Sending money to inmates the correct way With all the progress in technology it is easier to send cash to an inmate than ever before. The techniques and operations utilized differ between each organization and use things like an ATM where it is easy to deposit cash and have it automatically applied to a prisoners book the exact same day.
Unsurprisingly, the more usual and conventional techniques are still around and money is frequently sent to inmates using Western Union or a US Postal money order. Mailing currency to a prisoner by doing this is always the most secure method as it could actually be tracked better by both people.
Why might prisoners even need money anyway if all is covered for them?
This question has always been frequently asked and is easy to explain. In all prisons there is a commissary which enables inmates to purchase goods very similar to how we do at convenience shops. The inventory held within a commissary is limited to items permitted within the prison premises and comprises things including food and drink, deodorant and cleaning soap. These things are regarded as luxuries to a particular degree and therefore are also a type of currency utilized by inmates. An inmate might need some stuff from the commissary or they could want to use their cash to get protection or to cover debt. A prisoner is not likely to inform you and highly unlikely to speak to a guard if it is for protection or paying off a debt.
Prior to sending any money to an inmate you should realize the most amount they can use at any time and then by no means send above that figure. Meaning, there will be only so much they are able to purchase at one time - call about to different relatives and check and see if the prisoner might also be wanting money from them. A huge influx of money on a convicts books might mean there may be difficulties for the prisoner in the jail.
Here are various other warning signs of problems and particularly, what to watch out for so you aren't conned into sending prisoners cash if they don't need it:
An inmate can make these statements:
- "I accidentally broke prison belongings, if I don't pay for it they will put me into solitary or have time added to my prison term."
If it had been actually an accident then the prison staff wouldn't do anything. If the prisoner broke the property intentionally, maybe they would receive a write up and have good time credit deducted.
- "I want money for my bond so I could possibly get out and appeal my case"
Not true at all. When the individual is tried for a crime and convicted... and are sitting in prison waiting to be transferred - game over. No level of bail will set them free - only time will.
- "I have to pay for a lawyer to file an appeal for me"
If this were true, send the cash directly to the lawyer. In addition, check the state where the attorney practices to guarantee they really are listed with the BAR association.
When corresponding to an inmate or if you wish to
find an inmate first find out what the need for money is. You can also do a free
inmate search to make sure the inmate is at that prison.