Self Surrender to a Federal Prison Camp, Part 3
May 9th, 2009 by Rickey
While I was still getting acquainted with the other inmates around my area, I heard this loud shout, “count time”. What’s that I though, then I saw everyone moving and someone told me that I was to go stand in line by my bunk number. At 4 o’clock everyday all the inmates were counted. We stood by this three inch yellow line with the number of each persons bunk painted on the floor. Everyone was to be quiet as two officers would come along and count each inmate. One officer had a booklet with everyone’s picture. When the count was clear everyone raced out the door. I quickly realized that it was also dinner time after count.
After dinner I walked around the dormitory to see where everything was. There was a private shower area, private toilets and an open area with sinks. There was a laundry room with 4 washers, 4 dryers, and ice machine. The dormitory had three TV rooms, one exercise room, and a big TV in the main area by the various offices. Thank God it was air conditioned. Basically it was a large open building with bunk beds and lockers.
Outside was something I didn’t expect to see. There was a concrete walking tract, baseball field, basketball court, handball courts, soccer field and a football field. That’s right and all the equipment to go along with it. Baseball and basketball were the most played.
I then wanted to see what was in the building adjacent to the dormitory. It was also part of the kitchen. These rooms were available to all the inmates for their use. There was an art room, a barber shop, a library, a law library, classrooms for GED plus other general teachings, and a chapel with plenty of religious and spiritual materials to watch and listen.
Basically the camp looked comfortable and a far cry from a cell with bars. I had a place to sleep, plenty to eat, place to exercise, a library to learn and a chapel to worship. God was there for me because He quickly showed me that this was no longer a federal prison camp but a bible camp to study His living word. Praise God!
What prison camp were you at?
The federal prison camp in Pollock, LA.
I drink way too much coffee form morning till about 9PM….my question is coffee and other beverages available other than at meal times? I have surrender 1/19 and if it’s not available (even for purchase) then I need to slow down on the coffee so I don’t go through coffee withdrawl…the headaches acn be brutal!
Ron,
A very good question and please remember that my answers are based on one prison camp.
Most beverages provided at meal time were milk and orange juice for breakfast and fountain drinks (flavored water with no carbination) for lunch and supper.
Yes, coffee and name brand beverages like Coke or Pepsi products are available in the commissary for purchase. The coffee however is instant coffee but I do not remember the name brand.
On the other hand, a fresh brewed cup of coffee was available at times because some inmate’s work location had coffee makers and coffee was a privilege to have.
Oh, I also heard through other inmates that some facilities have vending machine that use an inmates commissary card as a debit card.
Thanks Rickey…. I should definately ween myself off the cooffee until I see what the situation is…I don’t know where I am going yet BUT it will probably be either FCI Miami or Coleman in Orlando (good Lord willing) so I am close to my 91 YO mother. I was wondering do the inmates ever do games like charades, sing alongs or anything like that to have fun in the evenings? I have always been the creative leader type ( that’s what got me 61/2 years) so I was wondering if they don’t do that sort of thing could I initiate anything like that even as witnessing tool like “Christian Charades” or something like that. I know I’ll have a bunch of ideas , that’s a gift God has given me….vivid imagination and organized leadership skills. I know that at first I have to GAIN trust and credibility with inmates and staff but after a short time they will see that I’m real and that I’m there so show them the love of Jesus. Thanks Again & Many Blessings 2 U!!
Ron
Wise plan with the coffee and you present another interesting question.
In regards to games, the ones most favored are dominos, chess and card games like spades and rummy. I never saw charades and the only times I saw sing alongs was in church related services.
Inmates focus on a lot of games where it involves competition and they take great pride in winning, especially the outdoor sports events.
When it comes to witnessing, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you because there are a lot of different religions and professions of faith inmates follow and there are a lot of inmates who where religious mask, even Christians.
You are also right about gaining other inmates trust, the key is to be a man of your word, always tell the truth and like Jesus just be a friend.
Rickey…do U know if they take $ out of UR initial $ that U take in when surrendering to go toward restitution? I know that they base the % taken out of what is sent 2 U but what about the initial $ (money order).
Thanks & Blessings 2 U!!
Second question: I have just finished writing my first book and would like to continue writing more books in prison. What do you know about the rules, I know I can’t get ianyhting published or conduct business while in there BUt if I write some books while in there can I leave with those handwritten books in hand?
