiven those that included me in their Proffers. I am guessing that chances are that maybe one or two of us may go to the same camp? Is this possible?

I am worried about the kids coming to visit me? Will an 8/9 yr old have any reason to be frightened?

What is your take on character reference letters and at what point should they be sent to the judge? My attorney has told me he has rec'd over 100 letters. I also volunteer with severelly ill chldren for the past years. The owner's of the camp want to come to the sentencing and speak on behalf...thoughts on who you shoudl have speak?

Should I write a leter to the judge myself? I have a very good attorney, but feel I must be very active qt this stage.

Oh yes, what about forfeiture in Florida? In my plea I agreed to give up my home, but my husband was not involved and he is the hosue too? Can hey force him to give up his interest?

I have read almost all of the threads under Women's Camps. Any specific suggestions for Coleman? Also, what would be one's second choice for camps in Florida?


This site is wonderful! I find myself on it day and night.

Thank you all.

JJ

joejoe, if you're going to any camp, don't sweat it. i just came from visiting my man at Schuylkill, and these men just want to do their time and come home. i'm sure the women are the same.

frankly, i'm glad we (me and Matt) weren't married when he got into trouble, so i'd have to recommend that the forfeiture question has to be addressed to your attorney, who is surely over-paid.

you're an italian catholic who speaks fluent Hebrew? you're my idol, and i'm not kidding. you're going to be fine. don't be so scared. yes, it's the unknown, but it's like when you leave eighth grade for HIGH SCHOOL and there's NEW RULES. you just have to abide by them, keep a low profile, do your time and come home speaking fluent Hebrew and making sauce.

you can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

Joyce,

Thanks for the reply. I feel a lot of comfort from the PTO. I feel like I can do it. I was just hoping to make contact with someone prior to actually going in. On "good days" I know I can do it. On "bad day," I continue to struggle. Of course, leaving my family behind is the hardest part.

Thank you for your kind words...You actually brought a smile to my face.
Thanks,

JoeJoe

Hi, I am new to PTO and I need some help. I was sentenced recently to 18 months in Federal Prison camp. I live in the Philadelphia area. I was wondering if anyone would know where my designation would most likely be.

I doubt they would send me as far as Texas, but I am not sure.

Are you a man or a woman?

FPC Danbury is in your region. You are correct that they could send you anywhere but most likely you'll be close to home.

I am a 37 year old woman. You are right the waiting is the hardest part, but I have to say, since my sentencing, I actually feel RELIEVED.

At least I know how long I will be away.

I am sure glad I found this site, wish I had a year ago when I was a total basket case.

What was your sentencing date? It's important to keep in touch with the Marshalls. Not everyone is receiving a letter.

I have to turn myself in to a womens federal facility on Sept 20, 2006 by 12 noon for a sentence of 15 months. I am not scared but the things that you said were really helpful. I live in Alabama and I am not sure where I am gonna go but I surely would like to go ahead and get it over with. I would like to know....1) do you have internet access in any of the facilities whereas you can maybe file your income taxes? 2)Is there a way where you can purchase money orders from within the prison to perhaps pay your bills that are at home or maybe send your kids alittle of what you make working? I have a few more questions but I will wait until you have a chance to respond. Thanks in advance for all of your helpful information
Targread..Alabama

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

You will not have any Internet access while you are incarcerated. Yes, you can arrange payments to the outside but you are going to be earning about 12-17 cents per hour and will need money coming IN, not OUT.

It is best to appoint someone on the outside to handle your finances. You can give someone power of attorney and they can file your taxes as well. You could also have someone send the IRS information to you so you can complete it.

Several times each year, the Chapel's give out free cards you can send to family & friends, also some commissaries sell them.

hi ups. i'm no expert, but you might end up in Danbury CT. 18 months when you're a mother seems like forever. We're here for you.

Please make sure to come back and post after you've come home. I love stories about people coming home.

HI,

I was jsut wondering, do other inmates ask you what you are doing time for?

Do they discuss their cases? Or is this a No-no?

If so, how far in depth to you go?

Thanks!

Hi, I found this site a few days ago and this thread has helped me so much. I am only on page 11 of the replies, so I will wait till I have read them all before I ask any questions. :-) I was sentenced to 7.5 months for wire fraud and have to self surrender on Jan. 8, 2007. I dont know where I am going yet, but my lawyer asked for Bryan, TX. (I am in Little Rock, AR). I have never been in trouble, never been to jail, so this is all so new and soooo scary for me. I also am a single mom to 2 boys, 10 and 5, who will live with my mom while I am gone. I have never been away from them. Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. Like I said, I will finish reading this entire thread before I ask things that I am sure have been answered. :-)

Margie

Hi Margie. Welcome to PTO. Sounds like you're getting your affairs in order, making sure your boys are taken care of. Good for you. Spend the fall, and especially the holidays, really appreciating all the gifts you have. And not to "poo-poo" your 7 1/2 month sentence, but you'll be home next summer. You're going to be just fine.

JoeJoe, at the camp where Matt is at, people don't talk too much about their cases. He as a couple of guys who he's grown close to over the past year, but all in all, no one talks about what they did or why they're there, or how long they're going to be there.

Hi to all
This week I will be signing a Plea Agreement with the Federal Governement that is asking sentencing between 63 to 78 months but recommending to go with the lower. I am so scared, no choice but to sign, who wins against them? I am so blessed to have found this site and have been doing a lot of reading since I found it 2 days ago. I have found a lot of good information, but at the same time more questions have come to my restless mind.
I live in Miami, Florida this is my first offense my background is totally clean, my family does not even know what is going on. I guess they will find out if they go to them on the Pre sentencing report.

Can someone help me if they know if I would qualify for a camp if at the present time I have been declared disabled and receive benefits from Social Security due to the depression I have suffered for so many years that now with this has gotten worse. I take very strong medications for depression to name a few Welbutrin XL, Lexapro, Xanax and Flurazepan
Any Advise anyone can give me might bring me some peace of mind. Please help!

Thanks Joyce. I got my designation for Bryan, TX today, so atleast I now know for sure where I am going. How soon can you buy stamps and paper and envelopes?

I've read many of these posts (which have been very insightful) and also purchased a book about the federal system in attempts to become familiar with what I'll be expecting once I "check in". According to my Attorney, it's likely I will be destine for FPC Dublin or Phoenix within the next month. I’m currently waiting on my designation. My sentence calls for 18 months with a possible 15 for good behavior. I have a couple questions;

1) Can someone share with me their experience in either of these places and;

2) How much do the current phone credits cost? Are you able to call a cell phone through purchased credits?

Thank you for any advice!

Joe

I've been told to expect to be sentenced anywhere between 4 hours and a year, he said I don't qualify for probation. Never even had a traffic ticket before but I guess the prosecuter won't budge. Anyway, they keep telling me I'm lucky I'll probably end up at Alderson. Lucky would be staying home but......
ok few questions please....
contacts allowed?
if taking prescriptions (ativan, lexepro, elavil, prevacid, ambien) will I still get them?
is it all no smoking?
if I have someone at another fed facility will I be able to write to him?
please bare with me I am an ameture here lol

Hi Chary and anyone else who needs to bring in medications to federal prisons...
Please make sure to have someone on the outside who can serve as an advocate for you just in case you have medication difficulties. Sometimes, there are problems, and you'll want to have a support person out in the "real world" to help you out and get you intervention, in case that becomes necessary. The support person should be someone whom you trust, who will only intervene with your permission and will do only what you feel comfortable with that person doing.
There may be no problems, but having a support person who can help just in case will be reassuring to you.
meowmachine

Hi to all
This week I will be signing a Plea Agreement with the Federal Governement that is asking sentencing between 63 to 78 months but recommending to go with the lower. I am so scared, no choice but to sign, who wins against them? I am so blessed to have found this site and have been doing a lot of reading since I found it 2 days ago. I have found a lot of good information, but at the same time more questions have come to my restless mind.
I live in Miami, Florida this is my first offense my background is totally clean, my family does not even know what is going on. I guess they will find out if they go to them on the Pre sentencing report.

