I assume this is the right place to post a "new member" post? If not my apologies....

My name is Shawn, and I'm about to be sentenced next month to roughly 57 months for bank fraud. I was given some enhancements to my sentence since I'm not a first time felon. I served some time back in '94-'97 in CSP Folsom for a similar crime. Yeah, unfortunately I didnt learn my lesson. But this is it for me, I need to pull my head out of my azz and put this crap behind me once and for all.

Anyway, I know there is a lot of info on here, and have been looking around a bit. I'm still up in the air regarding a few things, and hope someone can help me out. For one, are you allowed to receive "care packages" with clothing, hygiene supplies, etc? You were allowed packages on a quarterly basis in state prison, but I'm unsure how it works in the FBOP.

Also, can someone point me out to a decent FPC on the west coast? I've heard good things regarding Sheridan, OR, but Lompoc, CA is close to family and friends. I am highly skilled with computers and was wondering if there are jobs at either of those facilities or anywhere on the west coast for that matter that would take advantage of my skills?

Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Shawn

somebody knowledgeable will be along I'm sure, but meanwhile welcome and good luck!

Welcome to PTO! :)

I am sure there will be others by that can answer your questions.

Hello and welcome Shawn. I am glad that you found PTO. You will find a lot of info and support here.

Care packages are not allowed to be sent in. You will have to purchase what you need from commissary.

I am sure someone here will have information as to the facilities on the West Coast.

I am sorry about your circumstances. We are here to support you!!

Hi and Welcome to PTO!

Hey Qwk
Welcome...Im new also, and 1 of my charges was bank fraud....You can read my posts in the welcome section also...

Dan

Hi Shawn,welcome to PTO.I'm glad you found us but i'm sorry about your reason for being here. I'm sure you will find all the answers your looking for on PTO. I'm happy that you've made up your mind that this will be your last stay in prison.I wish you all the best....Valerie

Shawn

Welcome to PTO!
Not sure we have info on camp levels on the West coast, but we do have some info on FCI's in that area. Please check in the Federal Prison info and self surrendering forum. It's not over crowded in there yet and things are still ontop.

Hope you can gain some knowledge from that.

As cjjack said, no care packages allowed unless you consider a money order to be a care package. Books can be sent in, but nothing else. They do tend to have a large commissary list, but not the same as a personal care package!

Glad to see you here on PTO, sorry to hear about your future stay with the BOP!

Diane

Shawn,

Let me add my welcome to those of the other PTO members. Its been my personal experience that federal prison camps are much better than state prisons. I am sure someone will be along soon to give you some info on west coast camps. Glad you found your way to PTO.

Welcome to PTO

Hi Shawn! Welcome to PTO ... the most supportive community anywhere!! :)

Welcome Shawn to PTO and to the world of the BOP. A nice amount of money in your account to begin with will make things easier...for food, phone and personal items. I don't know about any camps on the West Coast, but I do offer this advise. Please do not go to a camp that is linked with a USP. The staff rotates between the USP and the camp and they carry the attitude from the USP over to the camp. A camp linked with an FCI would be better. I like to recommend "Behind Bars, Surviving Prison" to new residents. It has realistic info that can answer lots of your questions. Good Luck. Your have found the best place for support.

Welcome to PTO. I too am facing federal time and have found PTO a wonderful source for information and support. Keep asking questions, and do your research. You'll find the answers and this will give you some peace.

Sheryl

Glad you found this place. Hope you find all the info you need. Welcome.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the warm welcoming. I'm still kind of clueless as far as what FCI to choose on the west coast. I know I want a semi cool climate, so I'm leaning towards Sheridan or Lompoc. I just cant seem to get any real info on either.

Can anyone offer some advice as to the positives or negatives or each?

Thanks again,

Shawn

Shawn,

I don't know anything about them. Why don't you try using the search option up at the top of the board and maybe you can find something out. Good luck.

Looks like I'm going to pursue doing my time at Sheridan. I have a decent stretch of time to do and the climate and facility seems to suit my needs. Can someone take a second and give me the run down on what people CAN receive via mail from the outside? Like postage stamps, books, etc. I understand clothing and things of that nature have to be bought on the inside.

Also, what is the average amount of money one can make a month? I'm trying to get an idea on how much to give family to supplement my monthly "income" on the inside.

Thanks again for everyones' help!

Shawn

Your lawyer can tell the judge where you want to go, the judge can make that recommendation to the BOP, but it is up to the BOP where you will go. It's their call. As far as postage stamps.......that you have to buy there. You can receive letters, magazines, as long as they are decent, newspapers, and books. I order my husband's books through Powell.com. I've heard Amazon.com will ship to prisons. They package must be stamped BOOK on it. I don't think you can receive used books, and I know the books can't be sent from friends/family. As far as your wages while you are there, I think the norm is around $5.00 or so a month from what I read. My husband can't work so I'm not sure about the Unicor thing. But, I know it's not much. If your asking about commissary, I believe the most you can spend a month is like $270 or 290 a month.