Comments on: Self Surrender to a Federal Prison Camp, Part 3 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3 Conversation with a Former Federal Prison Camp Inmate Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:45:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Rickey http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1642 Rickey Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:40:17 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1642 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. 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.

]]> By: lovingwife http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1638 lovingwife Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:10:27 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1638 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! 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!

]]> By: Rickey http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1574 Rickey Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:00:43 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1574 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. 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.

]]> By: Linda http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1572 Linda Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:32:32 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1572 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 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

]]> By: Rickey http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1570 Rickey Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:26:32 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1570 Pat, Sorry, I have not heard of this organization. Pat,
Sorry, I have not heard of this organization.

]]> By: Pat http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1569 Pat Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:30:32 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1569 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. 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.

]]> By: Rickey http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1568 Rickey Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:45:25 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1568 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. 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.

]]> By: Pat http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1567 Pat Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:34:33 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1567 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 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

]]> By: Rickey http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1564 Rickey Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:51:58 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1564 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. 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.

]]> By: Pat http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/first-day/152-self-surrender-to-a-federal-prison-camp-part-3#comment-1563 Pat Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:18:57 +0000 http://www.formerprisoninmate.com/?p=152#comment-1563 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. 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.

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