Can someone help me if they know if I would qualify for a camp if at the present time I have been declared disabled and receive benefits from Social Security due to the depression I have suffered for so many years that now with this has gotten worse. I take very strong medications for depression to name a few Welbutrin XL, Lexapro, Xanax and Flurazepan
Any Advise anyone can give me might bring me some peace of mind. Please help!

thank you for your advice and help. alot of information to absorb. I just really hate not knowing and wish it were over.
Thanks again

Hello, my name is jodi and I am going to be sentenced on Thursday of this week. I am so scared. I have gotten the federal guidelines imbedded in my head as for the sentence I could receive. My first question is how much weight is put on the "presentence report?" The PO actually went a totally different way then the guidlines and recommendes probation and 6 months house arrest vs 18-24 months that the guidelines say. can anyone enlighten me on their experience with the presentence report? Also....I am a female....where do women get sent if incarcerated in Colorado. My brother who is the one I am accused of aiding and abbeding gets to go right here to Englewood...where do the women go?? And if not close...where is the closest place they would most likely send me? Also since my crime was not of any violent nature....what are the chances of self surrender????
my lawyer told me not to be too surprised if they took me right away. is that his way of just covering his rear??? Would they really wisk me away right then and there?? I mean I never get any encouragemnet or hopeful thoughts from him just the worst that could happen!! This whole ordeal is making me crazy and my family too.
i look forward to hopefully hearing from some of you and your experinces! thank you!

Hi Jodi,

My judge actualy went with less than the PO had suggested. I think that the PO's suggestion will help you though. I was allowed to self surrender. I think a lot of it depends on the judge and your area. I know it sounds crazy, but soon enough this will be behind you and you will learn how strong you are as a person.

Lisa

Jodi, the Pre-Sentence Report carries a LOT of weight as the PSR writer is allegedly neutral and works for the judge.

If you have been out on pre-trial release, there is a very strong chance you will be allowed to self-surrender which will probably be 6-10 weeks after you are sentenced. EVERY offender, however, must be prepared to be remanded into immediate custody.

Seeing your post, I wanted to give you some immediate feedback so I did not take the time to search for women's facilities closest to you. You can go to www.bop.gov (http://www.bop.gov), to Facility Locator and then look up FPCs (Federal Prison Camps) in your vicinity. You will have to click on each one to find whether they are male or female. I would highly recommend that you do that today and ask the judge for a "Judicial Recommendation" to whatever facility you choose. You may not get it, but his/her recommendation will be considered.

Get through tomorrow and then we will help you with the steps that come next.

I wish I would have signed up here earlier. This nightmare began in Jan. and only seems to get worse as the days go by. Never in a million years did I expect to ever be in this situation. I am grateful for the feedback and advise and will be a regular now.
Before my children even knew what I was going thru...I dealt with my teenage daughter cutting and expressing suicidal thoughts online. I had to commit her to an institution for a week to get her thinkning straight again. And my teenage son divuldged in Jan also that my ex husband sexually abused him. It was bad and then just kept getting worse. I I didnt tell my kids until school was out last year. they needed to concentrate on themselves and their school work. But now everything is out in the open and my kids are so scared. My daughter is so much better now, but my son is still going to have to go thru hell with court and all that stuff and i cant imagine him having to go thru this without me.
I appreciate a place to vent my fears and have people to talk to that have or are going thru the same thing. thank you!

HI Jodi,
I read your post and just wanted to share this with you. My wife just went to sentecingt on Oct 11th. She had been on bond since Sept of '05. Her presentecing report had recommended her 57 to 71 months at a level 4. When we went to court the judge looked at it and stated her situation had been overemphasized and thought that was very harsh because it wasn't like she was a murderer. He dropped her to a level 3 and gave her 48 months plus probation and community service. So even though the report says one thing doesn't mean that is what will be carried out. I think there are a lot of factors that play into something like this. Thins such as being a first time offense and nonviolent weigh in on the decisions. Let me know how it comes out for you; it will be interesting to see the differences because according to congress federal cases are all suppose to be basically ruled on in the same manner. Good luck to you and keep your chin up even though it seems like an eternity things will come to an end.
Ken from Texas wishing you the best

UNBELIEVABLE.....I got a call yesterday that it was postponed until monday. Then today I get another call. postponed until Nov. 2nd. my kids are having a hard enough time dealing with this but now they are jumping around to when the date will be. I do hope this is the end of that. I need closure to this no matter what it is. I need to have definate answers to my future. Crazy huh?
Oh well this does give me 3 more weeks to learn more here. thank you! jodi

Ken...Thank you for your good wishes. Was your wife allowed to self surrender too?? That is another thing that scares me to death. I don't know how well my kids will handle this if I don't come home after court.
I just keep praying and hoping.
Yea....not having anything in my past ever and no drinking or drugs and the fact that this was non violent does help and I am hoping the judge cares about kids too because I know anyones kids would be traumatized.....but mine are going thru hell without my situation. So many bumpy roads to go over right now.
thank you for talking
jodi

hey ,
i too have 2 children, i did a 16 month sentence in 2004-2005 at a camp in kentucky, you will make it i promise, please let me know what i can do to help, i will do what i can, we are all here for you!!!
with love ,
dangerfield

This is my first post. Iwas senteced on 9-25 just got my letter today. I surrender on 11-02 - only a week away. Im so scared...can anyone tell me a little about lexington?

I truly appreciate this post so much. It looks like all of my appeals have been exhausted and I will probably be heading to Coleman soon. At least that is what they have said in the past. I have been dealing with this nightmare off and on since 1997. I was arrested by the FBI on the last day of the statute of limitations in 2003 and it is truly one of those situations where if I could have afforded a lawyer the whole thing would have been thrown out. Instead I will be serving 33 months for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for something my ex-husband did behind my back. I know I am not the first to be railroaded and just want to get this nightmare behind me. This post regarding what to expect and the care that has been displayed has been such a blessing. I am more concerned with my boyfriend having a break down then I am about myself. We have both been believing in miracles but sometimes God has another plan and I know that there are others out there that have suffered far more then me.

I have heard that Coleman has a dog training program but I wasn't sure if that was only for the men. Also, can anyone with any degree be a tutor for GED students? I have a degree in Graphic Design but had always been interested in teaching so I really like the idea of helping others. Do they require you provide a copy of your degree to become a tutor? Also, do they allow you to take college courses or law school?

I can provide you with two addresses of ladies at Coleman if you want to write them with questions prior to your arrival.

Normally, a degree is not required for tutoring but often those are preferred jobs and difficult to acquire soon after your arrival.

The BOP doesn't offer courses toward a 4 yr degree or pre-law but there are typically vocational type courses. I don't know about the dog training.

Yes, if you could provide me the contact information that would be helpful. Thank-you so much!