Hey Rickey….another question I have: are inmates given any list of free correspondence courses available to them or are there any publications that may have such a list that I could check out ahead of time, I have 18 days B4 surrendering. Thanks
Ron,
Yes, if there is restitution to be paid a small percentage will be taken out of your commissary acount where funds are kept. The BOP will inform you and it will be in writing for you to see and this usually accurs during team meeting (quarterly meeting between you and the BOP camp administration). The amount taken out will be adjusted for more if your funds increase so maintain a budget for your personal needs.
This is the best time for writing, I remember a man who wrote a book, had it published, some were sent to him in camp where some were sold to the inmates. Go figure.
Yes, you are allowed to leave with your belongings, everything that you accumulate in the camp is yours. Only the items that are provided by the prison camp must be returned (bedding, clothing, boots, etc.).
However, you will be limited on the amount of space to keep things, so get in the habit of mailing things home, it’s a good safety precaution also.
Writing will be your best past time and your mental escape from prison life, highly encouraged.
There are no correspondance courses but there are some educational programs that inmates can participate in and most of them are video programs taken from the history channel.
Inmates who do not have a high school education must attend GED classes that the BOP provides.
I have seen inmates who were learning from correspondance courses but they were through the mail and the BOP educational does help and encourage it.
Rickey….If u want or need something that they don’t have in the commissary, do they approved catalogs that U can order products from directly? Thanks, Ron
Ron,
Yes, there are some items you can purchase from a catalog. For example, I was able to purchase some art supplies but this took a few weeks because of forms I had to filled out for approval and my funds to be released.
Please remember that each prison camp is different and ordering items may not be available while others may have more to offer.
Hello Rickey…I found out today I am going to the camp at Estill SC, have you or anyone else heard anything about it?
Many Blessings, Ron
Ron,
Sorry, I have no information regarding the Estill SC institution.
However, I do recommend that you call the institution as to what personal items you can bring and any other question you may have. You may not get all the answers but you will get some. If you are on any prescribed medication, ask about their procedures.
Hey Rickey,
What would U say the average age of inmates at a camp is?
Thanks, Ron
Ron,
There was such a variety of age groups from early 20’s to 70’s but I would say that the average age was late 20’s and early 30’s.
Rickey,
You commented to Ron that when you leave you take all of the items you have acquired with you. How does that work if you are going to another federal facility?
J
Joselynne,
Great question because there are two issues to the address and answer, transfer to another facility and going home.
When an inmate is transfering to another facility, their belongings are transported separately, (sort of like baggage in an airport). The inmate’s personal belongings may accompany them on the bus or they may be shipped by mail through other means. I have seen many inmates who transfered from other facilities recieve their items a few days later then their arrival.
The other is when an inmate is going home and one I experienced first hand.
Basically you just acquire a box from the BOP facility and pack your things. When the day comes to leave, an officer who checks you out looks through your things and approves them to leave with you. It’s that simple.
You can also mail things home but items need to be approved for shipping by a BOP staff member and a form filled out, also a simple process.
Hi Ricky,
I’m Linda (Ron’s significant other) and have questions about phone calls from prison. Ron reported to the camp at Estill Tuesday morning and I was very surprised to receive a call from him early Wednesday morning. But they don’t have his account set up yet and he had to call collect. So I had to set up a prepaid account to accept the calls and they’re very expensive. He thinks that he won’t have to call collect once his account is established and I’m wondering if that’s true. So can you share more information about that?
Also, I just want to thank you for this site because it has truly been a blessing to both me and Ron and he told me that it was just like you said and then some. He was very nervous before going in and I kept reminding him of all the things you’ve said, but like you say over and over again, what they think before going is so much worse than what it’s really like.
Unfortunately, upon the arrival of a new warden a couple of years ago, the inmates at Estill lost all of the amenities they had previously enjoyed, but as you also shared, the inmates are VERY resourceful! Ron’s been told that the camp at Estill is one of the toughest (worst to be exact) in the federal prison system, but he has been very impressed by how nice and kind everyone is and how they have all sort of taken him under their wing to teach him the ropes. He’s bored right now and eager to find out what kind of work he will be doing, but overall, I think he’s just relieved because the first time I talked to him, he kept saying, “It’s not that bad.” So thanks so much for your devotion and dedication to providing such an honest and accurate account for those facing prison for the first time. You are indeed a blessing to many of us and I know the Lord blesses you and yours in return! So thank you and may God bless you mightily!
