How to Become Pen Pals With a Prison Inmate
Many prison inmates spend much of their time alone in a cell with little human contact. Letters from pen pals can alleviate their loneliness. It is common to have reservations about forming a friendship with someone who has committed a crime, but if you take precautions and follow proper etiquette, corresponding with a prisoner can be rewarding.
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Instructions
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Rent a post office box if you do not already have one and use it for all correspondence with a prisoner. For your own safety, do not give out your home address.
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Browse online ads from prisoners looking for pen pals. Many of the ads include a photo of the prisoner and a brief description, including likes and dislikes. Search for someone whose interests are similar to yours.
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Write an introductory letter to the inmate you choose. Introduce yourself and discuss topics such as your interests and hobbies. without going into too much personal detail. Ask questions to show that you are interested in getting to know the inmate, but do not ask about prison or why he is incarcerated. If the inmate wants to discuss that, he can bring it up later.
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Mail your letter to the address listed in the inmate's pen pal ad. Include your return address on the envelope and in the letter itself so that the inmate will be able to respond to you even if the envelope is lost or destroyed.
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Reply promptly to the inmate's letters, and try to keep your letters upbeat and encouraging. If you want to send a gift to the inmate, check with the prison beforehand to find out what items are allowed.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not send money to the inmate. If your pen pal requests money early in your correspondence, it could mean that he is more interested in what he can get from you than he is in having a rewarding friendship.
Avoid writing to more than one inmate in the same prison, which can cause problems such as rivalries.
References
Resources
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