This is great, it answers a lot of my own questions. One other question I do have, I am a medical transcriptionist, have been one for 31 years. I currently do this via the internet. Any chance of any kind of job along those lines being available for me? Or maybe teaching a class in MT terminology, anything like that? Thanks so much for whatever info you can give -

arkieMT

This is great, it answers a lot of my own questions. One other question I do have, I am a medical transcriptionist, have been one for 31 years. I currently do this via the internet. Any chance of any kind of job along those lines being available for me? Or maybe teaching a class in MT terminology, anything like that? Thanks so much for whatever info you can give -

arkieMT

There are sometimes classes offered in this field but they are taught by staff from local colleges. Your guidance, however, to enrolled inmates would be priceless.

While there are some clerical positions available these are typically preferred jobs and not available to a newcomer. You would not be able to do medical transcription and would not have internet access.

Yes, if you could provide me the contact information that would be helpful. Thank-you so much!

Just sent you addresses of two members at the Coleman Camp via PM.

I just came home in September from Coleman. The dog training class is done by the women and is a favorite of the Warden we all loved the dogs and watched there progress. When I left we had 3 baabies so you will get to see them grow. Contact the Education Department when you get to Coleman and talk to them about teaching a class in Graphic Design. This may not be your "job" but something that you could do once a week for interested ladies at the camp.
Coleman is a friendly place you wil see, the very fact that you want to partaicipate is a great positive toward you time there.l

Thank you so much for information regarding the dog training and idea about teaching a class on graphic design. I never really thought about it as a possibility. That could actually be fun. I wonder if it is feasible since today's graphic design is all about using computer programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. Would they provide access to computers and design programs?

Any idea how difficult is it to become one of the dog trainers? I have dogs now and have trained them to do the basics like sit and shake and stuff and think it would be great to train dogs to help people. I am sure it is tuff to get on that work detail.

Is there anything in particular that I should know or do when I get there? I am a cancer survivor so I am trying to be positive about things and recognize that things could be alot worse.

Hey Myk,
I am headed to Coleman on Nov 21 myself. Would love to get the names of the women that are there too. Do you have a date yet?
Also, would love to learn Graphic Design. I have been a banker for 24 years and have to start all over with something and looking forward too it. I hope to take as many classes at Coleman that I can.

Yes, they do have computers. I do not know the programs but I do have a name of someone that is a "techie" she will be there until the end of December, The dog program is very popular and many want to participate. I would sign up right away to be a babysitter, this involves a few hours of traiining with the handlers. Because some of the official training is off site you have a time limit to become an official handler. Meaning that you must have a sentence I believe more than 18 months to qualify as a trusted camper and be able to go off site. I am sure of this but can find out. Do not let this part discourage you learning from the handlers to work with the dogs in camp in one way to move along.

Sorry for my miss speak, I am not sure of the time of sentence to partcipate.
The computer contact inside knows a good deal about the dog training program as well.

Hi Regrets and Martha 2,

I am with you completely Regrets I am going to take as many classes as I possibly can. Hopefully I can help you learn some graphic design skills as well. I sent you a PM with the contacts that I was given.

Martha2, I greatly appreciate the heads up on the dog training. I am going in for 33 months so I will definitely be there long enough -- unfortunately. I know being a newbie it still may be difficult to get one of the coveted positions but at least I may be able to be a baby-sitter. Thanks!

I've searched these forums a bit over the past few weeks looking form information regarding Victorville Women's FPC, but can't seem to find much of anything, so maybe someone here can help. My good friend pled to some charges (white collar stuff), is a first time offender and was the lucky recipient of a 37 month stint in a woman's FPC. She was assigned to Victorville and is due to self-surrender later this month. We've both tried to search for information on the Internet and can't seem to find anything regarding Victorville. I thought for sure there would be something since California is so big. Does anyone here have any information on Victorville Women's FPC, including any programs (like the drug/alcohol program) they offer to reduce the time spent behind bars? She also plans to attend the upcoming "new prisoner orientation program" at the local federal courthouse, where I'm hoping she'll get some good information.

Any help is greatly appreciated,
SandyinCA:o

I am a male and i am scheduled for self surrender on this coming Monday the 6th. i am sure there are some differences but I am sure there are similarities in checking in. thanks for your post. For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Hi, I am to self surrender soon. I am awaiting word from the BOP. I was wondering if your lawyer can request a camp close to your home? Do I trust my lawyer? I am a non-violent, non-drug offender. I think I am going to a camp????
I am not scared, my husband surrendered 18 mths ago (has 18 more mths to go & counting down) and he tells me it is what you make of it. We live in Ky. and they put him in Marion, ILL Camp.
So I am normally a positive person so I want to do the best I can.
I am leaving an 11 yr. old little girl with my sister for 18 mths. and that is my anxiety. Me & my daughter are very close and I fully trust in God so I know it will be ok.
If you have any advice please respond. Thank You.

Your attorney could have requested a judicial recommendation for a particular camp at your sentencing. The judge's recommendation does carry weight but ultimately your designation is up to the BOP.

At this point, it is probably too late to get the court to file a recommendation. The good news is: there is little doubt that you will be going to a camp.

Hi so sorry if this info has already been posted, which I am sure it has. I am going to be going to Alderson shortly and if someone could please give me any info they have. I have read horrible stuff on some of these places and am terrified to go. Please help me. Thank you so much.

I am so sorry to double post here. My brain isn't working too well.. I am so terrified I just don't know what to do. This is just not a fun time at all. I am worried about alot of the others are. This site has helpe me tons though. I am worried about the health part, I have Epilepsy and I seriously need my meds. Anyone know how Alderson is with medical care? . I thank you all for everything. More info on Alderson would be appreicated ;)

So sorry again, I can not seem to find the edit button. I now found out I might be going to Lexington due to my Epilepsy. Can someone please give me some info on that one? Thank you

Please dont take this the wrong way. I witnessed my wife going through the same thing you are. You are being your worst enemy! Take this time to spend with your family and friends. When you get your designation, you can find out whats going to happen. My wife does not have any medical conditions, but from reading in these forums, as long as your illness is noted you should be alright. Relax, as hard as that sounds, enjoy the rest of your time at home. My wife has been gone for 6 months and has 6 more to go. She has even said that the time is going by pretty swiftly!

For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa
thnks chrissa the enfo was very comforting as i thnk iam goin to go to a fed prsn somwhere here in tex iam a 58yr old women with numerous med issues, can i tell me which one has the best medical, the nicest gaurds? and best food as iam used to a balenced diet, i know jail food is yukkkkk ! lol, and of course which one has bingo?i play online! ohh are inmates allowed to have computers or access to one? sorry for the storm of questions but i need to know a few thngs thanks again jaquie (gypsyjaq47)

Which facility did you like better. Carswell or Bryan? I am waiting for my surender date and was previously assigned to Bryan, however my attorney told me he could request Carswell since I live less than 10 miles from it. He also said Carswell was a bad place to be. What do you think? I'll take any advise you can give.
Thank you
paulapoo:)

Hi, I am heading to Lexington when I get my letter. Are you in the hole for a certain amount of time? and in your experience do people ususallly do the 85% of their sentence. I heard something about getting out even earlier for work release is this true? Thanks so much for your information.

I will be surrending soon and from reading alot of posts and from my experience - certain camps don't have a whole lot of information or sometimes the information isn't as current due to some members haven't been there for some time...Anyway..I was thinking that maybe ..and of course this is completely up to the individual - but maybe all those women who are on there way to Lexington would want to correspond with each other not only now but when each of us get there..For me - I'm nervous about the unknown - but lets say I was already there and someone was surrending a couple weeks after me - if you wanted I could give you my contact info and you could write me and I could forward any answers to questions you had because I was there - such as commissary lists, rooms, etc.. and also look for you when you go there to just be someone that is a little bit familiar..I don't know its just a thought. If one person did this and then as more people surrendered - by the time others came along you'd have a whole welcoming crew there to help you get adjusted. For me, I have 5 kids and a husband - and I haven't ever had to be away from my babies. Having someone there for you to just give you support may mean the difference in the way a person transitions. This forum has been amazing - but once I am in - I can't reach out to it - until I get home...Just a thought for anyone interested...

