Questions about approved items

[Dayton_Bada]

Okay, since it's likely I'm headed to the fed BOP (BOP... *snickers* Reminds me of the name of that teen magazine when I was younger!), I'd like to know which recreational items are approved for inmates. CDs, I just read are okay. What else?

Also, I'm a crafter. I know how to make stuff like candles and stuff... can I make money doing that from the inside?

And lastly... I know those cells are cold. I'm sensitive to that, and I was wondering if I could have a relative bring me a particular blanket I saw on TV that looks comfy?

[barbie113]

Hi there! Sorry to hear your news! I don't know what BOP means though, but you made me laugh cuz it wasn't too long ago I was reading teen bop and tiger beat...anyways, I don't really know the answers to your questions, but I saw nobody else had any comments, and I also noticed you're new to pto, so I thought I'd point out that there's a "headed to prison" forum on here....can't remember where it is, but I'm assuming its under "for offenders". Everything you could possibly need to know is probly on there, plus you'll meet people who are in a similar position as you.
Good luck!

[TenMan]

I don't know what BOP means though

BOP= Bureau Of Prisons (Federal).

[mdmit]

Being a former BOP guest I can tell you that the BOP will NOT allow anyone on the outside to send you anything but letters and pictures (G-Rated) and you can have subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and have books sent in.

Depending on the institution they may have a crafts book that you can order from (Dick Bliks catalog was at one institution I was in). You can only order certain things from the catalogs. I knew many people who had drawing supplies but not much else craft wise.

You cannot have clothes, bed linens, electronis or any of the like sent in.

mdmit

[codasgirl04]

You may also want to ask this question in the Fed. Forum

[Stephanie_20005]

My husband is at Petersburg Low (BOP). I have sent him letters, photos (some were pretty racy lingerie no nude tho) magazines (everything from People to Maxim to Mens Vogue), books, stamps, paper, envelopes. Magazines and Books (softcover only) were allowed to be sent from either mail from me or from the publisher or a bookstore.

Anything else he had to purchase their. Like clothes, extra blankets, hygene stuff, walkman, at that facility they weren't allowed to have personal T.Vs. I found that 500.00 covered everything he needed to start with (and he's a little high maintence so 300-400 may get you everything). After the first month I send 200 monthly.

You can send money via Money order (but their is a special address for this NOT the prison your at) you can also go through Western Union. I found WU to be the best option it costs 5.00 no matter what amount you send (because your using a quick collect form) and it will be on your card in 2 hours.

I would also suggest that you have your S/O or any family that you will be talking to frequently get a cell phone with the area code that is local to your prison. The calls will be much much much cheaper. With a local area code our 15 minute calls cost 1.09. Your minutes are limited though. You get 300 minutes a month (400 in Nov/Dec) For the special cell phone with the area code of the prison I would suggest a prepaid Virgin Mobile. The phone itsself can be bought as cheap as 20.00. The minutes are fairly cheap too 20.00 = 200 30.00 = 400 minutes and these minutes roll over as long as you keep paying the 20 or 30 a month.

I hope all this info helps you feel better prepared. If you have any questions feel free to ask