How to Buy Stuff for Inmates
The incarceration of a loved one is very difficult for any family, especially if a long term is involved. The most important thing you can do for him or her is to send frequent reminders that they are not forgotten. In addition to writing regular letters, you can arrange to provide certain extras to help your loved one feel more comfortable in their present surroundings. However, to ensure delivery of your care packages, there are rules regarding how to buy stuff for inmates that must be observed.
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Instructions
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Abide by the Rules
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Determine what kinds of items inmates are permitted to receive. Every facility has different guidelines as to what inmates are allowed to possess and what is considered contraband. Sending the wrong stuff to inmates can easily result in criminal prosecution for you and even loss of privileges for your loved one.
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Be aware that books and periodicals, if permitted, are usually restricted to a limited number at any one time. In addition, many facilities will only accept reading material for inmates that is shipped directly from the publisher.
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Check into what arrangements are necessary to provide clothing needed for a court appearance. Usually, this situation only applies to inmates being housed or held over in a county jail. In many cases, the jail will only accept clothing delivered by the inmate's attorney. Otherwise, you may have to bring the clothing to the courthouse on the day of the hearing or trial and make arrangements with the attorney or the Sheriff's office to have the items returned to you at a later time.
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Consider making a donation of religious or spiritual materials to the Chaplain. Inmates are generally not allowed to have this kind of stuff in their cells. However, all state and federal prisons, and most county jails, have a Chaplain and a place of worship on site, which usually includes a library of some sort. Sending in material as a donation makes them available to all inmates, including yours.
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Make deposits to your loved one's commissary account, if they have one. This allows him or her to purchase items from the prison store, such as writing supplies, personal hygiene items, shoes, etc.
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Remember that recreational clothing, if permitted, cannot usually portray logos or lettering of any kind. Some county and state facilities allow a limited number of clothing items like this. However, federal prisons do not allow inmates to wear or possess any clothing that is not issued by the housing facility.
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Consider contacting a service that provides care packages for inmates. There are companies that specialize in putting together materials that are appropriate for specific facilities. Most have a money-back guarantee if the package is rejected for any reason.
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Tips & Warnings
Many facilities have a website that includes information on how to send stuff to inmates housed there.
Never send items that would certainly be considered contraband, such as medication, alcohol, pornographic material, sharp tools, etc.