Good Luck on getting Carlswell I live abot 48 miles from there, but I got Bryan which is 262 mikles away, but all I've read about the two. I'm glad I'm going to Bryan. I was told by everyone from day one I would go to Carlswell, and didn't, so just be prepared.

The more and more I keep reading these posts, I almost hope I will be sent to Alderson. I live in the West Texas Region and of course would prefer the FPC in Phoenix for women, but it seems that although my judge requested it, I may not get it. At this point, I am just praying I get sent to the place that will be best for me at that time.

Just in case I do get sent to the women's FPC in Phoenix, I'd like more information on that facility. I haven't had much luck in finding too much information about it. I have been sentenced to 16 months; of course I've been told with good-behavior I will serve 13 months. I have every intent on studying for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), working out, and learning how to sign from sign-language books I will chose from Barnes and Noble, and have my mother send to me.

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to have books sent directly from Barnes and Noble, please? Also, any suggestions on how I can get a job in the library. I'm a major book worm, and would find it soothing to be surrounded by books most of my days...

Blessings to all

From what I understand and I know someone will correct me if I'm wrong - you can have books sent directly from the publisher such as amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles. I think your allowed to have 5 books at a time. I read another ladies post that said she donates her books to the library after she is finished with them - I thought that was a clever idea..anyway...good luck and stay positive. Best wishes to you and your husband

Hey there. Most of the federal prisons have similar rules. At alderson any one can send you paperback books, up to five per envelope. However, Hardbacks can only come from the publisher, author, and yes, I believe the bookstore.
When you get there wherever you go, and start job hunting, make sure you put in for a job at the library. Try to be persistant.
I also know if you go to Alderson they now have Internet Email. I communicate with friends I had there. the program Unicor does the 411- directory assistance program, and the workers now have email access. I am not sure about the other prisons.
Good Luck.

I was sentenced Jan. 22nd, to 26 months in FPC. I'm just not sure which one. The judge agreed to refer me to the camp in Bryan since it is the closest to where I live. I am to self surrender Feb. 6th. I still haven't received my destination letter. Does anyone know if they try and send inmates close to home?

My dear friend who started serving a 37 month sentence at Victorville FPC in November 2006 was recently approved to enter the RDAP program and is expected to be transferred to Dublin FPC in mid-March 2007 in order to begin the program in April 2007. We realize they don't take reservations or guarantee anyone a spot in the program, especially someone who has yet to arrive at the camp, but we were wondering if anyone here on PT knew anything about Dublin FPC for women and the RDAP program there, particuarlily if there is currently a long wait to start the program. I'd also like to know if anyone has a friend or loved one serving time at the Dublin FPC for women. I'm not sure where to post this type of inquiry so if anyone thinks I should post this inquire elsewhere on PT I would greatly apperciate hearing such.

Much thanks,
SandyinCA

Hi Everyone, I've been reding these threads for a while but just got the nerve to post. I was sentenced on Jan. 18th to 18 months at a FPC. I live in New Jersey and was told Danbury FPC was my likely destination. I am so scared...If I were going to any other camp, I might not be, but it seems not many ladies on this site have gone to Danbury...anyone who has who can give me some info?
Anyway, I think all of you guys are great and this site is really awesome.

Hi Jessica,
Take a look at this:
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232749
It gives you some information about Danbury, where I spent six months in 2005. It looks as if I will probably be back there in a few months for six months.
PM me if you have any questions at all.
meowmachine

Hi Everyone, I've been reding these threads for a while but just got the nerve to post. I was sentenced on Jan. 18th to 18 months at a FPC. I live in New Jersey and was told Danbury FPC was my likely destination. I am so scared...If I were going to any other camp, I might not be, but it seems not many ladies on this site have gone to Danbury...anyone who has who can give me some info?
Anyway, I think all of you guys are great and this site is really awesome.

Thanks for the reply meowmachine! I responded to your PM, did you get it? I'm not sure if it worked...
Anyway it's full of questions!
Jess

Hi Jess,
Yes, I did get it!
Hope you had a good day!
m.m.

Thanks for the reply meowmachine! I responded to your PM, did you get it? I'm not sure if it worked...
Anyway it's full of questions!
Jess

Well...Alderson it is for me, this thursday.

Jessica, I assume tomorrow is your Big Day. I haven't gotten my paperwork yet, but I will probably be heading your way in the next 4-6 weeks. If this site has taught me anything, its that there are good people there and the situation is what you make of it. I'll look for you if I end up there. Good Luck, I'll say a prayer for your strength.

If u have to serve 8mths at a camp will u be eligible for the hwh?

I have been reading posts since January but didn't get a user name until a couple of weeks ago. I report to Alderson on May 31st. I have had a REALLY long time to report (part of the plea agreement) -- I was sentenced October 6, 2006 but didn't have to self-surrender until May 31st. I have a 41 month sentence but am eligible for the drug program.

Just reading some of the helpful comments has really helped me throughout this whole process.

Thanks for listening.

Hi-I am to report to Alderson on the 24th of April-sentence 21 months. My husband and I first found out that we were being investigated in February of 2005. So-to finally have a report date is in a way closure! My husband is to report to OKC on the same day. We have both decided that this is going to be just another chapter in our journey and we are going to meet many wonderful people. I never would have dreamt that I would be going to prison, but I know there is a reason and a purpose. I look forward to meeting many of you!

Just a few questions:

If you send a money order to the BOP address is Des Moines, should the money order itself be made out to BOP or to the inmate personally? Just don't want it to get there and be returned.

Also, can you send magazines, crossword puzzle books, etc to someone in a camp? Can they be purchased at the local store and then mailed? I know hard cover books have to come from a manufacturer but how about soft cover/magazines?

How about pictures in the mail? Such as family pics?

Is there a place that you can find policies on this stuff?

Thanks for your help!

I have been sentenced to 18 months at Alderson. I self-surrender on May 2nd.

Your thread has been very informative.

I do have some questions though.

Does my family wait around to take my clothes back or can they be mailed back?

I keep seeing that undershirts are issued but what about bras? Can you wear your own??

My case is a restitution case, can I still take a money order or mail one to myself will it still be mine to at least get me started in the comissary?

Oh my gosh it is so overwhelming!

This is all I can think of right now but I am sure I will have lots more as the time nears.

My plan it to stay as busy as humanly possible to make the time go by. I plan on working as soon as possible and taking classes if they are offered?

Any input you have would be great.

Thanks so much,
Amy
:confused:

This is my first time going to prison so I have some of the same questions Amy has plus more.
How can I reduce my time and what are furlough visits.

I was in Dublin at the camp. So i don't know about alderson specifically. But, I will answer your questions from what I know.

First, i don't think that your family can even wait for your clothes. Either mail them back or donate them, it's up to you.

They do give you bras, I'm pretty sure they gave us two. And you can buy them, but they are only offered for sale a few times a year.

It took them a couple of weeks to a couple of months to start taking your restitution out, so you will be fine the first few weeks. Your two big problems will probably be getting what you want and not going over your monthly allotment. Once they start taking restitution out they won't take everything.

You will have a job and there are some classes offered. I read so much it was insane. It was the easiest thing for me to do to keep my brain busy. i also walked a lot.

