How to Find a Prison Pen Pal

Mail is one of the few bright spots in an inmate's day. Prisoners accustomed to a dreary life behind bars often enjoy hearing about life outside the prison grounds. Make the decision to write to a prisoner carefully, but also knowing that a rewarding friendship can develop. If you choose to pursue it, you can find a prison pen pal with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Write to a prisoner you know. Many families have at least one extended family member in a penitentiary. Ask the prisoner's closest relative for the address.

2. Find an old school friend in the prison system. To find State prisoners, go to the Ancestor Hunt website and click on Prison Inmate Search. For Federal prisoners, check the Bureau of Prisons website. (See our Resources section.)

3. Choose a random prisoner for a pen pal. There are numerous websites designed for this purpose. Often, you can see a photo and read a short description about the inmate before choosing to write to a prisoner.

4. Take precautions when selecting your pen pal. It's important to remember some prisoners have violent tendencies. Take note of the location, crime and release dates for every prisoner you consider a potential friend. Trust your instincts. If a prisoner's description or crime doesn't sit well with you, look for a different pen pal.

5. Draft your first letter. State your intentions clearly. If you're looking for a platonic friendship, be upfront with this information. Prison is a lonely place, and when friendship is offered, you don't want it misconstrued. Be straightforward and friendly, and then see what develops.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember your letter will be read by prison officials as well as your pen pal.

• Write to a prisoner as you would post in an online forum. Be friendly, but avoid personal, identifying details about your location and family.

Resources

• Look up an inmate in a State prison
• Look up an inmate in a Federal prison
• View inmates seeking pen pals
• More inmates seeking pen pals