Has anyone here used this method to communicate with an inmate?

any c/o or law enforcement official who has ever communicated with an inmate has used that method. Good luck

Well I haven't and if I did I sure wouldn't admit it on the internet!

In the first place, my relationship with my husband is far too important to risk losing contact with him and in the second place..... I'm a former state employee, now working for the county... losing my job wouldn't be worth it either.

mrsd

I have a po box... and people send things to me all the time with my real name and my name here...shadow. It is fine and I get my mail with no problems.
Shadow

What a strange question, why do you even ask??

I dont understand how you could open up a PO box with a fake name...when I opened mine with my REAL name I had to show my driver's license.

Why would you go to that trouble and hide who you are? I have a Po box and use my name,maybe I just don't get it? Most inmate's just WANT MAIL and nothing more,unless you start it first>Good Luck in what ever

I have never used that method because I have no need to. Sounds like alot to go through to communicate with someone. Why would you put yourself through all that trouble?

I think it is because it is a C/O and inmate relationship...but still....I go back to my original post...

Yes, that is how I first started my correspondence with Matthew. I had just left (working for) the prison and I thought that they would not allow correspondence between us. So I rented a PO Box with my real name but added the bogus name as another user. When I would send letters, it was always with my fake name and PO Box and he would send my letters the same way. I never had a problem with it.

I dont understand how you could open up a PO box with a fake name...when I opened mine with my REAL name I had to show my driver's license.

Yeah, I am with Jackie...when I opened a PO box once, with my REAL name as well, I had to show ID, my driver's license...you have to prove who you are.

If you really need to hide your identy then open a PO box and add the follwing name as person who can recieve mail in your box as well then who ever your writing just give them the name you added to your list and noone will ever know including the inmate privacy is always a big deal when writing an inmate you don't know for the first time and as for the C\O problem same method you have to protect your income. I use a PO box to get my mail from Tommy but only so my neighborhood and mail carrier won't know he is incarcerated Hope this helps good luck in your goal.

Hey y'all if you have ever been stalked on the internet or thru the postal system's mail, then I think you could understand easier why she did what she did. Or maybe she does not want this individual to know where she lives for now. Whatever you reasons are -- they are your reasons and they are personal. IN my opinion -- it is none of OUR business if you choose to communicate with an inmate in this manner. If you should at some point choose to reveal it that's is fine -- if you choose not to that is also just fine too.
I have a post office box at the post office in my name and I too had to show ID in order to get it. Now when I added another name to the account I did not have to show ID. Now from what I understand you can sometimes get a mail box at some of the private places that offer mailing services such as UPS, FedEX, Airborne just to name a few. They also sells cards, and mailing supplies. These are owned by private companies and or individuals. There rules are less strigent than the post office in the renting or leasing of boxes for receiving mail and or packages.
I think folks here have forgot their mannerss -- I see by the date you joined us was just this month. Let me take it upon myself to say WELCOME to PTO. Normally we are a warm, compassionate and supportive group of individuals. Glad you found us.

I don't think any of us were being rude, I know I can speak for myself at least that I was not. I, along with Sweetpea, were just being honest about the fact that they require ID. And if you read this person's OTHER thread, you will see the true reason why HE is asking about this...

Well said, Sassy...and your right, as a USPS employee i can tell you its tru that the private mailing centers...mailboxes, etc. and the ones you named are not as stringent in their rules and yes it works too to add a name to a post office box after you rent it in your real name....

Anakin, its nice to have you here. I, for one like gettting an opinion and hearing the other side of the fences take on things...I REALLY appreciate the X-CO's and the CO's that come forward to help us out with thier knowledge of the system.

Doesnt that border on being a federal charge. Providing false information to government officals??

The application said that all persons named would have to have ID.

It is in my name but I am using a fake name..I am hoping the post officer just looks at the box number and doesn't pay any attention to the name?

I guess I will find out soon enough.

Anakin, that really SUCKS!!! :cool: BoOoOoOoOooo USPS! :blah:

I believe that the reason you are required to provide your real identity when renting out the box is because of the same reason you have to provide your real identity when renting anything.. they need a real person to link back too if something illegal is taking place.. Like receiving illegal goods through the mail, committing crimes through the mail system using your box. Think gang, drug, terrorism etc. related stuff..