Prison is way better and way worse then you think. But, if you are anything like me you will come out a lot stronger than you thought!!

thank you for you response. I look forward to the day this is behind me

Hi everyone,

I am in IL and meeting my PO this week. What should I expect during this meeting? How long before I know where I will be designated? Does anyone have any information about Pekin? This is my first offense and I am in my 40's, will I be designated to a camp? I'm trying to stay strong and keep it together. It is difficult at times.

Thanks so very much.

can you give me more info on lexington I will be there in july. Can I smoke there? Should I send money before I get there or just take it with me. And My letter says I will go to the FMC is that the camp?

I live in Illinois and just got my letter they are sending me to lexington, ky. This is my first offense as well, so I do know what you are going through. I was hoping for Pekin or the MCC because my sentence was short, but we will get through this.

tdavis,

I find it rather odd that they would send you to lexington. I am very sorry you have to leave 2 little angels behind. I will pray for you and your family. This to shall pass. I believe you will be just fine. Keep your head up and know God is protecting you.

Also, do a search for lexington. There is so much great information on this forum.

I especially appreciate the women who shared their experience prior to sentencing, awaiting designation correspondence, asking love ones to post experience while away, and returning home to share their overall experience. You women/warriors have really helped me to positively deal with my stay away. Thank You all so very much.

My mom is in Alderson right now so I can answer some of your questions!

They do mail your clothes back home to your family. I was not prepared when we dropped her off for the goodbye but what happens is you pull into a parking lot and there is a phone on a poll. You call to them and say that "your name is here for self surrender" then there is a white truck that pulls up. The worker will then go through your stuff that you are wanting to bring in and either yah or nah what you have. Then she says say goodbye and you do and thats it! Its very quick, you dont even have time to realize whats happening. We were so occupied with what she was letting my mom take and not take that we didnt realize that this was it. So be prepared and say your goodbyes before if you must.
You can mail paperback books and magazines but hardcover must come from a publisher that they recognize like Amazon or Borders. I am able to have a subscription of the Newspaper sent to my mom there but it must come from the publisher not from me. If anyone has specific questions please let me know I will try to help as much as I can.

Hello, and thanks for all the info I am finding here!

My daughter was sentenced May 2nd, 2007, and is in the county jail at this moment. Was wondering if there is a legal time frame as to how long she must stay there, before they transfer her to a holding facility, and before being assigned to a federal prison camp facility? We are in north Texas, and think she may go to Carswell Camp, but heard it was full. She is anxious to get moved, as the county jail facilities are terrible. Also, was wondering how much money would be enough to get her a good start on commissary and phone account. Thanks in advance for all your help, it is a blessing to be able to hear from all of you, and has greatly relieved some of the heartache and stress I have been feeling about this unfair nightmare we are going thru. I still get that 'falling elevator' feeling, when I realize this is really happening!

Judimaipie

Does anyone know what you can take with you to Brayn TX? If anything!

I agree mw3kids

My daughter is getting ready to transfer from FCI Tallahassee to FMC at Carswell. What can you tell me about Carswell? I've read some horrer stories about the male guards there. She already has some college course work (before prison) and hopes to get into a dental hygene college program if offered. Any information for a worried dad will be appreciated

.

Hi all - I am headed to self report on June 22. I am very overweight. Can you tell me if they will have clothes in my size? Thank you.

the money order should be made out to the inmate along with their inmate #. my husband is in a camp and i send him magazines and things like that all the time. i have also sent hardback books that they have let him have and then there was one time they sent it back to me. guess it all depends on who is working that day in the mail room. you can go to bop.gov to find all policies. pictures are ok also, i want to say the limit is 5 per envelope but i could be wrong....

Help - Please Help - Can anyone tell me anything specifically about the women's satelitte Prison Camp in Marianna, FL - I can't find hardly anything on it - like how big, what programs - do they have the Drug and Alcohol program - types of jobs. Anything will be helpful -Please someone help

This is alot of good information. I will be self surrendering on 07/20/2007 at Marrianna camp. My husband will be SS on the same day to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. I have learned alot already from all of you, but I was wondering if anyone has an actual copy of the commissary list for Marianna and one for Montgomery. I would like an idea what everything will cost. Also maybe someone could give us some advice as to what items should be considered a priority the first time you go to the commissary. I understan 290.00 is the monthly limit, but is that the limit when you are first getting set up? Thanks for all your help.

Hi everyone..

I've been reading all the post.. and even with awaiting sentencing.. (aug.31st) all of the information is helping me with all the questions and even to aleiveiate some of the fears that I have.

not sure just yet, but am fairly sure that I will be sentenced to some time.. hoping that if so, Pekin would be the place.. as I live in Northern Missouri and all my family is in St. Louis area... so that would be decent if I do go... I checked and so far, I am not listed on the BOP locator... guess the date is still to far off for that to show... anyway..

I know that so far all of this has made me stronger inside... Not that I don't still cry and get upset because I do... and the guilt is sometimes overwhelming, but I have just decided that I can't do anything about it all now.. have to forgive myself if I expect God to forgive me...
anyway...

I am waiting.. working at a fast food joint for now... as I am no longer able to be an office manager... at least not for now.. but this to shall pass, and I will come out a better person on the other side... WE ALL WILL ... WHEN THIS IS DONE.....

Many prayers for all of you .. that God will watch over you and yours as you travel this road with a few bumps in it...

Christina
awaiting in Missouri

I just left Alderson about 2 weeks ago. I had been there since 2002 so we were probably there at the same time. All your information was on the money but they have closed all the cottages down. Now everyone lives in a unit with about 150 women each. Seems like every week they had a new a different rule but I guess it's that way all over.
Did you have many adjustment issues when you got out? I seem to be having a few but after 6 yrs. so much seems to have changed,
obey

I just came home from FPC Pekin on June 18th. I spent 14 months there. Thanks to all the ladies on this site who provided me with so much good information.

Do they offer any kind of smoking censation classes

Hi, I am self surrnedaring to Carswell Aug. 11, 2007 id this a camp & medical facilitty? is it nice? how's the food? how many to room? I am 50 will i get a bottom bunk? what kind of time off are they getting for RDAP? are the grounds nice? do they have exercise equipment & a track? tell me about this place I have NO clue. Thank you so very much.

Hi, I self surrendar to Carswell, TX August 11, 2007 I would like to know all about it I have no idea. What are the sleeping arrangements like? I am 50 will i get a bottom bunk? how's the food? do they have exercise equipment & track? are the grounds nice? do they have UNICOR? i have 36 month sentence how much time are they gettin off for RDAP? i am figuring 6 month early release to halfway, 12 off for RDAP(?) 4 months good time (?) that gives me 14 months is prison. Is this an accurate calculatio? if not can you tell me what I am really looking at at 36 months? I would greatly appreciate anything you can tell me. Thank you.. Gail

Hi , i am self surrendaring to Carslwell On Aug 11,2007 can you PLEASE tell me what it is like there? how much time are they getting off for RDAP? how many to a rooom? i am 50 will i get a bottom bunk? so they have exercise equipment & a track? are the grounds nice? is it a open campus or is it a closed building like a county jail? what is bedtime? is the food good? i would appreciate any info you can give me. Thank you very much..Gail

SORRY for all the duplicate questions !! Wuddley

I also have a question about the uniforms. I was just wondering how they are made. I am overweight and am used to wearing stretch pants or at least pants with an elastic waiste band. I have gotten alot of good information, so now I am thinking about the small stuff. I SS on 07/20/2007. It's really getting close and I am really nervouse. I am on my way to Marianna FPC. Do you get to try on your clothes before they are issued or are you stuck with what ever they give you, no matter how it fits? These may seem like small, unimportant details, but every time I get a question answered I feel a little bit better. Thanks for all your help.

