After the first 24-48 hours, its time to get some items organized as well as figure out where things are(yard,library, etc.) and what a routine might look like. If you’re lucky, 1-2 of the guys will show you the ropes and help you out to make things easier.
There are a few set up items that are important to do as promptly as possible:
* Obtain a Pin # and Pac # so you can log onto the email and make phone calls
– find out rules for usage- here we have 15 minutes for calls and then wait an hour, for email 15 minutes on and then wait 15 minutes, but I understand each location has its own rules
* Log into the PC and take the survey- takes 5 minutes, is easy, and important as it starts the clock for your First Step Act(FSA) credits
* Set up your contact list in email so you can call and email family,friends, legal counsel etc.
i) send email to interns @prisonprofessors.com to sign up for their email and to post your book reports and journals
* Learn the name of your counselor and case manager
Depending how your location works:
* Learn how to register for classes and sign up for as many FSA classes as possible- sounds counter intuitive, but you’ll just be wait listed but counts immediately toward “programming”
* Inquire thru fellow inmates/your lead inmate for your section what jobs are best to get and grab one for FSA benefits
* Go to commissary and bring laundry bag to hold items
– first time get toiletries, bath towel, tennis shoes, flip flops for shower, casual gym clothes
* Email friends /family to go to BOP website and download visitor form- provide them counselor name and mailing address as he will need to approve them to visit
* Understand how mail is delivered daily and look for the items you mailed yourself before surrendering- helpful hint- in time I found sending larger packages with legal docs thru my counsel effective and helpful
– release plan
-contact list
– other items you felt would be important
-proof of GED or highschool transcripts(or you will have to take GEd classes)
Ongoing
* Always carry your ID with you
– your counselor can replace it but won’t be happy and will charge you
* Review call out sheets daily to see if prison departments want to see you- usually medical to start with
* Find a reliable stamp provider(fellow inmate). You will need for trades and services like food, haircuts, etc.
– make sure you have someone on the outside(not family member) willing to send $$ over Western Union or Cash App to an inmate to pay for them, not everyone is comfortable doing so
– or find an inmate who has someone on the outside accepting Zelle and have your contact do it that way if not comfortable directly
– if no one, you can use part of your commissary purchases in trade for stamps
* Unit Team
– meet with counselor during office hours to status visitor approvals and when orientation is scheduled
i) ask if they have a prison manual for your location beyond generic BOP manual(mine doesn’t, you’re just supposed to know what to do I guess:))
– expect first Team meeting with case manager after 30 days
i) he will tell you which FSA classes to register for- likely be wait listed
ii) confirm you are FSA registered and clock starting now
iii) provide a copy of your releases plan and ask him to glance over when he has a moment
iv) ask what, if any, financial requirements you have for restitution, shou;dn’t be more than $25/month in prison
v) He will likely tell you that you will get your security and recidivsm ranking at next TEAM meeting in 6 months
vi)as best you can try and get him to like you and be a friend, as opposed to being another burden to him
* Always keep a copy of everything, cop outs, letters you send, journals/book reports, all medical records
– request a copy of your medical records every 6 months
– request a copy of your education records every 6 months
Helpful Tips( I learned the hard way:))
* Be ready for random urine tests for drugs. If you have prostrate issues or other issues performing these tests in 2 hours, and don’t perform, its automatic 60 days in the SHU plus a disciplinary shot losing Good Time Credits and First Step Act credits, commissary privileges, maybe even visitors/phone and email for 3-6 months. If you need more than 2 hours, get Medical to give you a waiver for a 3 hour window. And remember, if you even get called, take a moment and chug a ton of water before you go!
* Other than medical/education guards and in unit guards, pay no attention to them otherwise. Be courteous if approached, but out of site , out of mind is the best motto.
* If you have open or ongoing legal issues
– make the law computers your friend and become proficient on using the databases
– understand how legal calls with your attorney can be arranged and make sure you have privacy, can be a real issue like here
* Understand emails and phone calls are monitored
– they use keywords so be thoughtful on anything that can be construed as criminal or not in the rules
– keep emails simple- keywords/subject lines are how they seem to monitor
* Take 2 hour Tutorial Seminar in Education so you can assist or even teach a class for “productive activity” benefit
* Update your release plan every 6 months and provide your counselor the update at each TEAM meeting
* Everyone is different, but I’d recommend to read, read ,read, and post, post and post to Prison Professors:
-daily journal
– book reports
– blog on things you find important and relevant to tell the world about
* If you’re like me, expect there will be good weeks and bad weeks, it’s incredibly important to remain strong in your beliefs, and convictions
* I’d encourage you to find a purpose/mission for your time in prison to keep busy and your mind off things. Could be writing a book, getting another degree, helping others with your expertise, etc.
I hope you find these helpful, and feel free and print and mail this to yourself to use as a reference if that would be hlepful to you. And good luck on your journey!!