I Hope everything works out! :D

thanks

Well I can think of several legitimate reasons for having another name instead of your real name on a box. However, where I live they do require a drivers license and another form of picture ID to open the box, they dont require ID's of anyone else though who you might have listed. Sometimes boxes are shared.
I myself have a box in my maiden name as well as my married name as a user. Therefore there are no problems.
In Kentucky they are very fussy when it comes to one person communicating with more than one inmate in the same institution. Not saying it isnt done, but this is one way it can be circumvented.
For anyone who is perhaps seeking out a new pen pal perhaps they aren't comfortable in giving out their name or their home address. This is a great way to start a relationship with no ties attached that can haunt you if the relationship doesnt work out.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

In Ga they want an id--but like others have said you can add users,without id. I added my boys and my maiden name on mine with no id. I still get mail thats not mine so I dont think they look at anything the number when they are sticking mail in the boxes. Alot of times when I order things off the net, like free samples and stuff I use a fake name and I always get it. I kind of feel like I am protecting myself. Then again I just found out in April that someone has charged $93,000 in my name since last July. So I guess we can never be to careful. Just be careful. I have read on PTO about people not being able to communicate with inmates like if they were involved int he case--like domestic violence. If this is the case be careful because I am sure there could be legal consequences if you get caught also if you are not allowed to write because you broke a rule in the past. Just be careful hate to see both of you locked up. Best of luck.

ONE

Hey y'all if you have ever been stalked on the internet or thru the postal system's mail, then I think you could understand easier why she did what she did. Or maybe she does not want this individual to know where she lives for now. Whatever you reasons are -- they are your reasons and they are personal. IN my opinion -- it is none of OUR business if you choose to communicate with an inmate in this manner. If you should at some point choose to reveal it that's is fine -- if you choose not to that is also just fine too.
I have a post office box at the post office in my name and I too had to show ID in order to get it. Now when I added another name to the account I did not have to show ID. Now from what I understand you can sometimes get a mail box at some of the private places that offer mailing services such as UPS, FedEX, Airborne just to name a few. They also sells cards, and mailing supplies. These are owned by private companies and or individuals. There rules are less strigent than the post office in the renting or leasing of boxes for receiving mail and or packages.
I think folks here have forgot their mannerss -- I see by the date you joined us was just this month. Let me take it upon myself to say WELCOME to PTO. Normally we are a warm, compassionate and supportive group of individuals. Glad you found us.


Anakin is a guy and a c/o in love with an inmate
yes you have to show id to rent a po box. but like others have said you can add another name. I just said it was a daughter.

Well we do have male CO's here as well as female CO's and it is refreshing to hear their opinions as well.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

I thought it was now law or regulation now that even places like Mailboxes Etc required ID. I know that this was a huge issue in the late 90's as people were using them as dead drops for ID's and other things. I'm sure they are pushing it more on the edge of the terrorist envelope now as well.

When I was on the run a long time ago I was going to use a postal box for this very purpose but it was getting harder to get one then even from a 3rd party.

I understand there are legitimate purposes for this and I would recommend using a altered name and P.O. box if you are concerned about people having your home address. I know we have a lot of pen-pals around that are doing this very thing. I also know of one bad story where an inmate threatend the heck out of his pen-pal when she stopped writing. Said he was going to send friends over to her house and everything.

David you are right! I use my PO box as a multi-purpose adventure.. PTO projects, hubby gives it out to friends who are getting out of prison, I use it as a business address for my jewelry business as well as my church address.

I had show my ID and my daughters ID (some of our business conacts are thru her). In addition, I had to EXPLAIN each name I was using and the post master had to look them over and approve them. Once I satisfied him that I was using all of these "names" legally and wasn't doing anything illegal, he approved them all.

Oh my gosh Mrs. D, I guess every state is different. I didn't have to explain any name I listed. However, I also live in a tiny town. So perhaps that has something to do with it.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

lol.. I live in a small town as well and I have had a PO box before. In fact when I went to rent one again, the post master remembered me and ask me if I was going back to work for the same organization as previously. I Told him NO, that this was all private adventures.