At my son's camp they have sweats, athletic shorts with an elastic waist, and elastic waist uniform kind of pants (like nurses wear.) He says there are guys there over 400 pounds and they have clothes that fit them. Don't worry. They'll have clothes that fit and are comfortable.

Thanks so much ctmom. Evrey little bit of info helps!

ctmom, which camp is your son at?

thanks so much for the info because i will be doing some time in federal prison soon :( At least I dont fell so threatened lol

I spent 23 months at Greenville Women's Camp if anyone needs to know details. Home 4 months.

Lewisburg, in PA

If anyone wants to know about MCC Chicago (women's unit), MCC NYC, Oklahoma FTC, Danbury FCI (women) and Pekin FPC let me know.

:wave: I need info for Pekin, but since your post was so long ago I don't have much hope of hearing from you. Please PM me if you're still out there. Thanks, Buggy

Hi Sbrown, got your Pm.

MCC Chicago is most for people awaiting trial, unsentences and newly arrested. High security, overcrowded and pretty much not a place you want be in. If you are in MN and self surrender, you will probably go to Pekin FPC (granting that are classified low security). Pekin has no fences. It has two units, they are named Kansas and Nebraska. The units have two long hallways with two bed cubicles. At first you will not go to a cubicle, you will be in a new inmate intake room with bunk beds until there is an available dorm room. There is an exercise facility, pool table, religious services, a law library, education department, racquet court, walking trail and gardening in the spring. The avaialble jobs are landscaping, HVAC, construction, GED tutoring, and orderly jobs.
The food is acceptable but nothing to scream about. The commisary sells a wide variety of stuff including monthly purchases of beads and related craft materials.
Comparing this facility to others it gets the 4 star rating. However, don't forget it is prison. They have zero tolerance for rule breaking. Unruly women get Segregation time in Peoria if they are found out of line or out of bounds. I hope this helps. PM me if you need additional info.Peace

:wave: Hi. I am hoping you are still online. I need inifo for Pekin for a friend who wants to transfer there from Coleman in Florida. Please PM me if you like, she has alot of questions, but I'll be brief for you. Thanks, Buggy

I can help with info on the womens camp in lexington, Ky. Glad not to be there anymore.

Do you get to choose where you are located?

What womans prison (camp) is closest to Michigan????????????????????/

I'm not really sure..I do know there is a women's camp in Pekin, Illinois. There might be one closer, maybe even IN Michigan, but if there is, I don't know where it is. Maybe check the FBOP website.

Can you contact me and tell me everything?
I can help with info on the womens camp in lexington, Ky. Glad not to be there anymore.

I'd like to chat with you:rolleyes:
For those of you that have read my posts you know how angry I have been with so-called "experts" that have given false and exagerated accounts in the media lately as to what its really like in in the womens camps. I spent 4 years in 4 different camps so I do know something about them. I'm certainly no expert but I would like to share what I do know with those of you that are getting ready to go to a camp or who have loved ones inside. Going to prison is scary thing to contemplate without having to listen to horror stories in the media.
I was incarcerated in FPC Carswell, FPC Lexington, FPC Alderson and FPC Bryan in that order. Each camp is different. The rules should be the same in all of them but they aren't. Much depends on the warden as to what and how the rules are implemented. Some things are the same no matter where you end up though!
The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. I went from sleeping in a TV room to a 2 man room(with a door you can close anytime you want!)in Lexington. Alderson had 2 man cubicles with about 150 people per unit. After six months in Alderson you qualify to go to a cottage. There are a lot less people in a cottage and its more like a regular room. Bryan has 4 man rooms with 100-150 people per unit. One thing I forgot to mention about R&D is that yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches, just squat and cough. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. Until you are assigned a job you will work cleaning the unit during the day. Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.
Bring money with you if you are able. You can go to commissary and buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. ALderson has a wonderful commissary and Lexingtons is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc. You can also purchase cigarettes if you smoke.
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend clasees. At Bryan the instructors for the local community college come in every evening to teach Information Management. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can.
Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.
I have gone on long enough here. I'm sure there will be things that I will think of later to add. As I said, if anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Chrisa

Contact me if your out. I am going soon and would like to inquire about your experience. I am white collar, mother, etc. like you and scared to death.:(
Hello, my name is jodi and I am going to be sentenced on Thursday of this week. I am so scared. I have gotten the federal guidelines imbedded in my head as for the sentence I could receive. My first question is how much weight is put on the "presentence report?" The PO actually went a totally different way then the guidlines and recommendes probation and 6 months house arrest vs 18-24 months that the guidelines say. can anyone enlighten me on their experience with the presentence report? Also....I am a female....where do women get sent if incarcerated in Colorado. My brother who is the one I am accused of aiding and abbeding gets to go right here to Englewood...where do the women go?? And if not close...where is the closest place they would most likely send me? Also since my crime was not of any violent nature....what are the chances of self surrender????
my lawyer told me not to be too surprised if they took me right away. is that his way of just covering his rear??? Would they really wisk me away right then and there?? I mean I never get any encouragemnet or hopeful thoughts from him just the worst that could happen!! This whole ordeal is making me crazy and my family too.
i look forward to hopefully hearing from some of you and your experinces! thank you!

Hello everyone. I will be going into a Federal Prison soon. And, I have a few questions. First off, I am going in for 33-41 months at a minimum security prison (White Collar Crime). My lawyer said that I may go to Black River Falls (or something like that) in Wisconsin. But, I don't see that anywhere in Wisconsin. I am from Illinois and I thought it would be Pekin? Any thoughts? Also, what do you think the chances are that I could do a self-surrender? From the readings I have to ask my lawyer to request that and the Judge determines if they want me to get that or not, correct? Thanks for any help.....

I'd like to chat with you:rolleyes:



Lawanna,

Chrisa has been absent PTO for a bit, we are friends though, if you like I can pass some questions to her. PM me if you wish.

Patti

Illinois has more than one women's camp. Make sure your lawyer requests self surrender.

Still reading all of the posts...
but since my last update on here I will tell you all what I now know:

I have been sentenced to 12months and 1 day... judge said that she would reccomend a place close... I am in northern MO, so still hoping for pekin or greenville... have been checking the bop locator - nothing yet under my name, so this morning I called the federal marshalls in St. Louis - which is where my case was held and was told by the clerk - a very nice person I might add.. that all of ,y information was received into the computer on 9-13-07, and that don't yet have a destination, but she thinks SS will be somewhere 17th - 21st of October... she also asked for day time phone numbers so that as soon as she gets my desigination and deffinate dates she will call me.. I also was given her driect number to call her next tuesday, she told me that she is the one in her office that does the certified letter and that she had no problems calling me directly to let me know when and where..

anyway... still waiting to see just what happens and where it happens.

all the best to everyone, and my prayers will continue for all that are going through, been through or just starting this.

Christina

my family has been asking about the up coming holidays and if they are allowed to bring me anything?? I told them that I don't think so, but they said to ask? So - during christmas and when they come to visit can they bring anything?

I am one who loves to play cards - and since I have no one here at home to play cards with, I know that at least some of the time will be "fun"...

what card games do you all know of that they play... spades, hearts, gin/rummy, canasta, pichole???? any of these or others??

Thanks for the info and all the sharing of what to expect, it's greatly appreciated and really helps to calm the fears.

