Hello this is not faeriegirl this is her fiance and I just dropped her off at Carswell prison camp today, the worst day of my life and I was wanting to know what to expect on my first visit day? I have not posted here before but I know that she has and thought it would be easier just to use her screen name. I can not wait until these days are over and we get to be together again. Thankyou for any input. A

What would you like to know? My wife has been at Carswell for 16 months.Steve&kids

A, i'm sorry that you had to do this. you must feel so horrible. i wish you all the best. i'm sure steve will be a helpful resource for you. please let us help you both get through this.

emme

I have read that clothes can be an issue what can I wear and not wear? And is holding hands ok? hugging?

To start, do not wear any light brown or tan clothing.When you first get in to see her you are allowed to hug and about a 8 second kiss. You also get to hug and kiss at the end of your visit. Bring $20.00 worth of quarters every visit,get there early to get in line, the gates open at 8am but get in line no later than 7am.No, after the initial kiss and hug you cant touch.Ask away...Steve&kids

do all vistors go into the same gate, because I know that there are more than 1 facility there? What goes on at the check in? And why so many quarters? Sorry I have so many questions. If you don't get there by 7 how long of wait would that be? Do you know about Christmas visit? Thank you for your help.

also how do the phone calls work I think she said prepaid, but how much will that cost?

Everyone uses the same gate.At check in they make sure you are on her visiting list, which you already are if she listed you o her PSI. You are searched, and if you have done any illegal drugs in the past few weeks dont even bother to see her.Make sure that your auto is tagged and you have proof of insurance. If you dont get there by 7 am then the odds are you will not get in before they close the gates again at 945am for 10am count, and they wont reopen the gates until about 1045 am. Bring a good picture ID,and dont forget the $20.00 in quarters.They are actually really decent, the prison staff.Never had a problem at all with them.Visiting hours are Fridat, 5 to 9, sat and sun 8 to 3, mon 5 to 9. All federal holidays are 8 to 3. Talked to Stephanie tonight and she doesnt know what they are planning, if any thing, on xmas.Will post it as soon as she knows.Steve&kids

Great thanks for you help and if you have any other info will you post it here and if I have any questions I will post them here as well. How often do you get to talk? Thats all for now worn out its been a hard week. A

Some personal advice now. Write her as often as possible, everyday would be great.Send pics and cards and go to your local paper and start a subscription to her. I have cosmo and vogue mag subscriptions sent to Stephanie also.Tell her you love her everyday in every letter, tell her all about your day. Even simple things like what you ate for dinner. Steve&kids

Get money sent to her asap so she can by phone time. If she calls you collect it will cost you a fortune. With miney on her books she can call you directly and it will cost her only $1.50 per 15 minute call. The most she can spend on her books is $290.00 a month,and thats what we send her,but if you can at least send her some money it will help. Always send US postal money orders, they are posted to her account the day they recieve them. She will be able to call you daily once she goes thru a indoc period,I think it last a week or so. Steve&kids

How long does it take for them to receive mail? I already have one dropped off at the post office, so it goes out first thing tomorrow, and another one to mail on the way to work. Her sentence is for 12months and a day so how long do you think she will be there, she will spend some at a half way house right? A

A letter sent from where we live, NE Oklahoma, takes 2 days to get to her.Probably around 5 months or so, then to the halfway house.Steve&kids

I have another question, about the money orders do we make it out to them with the number after or what? And also on the visit times like from 8-3 do we get to spend the whole time with them? Thank you, A

Make the money order out to her with her Federal ID number on it. It doesnt matter if you put it before or after her name. Make sure you fill out the part of where it came from, in other words put your name and address. It will be sent back if you dont. Listen up man, I know you are really worried and stressed and you can be sure she is also. But I gotta tell you she is in a much better place than 99% of the places I read about here on PTO. I have never met a single person at Carswell, guards or inmates, that has not been totally nice and polite.I actually sent a few messages to your woman a few months ago when she was asking questions here on PTO, and I believe she is a lady that will be well liked. Steve&kids

About the visiting hours, they are 8 to 3. By the time you sign in and get your pass and go into the prison in the waiting room it will probably be 830am or so, even if you are first in line. At around 230pm or so they start to empty the visiting room. So on the best of days you will get 6 full hours with her. Inside there are seats to sit and talk with her, and outside you can sit on benches and smoke if you want to.Get down to see her as soon as you can. I believe it will ease your mind once you do.Steve&kids

I understand that going down there will really help and I hope to get to do that soon. How many visitors will she be allowed to have at one time? I know it seems like I have a lot of questions and I do, but I am also getting questions from her parents and my parents. Again I thank you for all of your help. A

I really do not know how many visitors are allowed at one time. I have seen many people at one time visit with an inmate,as many as 10, so I believe that as long as any one is on her visitiation list they may visit her.If you will go to the Fed Bureau of Prison website and click on inmates and then type her name , it will list among other things the phone number to Carswell. If you call they will gladly answer this question or any other. They, Carswell, seem to really care about the family of the inmate.Steve&kids

I just have to pop in and say WOW! Another PTO kodak moment where I am SO glad to be part of this family.