In His Love,
Linda
Hi Linda,
It warms my heart to hear that everthing is well with Ron and thank you for those wonderful words of inspiration and the blessing, I receive them all with great Joy and appreciation. I pray God will bless and provide for you and Ron during this time as He did for my wife and I. God Bless!
In regards to the phone calls. Yes, collect calls are expensive, be patient. Setting up the phone account usually takes about a week or so. I remember telling my wife I would call her as soon as it was possible and I was surprised that it only took 3 days for the account to set up.
The next time you talk with Ron, have him set up a time when it’s most convenient as well as budgeting his time and funds to call you. For example, I use to call my wife between 9 and 10 pm every other night at the beginning of the month and then every night with minutes remaining (see the telephone calls topic on the top right listing, detailed info).
Yes, he will be bored for the first few weeks because it’s a time of medical test and camp orientation (I remember walking and sleeping a lot).
Rickey,
Thank you so much for posting this blog. My husband self surrendered to an FCI yesterday and I ended up here trying to find when I should expect the first phone call from him. This past month I have done extensive research about the prison system and what to expect, but your blog has been the first place where I feel like I can personally relate. Thank you again for sharing your experiences with others that are in this situation. Your stories truely are a blessing and have brought me much comfort.
Tiffany,
I remember self-surrendering on a Tuesday and by the same week on a Friday I was able to call my wife and she was able to visit that weekend.
So to answer your question, expect a call early in the week because the process of setting up a phone account usually only takes about a week and this includes his commissary.
Glad you found the site, feel free to ask as many question as you like.
Thanks for the blessing and blessing to you and your husband.
Rickey,
Thank you so much for your blessings. My husband called this morning and I was so happy to hear from him. He sounded so much better than I expected. He said that he will be able to go to the commissary next week and I will either visit this weekend or next. The only thing that concerned me was that he said it has only been 4 days and he feels like he is forgetting who he is. What can I do to help him throught these feelings. Again thank you for your kind words and your quick response.
Tiffany
Tiffany,
The thing that help me and my wife was the letters, we use to write every day because keeping the line of communication is very important. Send him cards and pictures. I remember my wife sending me pictures of our wedding day, it was one of the most memorable letters I received.
Mail call is the highlight of every inmates day, they all look forward to it.
Be creative with your letter writings, spray a little of your favorite cologne he likes, make plans for when he gets out and look at this time as a time of courtship by expressing your love to him all over again.
I am going in soon. I got my number but still I am not sure what prison yet. I have a 10 month sentence. Do you have any idea if I will still get that 6 month in a rooming house? I am trying to figure out how long I will have to stay. I did pay one of those companies that are suppose to help you get out sooner. Well they don’t get you out, they try to get you to halway house. It cost $2,500. Well I was just curious about the amount of time, please let me know.
Gregory,
With a 10 month sentence it’s likely you will spend 8 to 9 months in prison with 1 month or so of halfway house time. I say that because only 85% of time is served due to good time behavior factored in.
My opinion: Judge’s orders are usually the final word, therefore, always do a little research and background check regarding companies that claim to reduce sentences because there is no guarantee.
Rickey,
My brother was sentenced to 2 1/2 years; he was told he would spend his time at a camp in Atwater, CA. Prior to checking in, the judge allowed him to take a detour and say good-bye to our aging parents who are also on the west coast (my brother flew from his home on the east coast). The day before he was to turn himself in, he called Atwater to see if they had him on record to be arriving the next day. My brother called because he did not receive anything in writing from his pre-sentancing officer–he was just verbally told to be there. While on the telephone, my brother was informed that there was no record of him at Atwater. Atwater told him that he was supposed to be in Atlanta, GA. My brother called Atlanta and was informed that he was a fugitive because he was supposed to have turned himself in 3 weeks prior. The fugitive b.s. was straightened out while on that same call. So, with no advance notice, my brother was forced to purchase another cross-country airline plane ticket to turn himself in in Georgia. That was 5 weeks ago. Upon first arriving, he was told there wasn’t any room at the camp and he would be placed within the general population until something opened up. They stuck him in a (5 x 12?) holding cell and he has been there ever since. He is in this closet for 23 hours a day. Each day he has a new cell mate, all of whom have been pretty edgy characters. My brother is of no harm to anyone. He is a well educated, a really nice guy, whose faith in the Lord is strong. He has never been in trouble in his life and his crime was not violent in nature.