Christina

I know this is an old thread but I'm hoping someone has info on Lexington as a friend I met in Chicago MCC finds herself again incarcerated and is being shipped to Lexington for 10 months. She is most interested in what she will encounter when she arrives.

Thanks in advance for any info you have.

Hi.
The ladies at Greenville love to play Canasta.
When your family visits they can bring one deck of cards and you can play in the visiting room.
Your family can not bring you anything for Christmas. Nothing.
You can buy Christmas cards at the store to mail them and you can also mail home craft projects. (Crochet and Knitting)
You can buy cards at the commisary at the camp.
You can also have game rules mailed to you if you need them.

In the lexington camp the visitors could not bring cards.

Ya, I think you are referring to greeting cards that were collected while in the holding institution. Good to know. Thanks.

I'm still awaiting my sentence and am still scared and mad. My attorneys are wanting more money for my appeal. I've paid them a hell of a lot and am getting the shaft either way. What do you think:angry:

And this IS just that, only my opinion. I was picked up in Vegas and extridited to Chicago, where there an not even phone books so it was all but impossible to get an attorney. But my sisters would copy stuff from the phone book and send it to me. I then had them contact several attorneys and arranged for them to visit me in jail. I was not impressed with any of them. They were veery pricey (my case was not that difficult and I was more looking for someone to finess it and get the points down rather than go to trial. I then took the panel lawyer they gave me and at first liked him, but after a while I realized that he was working with the prosecution. I ended up with a PD and I honestly think he gave me the best possible deal.

One of the private guys I worked with suggested a stratigy very similar to what I ended up doing, but the advantage of the PD was that he sees the judge all the time and, if he is a decent guy, gets more consideration than a private. I ended up with time served rather than another year. I think that the PD also helped because they also work with the ADA constantly and both owe and are owned favors on a daily basis.

So, my advice to anyone that is indicted is to take the PD unless you can afford a really brilliant guy and most of us can't. I live in Chicago and have seen Gov. Ryan, represented by another former governor, go to jail, and also Mike Segal, a VERY wealty man, go to jail as well. Both of those attorneys must have cost several hundreds of thousands and in the end it was the same as if they used the PD.

My final advice is NEVER use the panel lawyer. He is the worst. He is working only for the government. They are the ones that pay him and they are the ones that keep giving him cases. He cares NOTHING about you.

Ask for a PD for your appeal. How much time are you looking at? If you have time before you surrender, go meet the guy they assign to you. It's better if he has a face pinned on you.

I am with AE on this. I had a public defender and thought that she was way better than the other attorneys, I don't know that they do appeals though.

I'm not sure if this applies to you, but a friend of mine that is now in Danbury used the same PD for her appeal as she did for her case. She would not have appealed but the government did first, saying that the judge was too lenient. Is was right after the Booker decision and they were trying to make law. Her PD fought very hard for her, as she counter appealed. The courts ruled that both of them didn’t make a good case so her sentence stood, not knocking it down to the time served that she wanted, but also not getting the 15 that the government wanted either.

The reason I say that this might not be like your case is that the PD was just continuing with her, not picking her up for the first time on appeal. That is why I say to meet the PD if possible before you leave the area.

And I want to reiterate. If they offer you a private attorney that is on contract with them, rather than someone that works at the Public Defender’s office, don’t take the deal. The contract attorney is a panel attorney and not someone you want representing you. Unless you are very wealthy I don’t see a private attorney doing you enough good to justify the money.

Chrisa,
I read your very detailed posting and it is comforting to know that horror stories you hear are not necessarily true for all places. I am headed to the female camp at coleman and was wondering if anyone has been there or is currently there and can give me some information about self surrender and admission to the camp. How soon can I have visitors? I have kids and I want to make sure I see them as soon as possible after I get there. Can I bring an address book with all my family and friends contact information? can I bring any books to read? what do they do with the personal stuff I am wearing the day i surrender?. Any info is greately appreciated.

I have never been to Coleman, but I can tell you that the Fed will give you a box to ship your clothes home if you self surrender, but if you don't want the clothes you are wearing, you can just donate them. Don't bring anything from the outside as you will not be able to access it. Better to write down address and phone numbers and have someone mail them to you after you are there.

One thing the fed does well is supply books. You will have access to great paperback, and if that isn't enough for you, you can have someone send you books, but in most institutions they have to be paperbacks. Some will let you get the paperbacks from friends, others require that your friends order them from bookshops and have the store mail them to you. People can also send you magazine subscripts of the non-racy variety. So as not to waste money, wait and see what the library has before you ask people to order things for you.

When they say you can bring nothing, they mean NOTHING. Even money is to be sent to your account, not brought in cash. Go to the bop's site (it's a gov rather than com, and see how to do that. You will want money as soon as you are there so mail that the day before you leave. If it gets there before you, they will not keep it but rather return it so don't do it too early. You will need money right away for things like shampoo and conditioner, deoderant and the like.

How long do you have to do?

Did anyone meet Dr. Deborah Bordeaux while at Alderson? How is she?

Still reading all of the posts...
but since my last update on here I will tell you all what I now know:

I have been sentenced to 12months and 1 day... judge said that she would reccomend a place close... I am in northern MO, so still hoping for pekin or greenville... have been checking the bop locator - nothing yet under my name, so this morning I called the federal marshalls in St. Louis - which is where my case was held and was told by the clerk - a very nice person I might add.. that all of ,y information was received into the computer on 9-13-07, and that don't yet have a destination, but she thinks SS will be somewhere 17th - 21st of October... she also asked for day time phone numbers so that as soon as she gets my desigination and deffinate dates she will call me.. I also was given her driect number to call her next tuesday, she told me that she is the one in her office that does the certified letter and that she had no problems calling me directly to let me know when and where..

anyway... still waiting to see just what happens and where it happens.

all the best to everyone, and my prayers will continue for all that are going through, been through or just starting this.

Christina


Christina,

How are you holding up? Any new news yet?

Deborah

Hi there. I'm Brand new here. I have been dealing with my case for over 4 years now (investigations, interviews, proffers, plea agreements, etc) I feel like for the last 4 years I have not had a future & my life has been put on hold because how can you really go on with your life knowing that sometime down the road you will have to "go away for awhile"
I finally plead guilty in July 2007 & my next STATUS date is Jan 29th. After that I will probably be sentenced. The PSI report say anywhere from 15-21 months.
My question is what are peoples experiences with sentencing as far as what the PSI says & what the sentance imposed really is.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

I don't really know what my friend had to do, she didn't say much about it til she got her self-surrender date. We just knew she was in some kind of trouble and was keeping it to herself. Those that haven't gone in yet might be able to reply here and help you more. Good luck! Buggy

I was just sentenced on tuesday. My PSR said 33 to 41 mos. I recieved 36 mos. In my case the PSR was accurate, but it all depends on the judge, mine was very fair and compasionate, not all are like that. Your lawyer should be able to give you a good idea of what to expect.

Good morning all! I'm new here and have a lot of questions. My sister will be leaving for hopefully a prison camp in Jan.'08. We live in South Mississippi. Does anyone have any idea on where she may be going? Her attorney doesn't seem to know. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
~Phenomenal1

Hello, I am a new user and have read almost all of the threads on self surrendering. I have been sentenced to 12 months and a day. I have been dealing with this for over 7 years now. I have to self surrender on Jan 4, 2008 and my attorney says it will most likely be Victorville. Like many I can not find anything on Victorville and was wondering if anyone out there can help with some more information. I have several questions, like what do I expect when I get there. My brother has served several years in a state prison and the politics in there are incredible, I was wondering if it is the same in a womens low security prison as well. I have a 4 year and when he visits will he know that he is at a prison or will my story of going off to school fly for him? Do you get to wear regeular clothes out to the visiting yard or do you have to wear the govt. issued stuff? How soon can you purchse from the commisary? How long before you can have a visitor? Is there a reception period? Are phone calls all collect or will I be able to call my son of his father's cell phone? I am sorry for all of the questions at once but I am really concerned for my son and how him and I will adapt to our new situation.