A, I wish you the BEST of luck on this year and a day (I thought only CA did that...guess not) and we're all here for you no matter what!

Steve, clap clap clap...you're amazing! Thank you so much for helping A out with all this!

Just a quick update. I had my first chance to visit this past Saturday the 21st and it was Great! I was so happy to see my baby, she is doing fine. Everyone seemed to be nice down there and I do feel alot better after being able to visit! I must admit I did tear up when it was time to say goodbye, but now its just time to look forward to the next visit. I hope that they all go that well. Thankyou for all of your help. A

This is excellent information. I have a few questions about visitation at Carswell...

My mom was just moved there on June 12. How long can I expect before she can have visitors?

What are the directions to the gate for visitation?

Will my stepfather-to-be (her fiance) be allowed to visit?

Can you visit as many days as you want? I live in South Caroloina and would be travelling to Fort Worth to visit my mom so I would want to visit as many days as I could... fortunately, I do have a sister that lives in Dallas that I can stay with.

A ~ glad to see you are standing by faerie...i'm sure it means the world to her. you must be one hell of a guy. *hugs*

Hi Dove, here are the answers to the above questions that you have ask. If you were on her PSI report you can start visiting now, if not she has to put you on her list and that may take a few weeks to get approved. Take I-30 west in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and just about when you think you are about out of town you will see a sign that says Carswell Navy base. Take that exit and keep right and about a mile and a half down the road you will see the Navy base on your left. Pull up to the gate and the Guard will give you directions to the prison gate. The prison is located on the Navy base.Once again, if the step- father to be was on the PSI report he can visit her now, if not he will have to wait until her visiting list has been approved. You can visit her Mon and Fri evenings and Sat and Sun from 8 to 3, and every Federal holiday. Steve&kids

Thanks Steve.

I read that I needed to take $20 in quarters. What is that for? Also, what is the dress code specifically, can I bring a camera to take pictures, can we bring food?

Dovie

Another question... my mom was able to make a call once she arrived at Carswell (I guess she had a nice guard). Then, her counsellor made a call for her to let us know that she was okay. She got on the phone for a few minutes and said that she would need money for her uniform and shoes (she'll be working as a nurse at the hospital). After about 3 minutes, she had to get off the phone. She said she would call early next week once she finished checking in. How would I find out how to send her the money she needs... do I have to wait until she calls back next week?

Dovie

Every guest that goes to see her is allowed to bring in 20 dollars worth of quarters for the food and drink machines. Also you may bring one unopened pack of smokes, and that is all you can bring in. All food and drinks are to be bought from the machines inside. You can not bring a camera but your mom can buy photo tickets for 50 cents each and the prison has a photographer in the visiting area. The pics take about two weeks to get back to your mom, then she can send them to you. Steve&kids

Check a post in the federal section here on PTO, the correct address to send money to "FMC CARSWELL", is listed, it is an address in Georgia. Be sure to put your moms Federal ID number on the money order, and send a postal money order, it is credited to your moms account the day they recieve it. You dont have to wait for her to call you back, you can send the money order now.Steve&kids

Just a note, since this thread pretty much concerns specific visitation and other questions just for Carswell, I am moving this thread to the Federal forum so the information will be here to help others in the future regarding questions about Carswell, too. :)

Thanks everyone who has participated in this thread for sharing your knowledge and all this wonderful info, it has certainly been a big help to those who need it now and I know it will certainly help many in the future!! :)

Lys

Thanks for the information. This has been a great help. I've let my family know and this helps us out quite bit. My brother went to see mom last week. He told me the info I had given him really helped out...especially the quarters and getting in line by 7:00 am.

Thanks a million.

Dovie

Hey all,

Glad to find this board!

Someone keeps asking about the $20 in quarters. That is the maximum amount of money you are allowedper visitor. There is not anyone to give change although some of the vending machines can change a dollar so bringing quarters is best.

You can also bring in one unopened package of cigarettes per person entering. If your loved one smokes and you do not, you can bring them the package of cigarettes. They are not allowed to touch the pack but you can give them cigarrettes as they are not allowed to bring anything in or out while visiting including their cigarrettes. You can give them the cigarrettes and also buy them things from vending.

No lighters or matches allowed. Their version is provided outside. We find it easier to put our change and cigarettes in a baggy for the guards to check. It's easier than going through your pockets.

We saw an amazing amount of people showing up with out shoes - They will not let you in.

Also, a lot of women were trying to get in wearing next to nothing. Skimpy clothing. No short shorts or mini clothing allowed heh heh - They won't let you in.

Why would you not wear tan or light brown though Steve and kids?

It was not quite the nightmare I imagined... But the two hug rule was sad. And you are not allowed to wave or yell to your loved one if you see them when driving away. I don't know why they have this rule. But it's best to follow them. There are games to play. Checkers, cards, Scrabble etc. There are toys and games for kids as well and a place for them to watch movies. I did see many children visiting. As for visiting the inmates across the street I don't have a clue. I don't think it's the same though.

If you are family (parents - siblings) you are allowed to visit without an investigation. Others will be investigated before being added to your loved ones visitation list.

I agree I would send as much mail as humanly possible! Mail time can be the highest or the lowest point in the day.

Hope this helps -
God bless you and those you love
LadyGodiva

In the Letters from X-cons and inmates forum is a thread on the Camp at Carswell. It was written by Tonib whom is currently there. This may answer some questions as to life for your loved ones. Galarupe is also there and sometime this weekend I will be adding her thoughts and impressions to Toni's.

Hopefully, we can get Toni to continue her writings as some point.

Patti

FriscoLady - Has there been mention of how to get medical attention when no one working at the prison will get it for you? My sister is very ill and needs to see a doctor. Do you remember Tonib writing anything that may mention who to contact? I don't have a huge amount of time although I have been looking throughout the day. We are supposed to leave @ 2am (in roughly 2 hours) to go see her and that leaves little time to read everything available. I have not seen anything mentioning a number or what to do so far. Any advice?
Thanks,
LadyGodiva

My wife was sentenced on 1-9-2004. The judge gave her 30 days to get things in order. She should get a report date of 2-9-2004. He recommended she serve her time at Carswell FPC. We are waiting for a letter from the BOP. Sure hope they follow his recommendation. My biggest concern is that she receives her medication. It took her doctor a long time to find the right combination so her illness won't flare up. She takes about 10 different medications at night. The meds cost about $2000.00 a month. She could become seriously ill if her meds are changed or she does not get them. I would pay for them and bring them for her if it was a problem for the facility to provide them. She needs them to function normally. Her report day will be the worst day in the lives of our daughter, myself, my wife, our families and friends. Any info or advice would greatly be appreciated. Thank you everyone.

I just wanted to welcome you to PTO!

I don't have any experience with medical issues. There has been a few others around here who have spoken of it. I do hope your wife will have no trouble with her meds!

Glad you are here on PTO!

Diane

I just wanted to welcome you to PTO!

I don't have any experience with medical issues. There has been a few others around here who have spoken of it. I do hope your wife will have no trouble with her meds!

Glad you are here on PTO!

Diane

Any information regarding medication would be helpfull. Please refer anyone with info to me.

Hello this is not faeriegirl this is her fiance and I just dropped her off at Carswell prison camp today, the worst day of my life and I was wanting to know what to expect on my first visit day? I have not posted here before but I know that she has and thought it would be easier just to use her screen name. I can not wait until these days are over and we get to be together again. Thankyou for any input. A
Hi, this is Annie and I used to work at Carswell. I want to make a few corrections to some of the posts I've seen lest there be confusion. Carswell is on an Air Force base, not a Navy base - so don't look for a Navy sign. When you get to the gate they will route you into a visitors' building where you will have to park, go inside and register your vehicle for the day's visit. There will be BOP staff inside that can help you and answer your questions. After the vehicle is registered, they will direct you to the Camp.

Also, the mailing address to send money is not in Georgia. Here is the address and phone number:

FMC-Carswell
P. O. Box 27066
"J" Street, Building 3000
Fort Worth, TX 76127
(817) 782-4875

I hope this is helpful.

I have to say that I think it is so cool to see men being supportive of their wives/girlfriends who are in prison and supportive of each other. It seems like so often, the men just disappear while women tend to stick around longer. I know that probably seems like a sexist stereotype but it's what I've seen. So - you go guys!! And F.F. (that's Faerie Girl's Fiance) - my heart feels for you. Just know that this beginning is the hardest part and it does get better and a bit easier as you establish that communication. I've been doing this a lot of years but I still remember the tough times at the beginning with the separation - and the frustration of dealing with the BOP. Just remember to not let the BOP get between you - they can't keep your hearts from flying over those fences. Zelda

You can expect a very nice visitation. Get there early as there will be a lineup of cars. Take your drivers license and proof of insurance (required). She will be waiting for you if she knows you are coming. My sister is 'visiting' the FMC Carswell camp as well. She has been there for 4+ months. It is great spending time with her. Good luck!



Hello this is not faeriegirl this is her fiance and I just dropped her off at Carswell prison camp today, the worst day of my life and I was wanting to know what to expect on my first visit day? I have not posted here before but I know that she has and thought it would be easier just to use her screen name. I can not wait until these days are over and we get to be together again. Thankyou for any input. A

Regarding the medical issue: in serious cases where the medical care in inadequate, I have written once, on behalf of a friend at the Springfield Medical Facility, to the Medical Director for the BOP in in the Washington D.C. office and outlined the problem. I don't know what he did but the medical treatment was greatly improved after that. This was about 3 years ago. Zelda