I wasn't upset in the least that they asked.. it shows me that they are taking all the precautions they are SUPPOSED to take, especially since 9-11.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Maybe write her and add like ur parents or friends address if the PO Box thing dont work but it should work.

babygirl I am with you. I just went in and said I want a PO Box the only thing they asked me was what size and who's name did I want on the list for mail delivery. I think it depends on what town and what mood the Postal Employee is in....LOL

softie

I'VE NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE OPENING A PO BOX UNDER AN ALIAS NAME. I HAD TO USE MY DRIVERS LICENSE TO GET ONE.

I would certainly hope the USPS and other services would verify ID.

Well I did have to show my drivers license, however, it has my maiden name on it. I also listed my married name on the box to get mail under that name and I didnt need to show any ID with that name. I did have my marriage license just in case, but wasnt asked for anything.
In this tiny town, everyone knows everyone. It is rare that ID is asked of anyone. I guess if it was an unfamiliar face they might get asked.
Even at the bank where I do my business, they only know me by my maiden name, sometimes I will have a check with my married name on it and I just tell them it is my married name, they dont ask me for ID. Once in a while if it is a new clerk, she will look at my drivers license and write down the number on the check.

just curious, why do CO's bother coming on to this website????? unless they have a loved one inside, I mean your surrounded by this prison stufff at work whats the deal with that? are you trying to find out information...... it's just weird to me!

mousies wife

mousies wife. PTO is not limited to just those who have a loved one in prison. We welcome those from all walks of life - yes even corrections officers - as long as they abide by the Rules and Policies just like everyone else.

We have Corrections Employees read and respond to some of our threads in the Michigan forum. Often times they give us an outlook that we aren't aware of or seeing. Sometimes we even educate THEM!

We have no control over why people come to PTO, but as long as we don't feed them with too many details that are best left unsaid, maybe just maybe they can learn something.

mrsdragon
PTO Moderator

I agree MrsDragon..and maybe, just maybe people here might learn something from us too.

I'm not bothered by the negative comments...I was told right off the bat by several people here that there are a lot of haters at this site. But I have also met quite a few people who have been really nice too me...and some patient moderators :)

Um. Good luck I guess. LOL

I tried reading through this thread, but it was exhausted by page 2 ;) But, I am not sure if this was mentioned.. If it was, my mistake. But, isn't it illegal to open a PO box using a fake name? I am not too familiar with the "PO BOX LAWS" lol. But, is a fake name used on the envelope also? (Like the return addy I mean). Never tried that.. But, I have no reason to.

Late,
j

I'm not bothered by the negative comments...I was told right off the bat by several people here that there are a lot of haters at this site. But I have also met quite a few people who have been really nice too me...and some patient moderators :)

I like to think of it as people just need to be enlightened.... :D Sometimes when we don't understand something, our defenses are up, but it is better to teach those members, then we all have a better understanding and aren't so insensitive. I dunno, just my opinion. Sorry for getting off topic!

Anakin,

First and formost "Welcome to PTO". Have you consider a family member or friend's address? Just a thought........you don't need to get into more complications than what you are already venturing into. Good luck in your new found relationship.

just curious, why do CO's bother coming on to this website????? unless they have a loved one inside, I mean your surrounded by this prison stufff at work whats the deal with that? are you trying to find out information...... it's just weird to me!

mousies wife

Alot of CO's both present and past are here on this site. Some of them have loved ones inside and some of them are curious as to what is going on here. I think alot of them are very helpful in helping to offer us information that can be of benefit to us. They can offer us a different slant on things, than some of the rest of us have no privy to.

There is a great lady here from the state of Texas, who is willing to help anyone and everyone 24/7. Even though I am not in Texas and that is her expertise, she was able to point me in the right direction. She is an ex CO, but still working in the Judicial System.

I also agree what was said after your post, you need to be selective what you say here if it is something that could get your loved one in trouble.

I am sure (although not certain 100%), there COULD be some here with ulterior motives.

Bring on the CO's they are welcome by me, as I have found them very helpful.

Just my opinion on the matter.

Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

Welcome to PTO glad your here. I know I have learned so much from this site and the wisdom of many that have been doing this longer than I have ...

Personally I opened a PO box and I have mail in there from people I never have heard of and I have been in this town for YEARS... they just put it in the wrong box lol ... oh well my PO box has 3 of my names that gets mail there and 2 are legal and one is combination of the two legal names :p for the junk mail and stuff like that -- let them find my phone number with that name :haha: but I also get most of my legal mail there as well it is safer there than my home address for the most part since I am gone normally 10-16 hours a day with no one home easy access to my mail so I am more comfy with it there.

also this is my :twocents: I don't give a rats butt what someone does for a living or anything else we ae ALL going thru the trying times of having someone behind prison bars. So just because they might happen to be a CO who cares!!! At least NOW they will know what we go thru daily,weekly,monthly and yearly with our loved ones and maybe just maybe they can help make a difference!!!!
Ok standing off the soapbox now :D
Have a GREAT day!

I would consider it if I had pen pals whom I didn't know yet or didn't trust yet. You have to be careful, not all of the people in prison are innocent or are choir boys ... some actually belong there!

I had to show my ID, and a piece of mail postmarked and addressed to me at that address...I guess since 9/11 they have to be more careful who they rent PO boxes to...I was really surprised...Good luck and welcome to PTO Anakin

I have three names on my PO box- mine, his, and a neighbor. When I re-upped for the fee last month they told me that new Patriot Act regulations meant that each person would have to come in and show ID. I explained why Has couldn't stop by and do that, they said, tough noogies to the government then...But I live in a way cool town.
Anakin, I'm pulling for you. It seems funny to me sometimes, we all (ladies) wish if prison were to happen to us, a decent man would be there for us. We all wish for more empathetic COs too. But just let one show up, and...Oh whatever. Good luck, that's all. Your other thread was the first time I have ever seen what I would call "inmate bashing" on PTO. Things that make you say hmmmm....

Has anyone here used this method to communicate with an inmate?
Hey Anakin,
I am an ex-c/o and I did that very thing, rented a po box. They still knew who I was but at least I got someone else who couldn't be directly linked to me to open it, then used a fake name. Like I said though, they still knew it was me as they have seen this all before many times. They just couldn't prove it without police investigation.

So, Anakin, I am gonna tell you this........the situation you are in will probably get you fired unless you play every move right, then it depends on luck, tremendous patience and if your sweety can keep it on the down low. Mine couldn't and I got fired/resigned and she got moved to a state penn instead of the community punishment where we met. I had more contact with the incarcerated people in this place than you do at state penns, I guess that is why I fell in love and though we never did anything physical (I wouldn't allow it), our letter writting and her calling me on other officers cell phones and the phones on the compound were enough to get me in hot water and fired, she went to the hole and sent to real prison(she had done other things in addition but this was the straw that broke the camel's back).

I now cannot see her at all, I can write and she calls me, I have a new job and she gets out in 6 months(we hope) so it wasn't the end of the world. Still, I wish there would have been a different way. I would probably never have let her stay up and talk to me at nights and I would have kept my distance. I feel my work ethic was very unprofessional but I was completely taken back by her and I fell hook, line, and sinker. My family and friends have been supportive for the most part but this is not an easy thing to deal with. The laws in my state are the same as yours basically about sexual activity with an inmate being a felony which is equivelant to rape and having to register as a sex offender. Thank God that those people did not try to prosecute me, even though nothing happened(no sex) it still could have been a very nasty legal battle. I was sick for over a month with worry, it was not worth that crap. I am not saying she isn't worth it, but I sure would have done it all differently and waited til she got out of there before I ever admited my feelings about her were mutual. She will still get out about the same time, but what hell do we go thru between now and then? If I would have quit, maybe things would be different too but I really think it was too late from the beginning.

Please be careful and remember, the PO Box thing is just letting them know that she is probably communicating with an officer or someone hiding something. I would find a friend that I trusted that lived far away and communicate thru them if you have such a friend. I don't even know if that would be safe, just watch your step. This can get really screwed up fast. It's not fun, believe me.