Thank you

Hello, I am a new user and have read almost all of the threads on self surrendering. I have been sentenced to 12 months and a day. I have been dealing with this for over 7 years now. I have to self surrender on Jan 4, 2008 and my attorney says it will most likely be Victorville. Like many I can not find anything on Victorville and was wondering if anyone out there can help with some more information. I have several questions, like what do I expect when I get there. My brother has served several years in a state prison and the politics in there are incredible, I was wondering if it is the same in a womens low security prison as well. I have a 4 year and when he visits will he know that he is at a prison or will my story of going off to school fly for him? Do you get to wear regeular clothes out to the visiting yard or do you have to wear the govt. issued stuff? How soon can you purchse from the commisary? How long before you can have a visitor? Is there a reception period? Are phone calls all collect or will I be able to call my son of his father's cell phone? I am sorry for all of the questions at once but I am really concerned for my son and how him and I will adapt to our new situation.

Thank you


Try the bop website. I am new and can not post urls but they do have information on Victorville. This is what I was able to copy.

The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI II Medium) - Victorville in Adelanto, California, is a medium security facility housing male inmates with a satellite prison camp that houses minimum security female offenders. It is part of the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) (http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/vix/index.jsp).

They also have in pdf format about contact information and visiting information. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Try the bop website. I am new and can not post urls but they do have information on Victorville. This is what I was able to copy.

The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI II Medium) - Victorville in Adelanto, California, is a medium security facility housing male inmates with a satellite prison camp that houses minimum security female offenders. It is part of the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) (http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/vix/index.jsp).

They also have in pdf format about contact information and visiting information. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Sorry guess I have enough post. I did not think I did. So the link will be able to help.

Thank you for this information do happen to know what the intilials SPC stand for? Do know of anyone who has gone to Victorville for women?

Hi Everyone, I had asked if anyone knew anythings about Victorville, but it looks like I am going to Dublin. Can anyone give me some information about what to expect there? Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

I am scheduled to go to Alderson, I will be there for five month. It is heart wrenching for me, not because of the time but because of the amount of time away from my 7 year old and my 11/2 year old. I just would like any general information that you wouldn't mind giving me about the facility the programs offered..etc.. I really don't know what else to ask because I have no clue of what to expect.

Hello, I am a new user and have read almost all of the threads on self surrendering. I have been sentenced to 12 months and a day. I have been dealing with this for over 7 years now. I have to self surrender on Jan 4, 2008 and my attorney says it will most likely be Victorville. Like many I can not find anything on Victorville and was wondering if anyone out there can help with some more information. I have several questions, like what do I expect when I get there. My brother has served several years in a state prison and the politics in there are incredible, I was wondering if it is the same in a womens low security prison as well. I have a 4 year and when he visits will he know that he is at a prison or will my story of going off to school fly for him? Do you get to wear regeular clothes out to the visiting yard or do you have to wear the govt. issued stuff? How soon can you purchse from the commisary? How long before you can have a visitor? Is there a reception period? Are phone calls all collect or will I be able to call my son of his father's cell phone? I am sorry for all of the questions at once but I am really concerned for my son and how him and I will adapt to our new situation.

Thank you

My friend is in a camp... this is what I have learned from her... if I have it all corect: You'll have to wear your prison-issued clothing to your visits so you are easily distinguishable from the visitors. If your child is as smart as most... I don't know if you'll be able to get away with telling him that everyone at your "school" has to "wear a uniform"... he might see the guards and and other things that you'll have to explain away. You probably won't know til you get there and see the place for yourself. As far as visitors: you'll have to make a list when you get in of who you want on your visiting list... all will have to be pre-approved before they can visit. You cannot make collect calls from prisons anymore, you will have to pay for your calls out of your account. Family will have to send you $ to pay for them cuz I don't think you'll make enough to pay for all of them yourself. You are only allowed 15 min per call... then it simply ends the call... I think you might get a warning beep 1 minute before the call will be ended. Since you'll know where you're going before you get there and most likely your number, you can send $ to be in your account ahead of time. All funds have to go to Iowa first, they post to your account. SEND NO $ TO THE PRISON ITSELF, IT WILL BE RETURNED TO THE SENDING ADDRESS. You have to pay for your email time too, if the place you're sent has emails. You will NOT have internet access. All emails and letters are read before getting to or from you. You have to buy your stamps from comissary, family cannot send you stamps. I think you can send money to be in your account before you get there so you don't have to wait too long. I don't know how long you have to wait to go to comissary tho. Hope this has answered some of your questions. Maybe read what other places have said about their particular location information, some are a little different. Good luck. Buggy

Hi my name is Jeannie and I'm going to self surrender to Bryan on Jan,7th and I'm freaking out. If there is anything you can tell me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Hi Jeannie, I understand that you're feeling a little nervous about surrendering I still feel that way. I have however gotten some information from both prisontalk and a book called Down Time by David Novak. The book helps you understand some of the things to expect. The biggest thing that I do know at this point is that you should mail yourself a letter with complete name, addresses and phone numbers of those who you expect to speak with or come visit you. When you get there you will have to fill out a phone list and have it approved, you have to do the same for visitors to. I am told that if any of your visitors have a record they will not be allowed to visit you unless they are immediate family. Also you should maile a money order to the lockbox in I believe its Idaho (but you might want to check that out on the BOP website) this way you can have money on your books, because they will allow you to shop almost right away for your essential items. Most of these things are covered in that book I was talking about.

If you report directly to Bryan than you get to pass all of the transporting which I understand can be the worst part. Also keep in mind that at Federal prison you the inmate pays for your own phone calls. I believe that you are not able to make collect calls. You get 300 minutes a month and 400 minutes during November and December. You may not take anythign with you except your medication that is prescribed by a doctor, a soft bible (this may vary by location) and a pair of eye glasses (prescription).

I hope some of this information helps you out. If I can answer anything else let me know. I am not an expert I only know what I have read and have heard.

Everyone tells me it will be okay and so I will pass the same on to you.

Leavinghome

Hi my name is Jeannie and I'm going to self surrender to Bryan on Jan,7th and I'm freaking out. If there is anything you can tell me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Hello... to send money, you have to send it to the following address EXACTLY like this....for federal inmates...

Federal Bureau of Prisons
(Inmate's full name here)
(Inmate's ID number here)
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

If the person sending the money transposes the numbers (switches them around) you won't get it... they'll return it to the sender and they have to do it all over again. If your name isn't spelled correctly or they use a nickname... they send it back to the sender. If the money order is incorrect with ANY info, they return it. If the sender doesn't fill in the sender's info.. it will be returned too. You CANNOT get a personal check, it will be returned to the sender. As soon as you know your ID number, you can send funds to your account so there is money there for when you get there so you can go to comissary to get shampoo etc. Hope this info will help. If you click on a name of someone posting, it will offer you the choice to view all posts by that person. I have put alot of info in here, maybe worth looking at. Write back if you want, or PM me.
Buggy

Hi my name is Jeannie and I'm going to self surrender to Bryan on Jan,7th and I'm freaking out. If there is anything you can tell me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.