The following day my brother was informed that the BOP would be moving him to another facility, but no one knew where yet. Again, it has been 5 weeks @ 23 hours a day, and a new cell mate each day. Due to his stress, he has a severe case of gout from his ankle to his knee. For the severe pain he receives Advil, which doesn’t do much of anything. The uncertainty is the worst part for him, he just wants to get settled and aclimate to his surroundings.
I apologize for rambling on; however, I would like to ask you if my brother’s situation is standard operating procedure. Also, is there anything his family can do to get the ball rolling?
Thank you. By the way, I love your web site. By far, this is the best site I have come across on this topic. Your site gives those who do not know what to expect a better understanding. It also gives some peace of mind to their loved ones at home.
Pat,
I pray that God’s blessing and peace may rest upon you and your brother during this time. Thank you for sharing and you ask as many question that comes to mind because I am hear to help in any way possible in Jesus name.
Now to answer your question, this is not standard operating procedure. Usually the person to report or self-surrender is sent a letter from the BOP with information on where to go, date and time.
Your brother has limited option because he is in the BOP custody now and they are responsible for him.
First and foremost we pray because God knows all the facts and can fully restore things back in the proper order.
Here are 2 suggestion that could help also. First, when you do talk with your brother, have him talk to the chaplain by explaining the situation. I say that because they might have just forgot about him it and the chaplain can bring it to the proper channels and personnel.
Second, this one is for you, call the institution that he is in and inquire why your brother is in a cell rather than a camp, trust me, they will be more polite in talking to you than your brother.
Another thing is that the BOP may be waiting on available space and resources to transport your brother to the proper facility.
Again, God bless you and trust in God to remedy this situation.
Rickey,
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I neglected to mention two points that would have answered a couple of the suggestions that you kindly gave me. I apologize.
When my brother first arrived, he was told that he would be checking into the camp (in Atlanta), however, there wasn’t room for him at the moment. As soon as something opened up, they would try to get him in, he was told.
Unfortunately, word got out that he was not at Atwater, but instead, in Altlanta, Georgia. Pouring additional salt in our wounds, the commplainant in this case threw a fit and demanded my brother be moved from her home state. It is not possible to pick and choose which camp you wish to be at–which makes me wonder if this is someone’s idea of a cruel joke.
Nonetheless, the BOP said that they were going to place him in S.C., but that never happened. Now he is being told he will be placed in another state. Does it take that long to find a camp that has enough room for 1 person?
My oldest brother called Atlanta USP on numerouis occassions attempting to find out what where my brother was/will be staying. The staff who answered the phone are apparently, not allowed to give out any information. On one occasion, we were informed that yes, he was there in custody. We were also informed that he was “Okay” and he was not in the camp; was placed in the general population. No word about 23-hour lockdown status…
We have prayed and we do put our trust in the Lord. He does make all things right. Sometimes it is hard to wait. We feel better knowing that we are doing our best to nudge things along, though.
Thank you once again.
Pat
Pat,
Thank you for clarifying. I see all this as a complete misunderstanding and your brother is being disciplined for it, deserving or not.
This is not the norm because usually when a person is assigned a place to go there is a bed waiting for them. There are times when inmates are punished for fighting, being argumentive and all out bad attitudes and they are placed in the hole and this situation sounds exactly like one of those instances. How long someones stays in the hole is up to the prison authorithy while an investigation is being conducted or not.
It saddens me to hear of what your brother is going through because again, it’s just a misunderstanding from the very beginning that will be on his record while incarcerated.
Yes, continue praying because that is now our best weapon against this injustice. God knows the facts and He will be the one who softens the hearts to release your brother from this misunderstanding.
Take care and God bless.
Rickey,
Have you ever heard of Federal Inmate Advocates, located in Pennsylvania? If so, is what you heard good or bad?
Thanks for everything you do.
Pat,
Sorry, I have not heard of this organization.
Hi Rickey!
I was searching for information regarding medical care for inmates at Estill and your site came up, so I thought I’d share an update on Ron.
He is doing quite well emotionally and spiritually and has adjusted pretty well. But he’s still bored; yet glad that the time seems to be passing more quickly than he expected. However, we’re still praying for the prosecuting attorney to follow up on a sentence reduction hearing as promised, which he said would be within a year; so we hope to hear something about that soon.
Unfortunately for Ron, you were right about walking a lot and as the result of a very serious motorcycle accident in his teens, that’s causing a lot of trouble with his knee, and the level and speed of medical care there isn’t anything to brag about. So we’re trying to find out how to get help with that, which will be tough since staying off his feet is the best way to deal with the problem and that isn’t really possible under the circumstances. He’s in a lot of pain though, so I’m checking into the possibility of transferring to a medical facility where he might not have to walk so much and can get the medical attention he needs for that.
So I’d strongly encourage everyone facing prison time to do whatever is necessary to go in good health; if you need a surgical procedure, get it done before going in and make sure that your condition is well documented in your medical records beforehand. Ron has battled this problem for years but was always able to rest when it flared up and we had no idea this was going to be such a problem. Of course, the GOOD NEWS is that it comes as no surprise to God and as promised in Romans 8:28, He will cause even this to work together for good because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Thanks again for your site, Rickey! It really does give a very honest and accurate picture of what to expect in a federal prison camp and I know it blesses many others just as it has me and Ron. May the Lord continue to bless the work of your hand, and you and your precious family with His very best!
In His Love,
Linda
Linda,
Thank you so much for the update on Ron and thank you for the blessing, I receive it with joy. I also pray and believe that God will heal and restore Ron’s legs to full strength with no painand also for early release. Yes, it will work out for God’s goodness, I believe with you.
Take care Linda and God bless you.
Rickey:
First of all, I wanted to thank you for your website. It has been a tremendous tool in preparing me for my husband’s time in a camp. I just dropped him off yesterday. Nearly 24 hours since I left him now, and my chest physically hurts from the pain of it. We are both Christians, and God’s presence in our lives through this process has been like a veil of peace covering us. I know that He will use this time in our lives as a time to draw nearer to Him and to each other.
I hope to hear from him soon. I’ve read through your site and others that it may take about 3 days or so to hear from him. I was able to leave cash for his commissary fund when I dropped him off, which I was thankful to be able to do. My question concerns visitation. Are the camps set up so that inmates can receive visitors regularly? Are there certain weekends appointed for different units of inmates (e.g 1st and 3rd weekends of month), or can visitors go on any weekend? I’ve read the immediate family is pre-approved for visitation. Do you have to phone ahead or sign up before visiting?
My last question is regarding my two step-sons. My husband has two boys, 16 and 8. The 16-year-old is fully aware of the situation and plans to visit with me at our first visit with his dad. He is a very mature young man and has a close relationship with his father. We (my husband, his ex-wife and I) have told the 8-year-old that his dad is away for work for a while. My husband is at the camp, adjacent to a medium security prison. It is obvious what the buildings next door are, after being there yesterday. Do you have any suggestions for what to tell my youngest step-son? His understanding is limited due to his age. My husband is scheduled to be home before Christmas next year (2011). I have already started counting down the days.
Again, thank you for your site and your encouragement to the many people out here who are enduring this hardship. You have a ministry to others and I appreciate your willingness to share your experiences. Thank you!
Lovingwife,
Yes, it was also our faith in Christ that brought a lot of peace. During the time, we both grew stronger in our faith and we also grew in loving each other because of the new courtship. I pray it will be a blessing to both of you as well.
You are allowed to visit anytime the doors are open, even three day holiday weekends. My wife use to visit me from the hour it open till closing, Saturday and Sunday. Yes, the family member who are listed on the PSI report is automatically approved (family members). However it would be a good idea to verify to make sure to avoid any mishaps. Make a point of always calling your husband when you plan to visit especially if it’s a long distance because he will know if visitation is cancelled. If you don’t hear from him then call the institution.
In regards to the 8 year old son. Whatever you tell him, whether it’s the truth or not, my only suggestion is that you maintain a line of communication open between him and his dad. Make sure he has the opportunity to talk with him on the phone and write plenty of letters, the 8 year old needs to know that his dad loves him and that he is not abandoned by him.