In response to some of the other posts here, seems to be quite a few c/o's or ex-c/o's. I believe that you honestly cannot help whom you fall in love with. I could have denied my feelings for her and that probably would have been very wise looking on the outside in, but all I know is that I prayed everyday before I got to work that I would get posted in her area and get to talk to her. I had a lot more access to personal relations with these people than a state penn does, so I guess I was more succeptable to this type of thing, all I know is that I love her now and I wouldn't do anything to change that. I may be the biggest fool walking but I care for her genuinely and it's not all about sexual attraction. If loving her is wrong, I don't wanna be right. I wish you luck and hope you play it safe. Hang in there!!
Dexterdg

I might be foolish, but I always use my real name and my home address. My thought- If I want to form a friendship with these people, I need to trust them. To me, trust is not earned. It's automatically given, until something happens to take it away.

But that's just me.

Hey girl,
Look into a remailing service. Go to a search engine and put in remail service!

Well that certainly is a different solution to a problem. Thanks for sharing.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

I totally agree with 1sassysistah. She has her reasons for needing a PO Box, let's just help her out (for those that want to and can) and not give her a hard time. Let's support each other 'cause we are all in the same boat!!

If you are a CO employed at the unit he/she is at, trust that you WILL be found out, no matter how much you try to keep it one the DL (down low). That is how it always plays out. Good luck, though!

Well one can always try. Where there is a will there is a way. Just have to watch who you talk with and cover your steps. Leave no paper trails.
We have to have hope. Hope sometimes is all that keeps some of us going.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

Has anyone here used this method to communicate with an inmate? Speaking as a C/O trying to contact an inmate outside of work is crazy plus using a fake name to get a PO box is a federal offense. To me your risking everything then sooner or later your own internal affairs will sniff you out :( Let it go and save your family the embarassment

just curious, why do CO's bother coming on to this website????? unless they have a loved one inside, I mean your surrounded by this prison stufff at work whats the deal with that? are you trying to find out information...... it's just weird to me!

mousies wife Hello Well the reason why i come on this website is I like helping people ,plus i do realize that i could have been inmate, you know not everyone grew up as a saint .I guess i had seen the light. :) To this very day i have family members calling me and asking what to expect and etc........ Everyone has some family member locked up

I can only speak for the state I live in. When getting a Post Office Box, you have to show two forms of ID (state issued), one with a picture on it. However, names that are added to the box, no ID is needed.
So as far as being a federal offense, it just isnt going to happen here, unless you are using false ID, which we all know is possible.
But I could have mail coming to my dog there since identification is not required, only a name, so I doubt very seriously if I could get in trouble. And No, I am not a CO, however, they dont ask you at the Post Office here what your occupation is either.
Just my experience and thoughts, opinions on the matter.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

No I haven't... I really don't have nothing to hide

I can only speak for the state I live in. When getting a Post Office Box, you have to show two forms of ID (state issued), one with a picture on it. However, names that are added to the box, no ID is needed.
So as far as being a federal offense, it just isnt going to happen here, unless you are using false ID, which we all know is possible.
But I could have mail coming to my dog there since identification is not required, only a name, so I doubt very seriously if I could get in trouble. And No, I am not a CO, however, they dont ask you at the Post Office here what your occupation is either.
Just my experience and thoughts, opinions on the matter.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.
Your right it must be the state you live in because since terrorism hit here in the U.S most of our privacies are gone as for adding names that are fake it will still trace back to you if you are doing shady things . As for the post office asking you your profession come on we know they don't ask that :rolleyes: And yes it is a federal offense!!! :thumbsup:

I am an ex co, the reason I come on this site is for the support and to support others. I could just as easily of been in prison as the inmates I supervised! So, LJ 20, I am feelin' ya'!

I am an ex co, the reason I come on this site is for the support and to support others. I could just as easily of been in prison as the inmates I supervised! So, LJ 20, I am feelin' ya'!
Thanks for love brother, the c/o's that do feel that way just do their eight and hit the gate!!!LOL All it takes is just one flip of the coin to end up inside but seeing how it is inside. I just want to live life and enjoy my family because time waits for know one. As they say crime does not pay!!! Cheers to you!!!! :thumbsup: