Are you wondering how to self-surrender to a federal prison camp? I understand difficult it is to turn yourself in to prison camp. Though lawyers and the marshals tell you a few things about self-surrendering, there still a few more questions and not a lot of people to answer them. Well based on my experience, … Read more
What will it take for true prison reform to occur? It seems as if people from all walks of life have struggled with unfair sentences, parole officers, and post-prison resources. Some inmates may be okay with the time they are sentenced with because they did the crime, but when they get out of prison, they … Read more
Prison romance can be hard. They’re even more difficult when you consider all the restrictions of a prison inmate. All of the rules regarding visits, phone calls, touching, and kissing can make it hard to keep the flame burning. Once that’s lost, most people lose interest in one another and the relationship gets stale and … Read more
There is a stigma that implies prison healthcare is the best around. Everyone is stuck on the fact that it’s free and readily available to inmates. According to television, many people think prison healthcare gives all the necessary benefits and medicinal care to inmates. However, understaffed prisons can be deadly to inmates when they aren’t … Read more
Family photos and pictures, in general, can be used to uplift and encourage someone as well as and relive or review moments made in history. They are extremely beneficial to inmates for their well being and positive development. It gives them something to look forward to joining once they get out. It invokes the desire … Read more
Keeping in touch with family can be hard when you’re in prison. One of the hardest things about going to prison was not being able to see my family. I missed not being able to see them when I wanted to. I also regretted not seeing them as much as I should have when I … Read more
Jobs in prison are one of the lowliest occupations you can have. In my experience, they are also jobs that you can’t get rid of quickly because you can’t just quit. These jobs pay horribly and you can risk everything, including your life. In the state of California, prisoner labor is used for dangerous jobs. … Read more
The punishment for many non-violent criminals is to enter into low-security prison camps for their crimes. Even though there is a lot more freedom there than in a maximum security prison, they still complain. In America, we see these people as whiny brats because, well, it was their actions that caused them to be there … Read more
As I neared the end of my stay at the Herlong Prison Camp, I realized that I didn’t like participating in furloughs. The so-called freedom I experienced was trumped by a self-realization that I was nothing more than free labor. I didn’t mean a thing to these people and all the hard work I did … Read more
Are you on your way to federal prison camp? This video will help. I explain detail what you will find when you go to Herlong Prison Camp. At the camp, you’ll have most of your basic needs. You’ll have a living area in a large dorm similar to the military. You’ll have a locker, a chair, and … Read more
Do you know someone who has ever thought about becoming prison pen pals with an inmate? Depression and loneliness are serious matters for inmates, especially for those that don’t have supportive families. They may have repeated a plethora of criminal activities and their families have shunned them. They may have strict families that despise their … Read more
Would you ever think, food contamination and depression could be linked? I definitely didn’t think they were until I read a post about a cook in a prison kitchen who encountered packaged chicken that was labeled “unfit for human consumption”. I’ve also written about it in my book, Subprime Felon: Inside Federal Prison Camp. It’s … Read more
The number one issue for newly released inmates is surviving financially. It’s extremely difficult to find a job and/or housing with a criminal record because of employer discrimination. While there are multiple organizations that help inmates re-enter society and find jobs and housing, sometimes starting your own business is the quickest way to make a … Read more
4 Reasons Routines Help You in Prison Routines can seem mundane and tedious to the person that has to follow its rigid structure. It can almost feel like life’s daily assembly line. However, having a daily schedule maximizes your day and allows you to be much more productive in life, even if you are … Read more
There’s a saying in the street and I’m sure you’ve heard somebody say to you. It’s simply, “Snitches get stitches”. It’s a powerful statement that implies that tattle tales or snitches deserve the consequence of getting beat up or jumped by multiple people. The community never favors a snitch and neither does the prison community. … Read more
Good-byes aren’t hard when you know you’ll see that person soon. When you are unsure of the time frame or know it’s going to be a long time, good-byes are extremely hard. The day I had to go to prison was a difficult time for my family. That day, we did things we didn’t normally … Read more
Most people know what prisons are and the details of how they may be operated, but most don’t know what a halfway house is. This article will explain what halfway houses are, how they operate, and some of the issues I encountered as and resident. If you or a loved one is on their way … Read more
This week I read on SF Bay Review that California State and local prison have been forced to limit their use of solitary confinement units, or SHU. This is thanks to a settlement reached in the Ashker vs Brown federal class action suit. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of prisoners held in Pelican Bay … Read more
I frequently read, watch and listen to things that pertain to inmates, former felons and jails. I recently watched a video about a man pleading guilty to killing his cellmate. The man’s name is Steven Sandison. He was assigned a new cellmate and it happened to be a guy who molested children. Child molesters immediately … Read more
The majority of inmates in a prison camp are non-violent offenders that just needed money and sought it out illegally. Many wanted to take care of their families the best they could and others just wanted the wealth and luxury that money brings. Even if they didn’t commit a crime with regards to illegal financial … Read more
You can tell a person’s characteristics by the way they work. It doesn’t matter if they are in prison or outside of prison, their work ethic shouts volumes about them. If someone doesn’t do their job right, you can tell that they are lazy. If someone puts all of their interest and time into learning … Read more
Prison stories are often filled with memories of inmates being victimized by the staff, the overall system or even other inmates. It’s hard to protect yourself from this type of harassment while you are under someone else’s authority. While trying to protect yourself you run the risk of bringing harsher or unnecessary punishment to … Read more
They say fasting has benefits for the mind, spirit, and body. Many people have to fast for medical procedures and some do it for religious reasons. I did it fit none of those reasons, but I still experienced the benefits of a cleansing fast. My fast was purely accidental. Since I missed the 3:30 pm … Read more
I’ve been thinking about what would make prison camp more productive for the inmates. I thought carefully about all of my experiences when I was in prison at Herlong Prison Camp and when I stay at the Oakland Halfway House. If these suggestions are possible, it would better prepare inmates for society and make their … Read more
Prison isn’t a place of positive enlightenment. It’s full of strict rules and regulations, required forms and paperwork, and negative attitudes from staff and inmates. However, I wanted a positive experience. I was determined to make my stay there a beneficial one, even though I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As I entered the prison … Read more
Inmates are required to get jobs while in prison. They are paid various and competitive wages just as if they are in the real world. The only difference is that the wages are significantly lower, so when a good job goes out of business, it’s a lot more detrimental to inmates. One business in particular … Read more
One of the most important details when looking for a job is the amount of money being offered for the position. As inmates, one of the privileges lost is job hunting by salary. In fact at Herlong Prison Camp, the amount of money given to a working inmate is just about the same given to … Read more
Part of the prison care system allows inmates to receive healthcare. In order to be able to see a doctor, dentist, or any healthcare provider, a form called a cop-out was needed. Once it was filled out and approved, inmates could visit the appropriate office. I needed to have my teeth cleaned so I filled … Read more
Sentencing Guidelines to Qualify for Federal Camp Status If you’re here, you’re wondering how to qualify for federal prison camp or camp status. Great, I know exactly the information you’re looking for. Qualifying for federal prison camp or camp status is based on two things, your criminal offense and your criminal history. I was able … Read more
Rumor Has It Sexual desire is normally very strong in males to begin with and everyone knows the urge for sex doesn’t relinquish its grip when you’re in prison. In fact, the desire increases with every hour that it’s unfulfilled. The media has brainwashed society to thinking that every prison is filled with stories of … Read more
While I was in camp, I learned that if you became a strong person because of being in prison camp, then you were already a strong person before you got to camp. Prison camp isn’t really about rehabilitation, it’s more about being restricted or like being in detention. When I did wrong at home, my … Read more
I found this journal entry in my prison camp journal at home. I wrote it because I was working on some self-development ideas about getting over procrastination and accomplishing my goals. Once I found it, I gave it a quick edit and decided to post it. Self-development was extremely important for me in prison camp … Read more
One of the most famous saying for anyone going to prison is, ‘Don’t drop the soap’. Most people think that the showers in jail are large community showers where CO’s and other inmates intimately watch over you. However, I found that to be untrue at Herlong Federal Prison Camp. I admit, I was surprised when … Read more
“Snitches get stitches” is a powerful statement that implies that tattle tales or snitches deserve the consequence of being beat up various people. The outside community never favors a snitch and neither does the prison community. I spent a little time in Herlong Prison Camp and encountered snitches. Here’s a little story about why you … Read more
Everyone needs a friend sometimes, even when you’re behind bars. It can be lonely in prison whether you’re in a camp or a higher security area. Day to day struggles require someone’s help to overcome negative emotions. If you’re new to prison or haven’t many friends while locked up, here’s how to make friends. Be … Read more
Realizing My Potential and Passion Finding your passion is sometimes hard to do. Most people don’t wake up knowing exactly they want and how they can fulfill their lives. Often people have to go through life’s ups and downs before they realize what they want to do. Others have to experience something they completely dislike … Read more
Every job you attend and are hired for should give you some type of orientation. As soon as you start working, you should be trained and oriented for the job. Even if you are joining a new organization, then you should be given a class or meeting where someone gives you an overview about what … Read more
Laundry can seem like a chore if you’re not in the comfort of your own home. It can be a hassle to lug your clothing around the corner, even if you live at an apartment complex where a laundry room is provided. Of course, in prison you don’t have a choice but to take your … Read more
Prison is supposed to be a place of rehabilitation. If that’s the case, then it should be a place of empowerment. It should focus on helping inmates make plans, set achievable and realistic goals, and find a job after prison. However, my first meeting with the camp adviser didn’t do any of that. Like all … Read more
Have you ever heard that prisons are supposedly the best place for anyone that needs medical care? I don’t know who told me that inmates get the best health care, but I can honestly tell you, that’s not entirely correct. I hated doctor visits because the medical sucked at Herlong Prison Camp. My first appointment … Read more
If you’re on your way to prison and want to know how to stay out of of trouble or away from drama, then the library is the best place to be. It’s filled with informative books, televisions, cds and dvds, and more. It’s where I wrote my daily journal entries which turned into this blog … Read more
Sometimes, I think some of the correctional officers (COs) are lightweight sadists because they use their power to please or thrill themselves. It’s a perfect example of someone abusing their authoritative power. Society thinks prisons are the best place to reform an individual, but when people mismanage their authority, it just makes an inmate more … Read more
Anytime you go away on a long trip, you may feel homesick. This is true for prison inmates as well. My first few weeks and especially during the holidays, I felt extremely homesick. I wasn’t sure what to do, but later on I did figure out some methods to ease it. First you have to … Read more
If you’re like me, you sit all day in front of your computer writing, typing, and researching for more ideas. Or you’re just saying that and you’re on Facebook for hours before complaining about how time just flew. In any case, sitting in your chair for hours and hours causes a lot of tension in … Read more
I understand and respect it when people say prison camp was comfortable and not a real prison. The longer I stayed there, the more I understood the statement. However, some things made it more difficult to stay there. One of those things were false hopes and in this case, it was the false hope of … Read more
Prison is full of rules and regulations, something everyone already knows. However, you would think that strict adherence to these policies would be maintained. From time to time, a memo must be sent out to all the inmates regarding those rules that have not been followed. Of course, there is disciplinary action for those inmates … Read more
Lock downs within the prison system are a serious issue for both inmates and staff. They are the result of what the administration deems a loss of control on their part. In this instance, a group of inmates decided to gather together during recreation. This caused a scare for the system and they locked down … Read more
Prison systems love to keep inmates busy. They provide the inmates with a variety of activities, movies, books and crafting hobbies. They also have available jobs that inmates can apply to. A busy inmate keeps the administrative staff from overworking and having to keep up with all the inmates at once. Trust me, no one … Read more
It’s a great feeling to be released from prison, even if you are going into a halfway house program. The rules are different, but there is more freedom for inmates. In fact, there’s so much freedom, that there’s an agreement that each transitioning inmate must sign before being released. The agreement outlines restrictions and gives … Read more
From time to time, the executive staff of the prison will send out memos regarding current incidences. Many things can happen in prison and most of the time it’s negative. When negative events put staff and inmates in danger, lockdowns can occur. The following memo was sent out after a recent lockdown. It is supposed … Read more
Prison inmates are kept to strict standards when it comes to dress codes and recreation. However, from time to time, inmates can get off track from the guidelines and will have to be reminded of the rules. Some of the following rules are common sense. For example, if the prison staff is tasked with keeping … Read more
Inmate Dress Code Policy Dress codes are important for many places. They help keep a cohesive appearance and allow for overseeing persons to quickly identify who belongs and who doesn’t. Dress codes are also guidelines to clean, tidy and appropriate display of clothing. Not everyone wants to see a extra skin or underwear. However, within … Read more
Destroying property is never a good idea. At Herlong Prison Camp, just altering the appearance of certain items will get an inmate into trouble. They will face disciplinary action if they have clothing that are cut and sewn. They may face disciplinary action for damaging laundry bags, sheets or broomsticks. The prison also requires a … Read more
When most inmates leave prison, their number need is finances. If friends and family have been putting money into an inmates account, when the inmate is released from prison, the amount within their account is released to them. However, some will have more money in their account than the prison can give in cash. This … Read more
Structure is needed to facilitate order and prisons are full of structure. In this memo from the supervisor of recreation, a detailed system for taking and receiving prison photos is given. The document states that prisoners must wear certain clothing, refrain from obscene gestures, and use a voucher to “buy” their photos. Photo vouchers can … Read more
When starting a new job many employers give their employees a manual to read over and familiarize themselves with all rules and regulations. Prison is no different. In fact, they have an entire checklist for every inmate so that each inmate goes through every program available. Some of the programs that are required are medical … Read more
When starting a new job many employers give their employees a manual to read over and familiarize themselves with all rules and regulations. At Herlong Prison it’s no different when it comes to assigning their inmates to an orientation program. The difference between the programs is that an employer may only require one to two … Read more
Filing A Request In Prison Filing an Inmate Request to Staff form while in prison can seem like a daunting task. The form itself isn’t scary, but the thoughts of retaliation, punishment and denial can cause fear, depending on what is being requested. However, there are times it must be done regardless of the request. … Read more
Inmate Rules For Visitations SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 In a previous post I talked about the rewards of having family visit. I also discussed how important it was for visiting family to read over the rules and regulations before visiting so as not to waste time. If your loved ones don’t familiarize themselves with the rules … Read more
There’s a saying: “The early bird gets the worm.” Well, not in this case. I’ve always been taught that to be early is to be on time, but at Herlong Prison, the earliest you could leave to get to work was at 6:45 am. All inmates had to stay within their housing areas unless they … Read more
My thought process when entering prison camp was to make sure that this experience was a positive one. Although I was locked up in a place filled with rumors of gangs, sexual assaults, and a major loss of freedom, I did my best to stay on a positive path. As you read this memo, you … Read more
In order to keep the prison “safe” for all inmates and staff, when things seem to be out of control, the administration will lock down the prison camp. This means that all inmates are confined to their cells until further notice. Although the lockdown was resolved and inmates were released from their cells, the administration … Read more
Medical offices have a tight ship to run and that’s even truer when their office is located within a prison. There are certain rules that each inmate has to follow in order to see a doctor or dentist. A form called an Inmate Request to Staff Member also known as a cop-out form must be … Read more
Herlong Prison has two institutions. The first is an actual prison (Federal Correctional Institution – FCI) and the other is a prison camp which has less security and non-violent offenders. When the administration sends out a memo, it goes to both the prison and the prison camp. This memo talked about the changes on the … Read more
It’s memos like these that keep prison television shows raw. Inmates making “hooch” or other alcoholic drinks are regularly seen on TV. Shows are also portraying inmates that make various weapons. What the shows don’t show you are the interrupted routines of those that just want to get through their sentences. I had a routine … Read more
Periodically, inmates receive memos from the Warden or other prison and prison camp staff about updates in policy or other warnings. This is an official memo found in the Trulincs system. The memo below tells both the prison camp and the prison that the administration is getting rid of the normal full-sized breakfast. They are … Read more
Community service allows an inmate to leave the prison or prison camp in order to serve the community in various capacities such as cleaning up public areas. The National Crime Prevention Council believes it is a way to reduce crime and encourage public spaces to be properly used again. In order for an inmate to … Read more
All inmates are waiting for the day that they can leave the prison or prison camp. Some of them, like myself, transferred to a halfway house, but the others transferred from prison to their own residences. This could be that they have completed their sentence or that they are on parole. I never had to … Read more
Every year, inmates are given a survey about the food the prison serves. It asks each inmate which food they wanted to keep and which foods they wanted to get rid of. There are a ton of conspiracy theories about the quality of the food at prison. There are also questions about who really chooses … Read more
This document is from the TRULINCS. Inmates can find this and more under “Bulletin” Every month, a new Federal Register will be placed in that section. This volume gives information about where to smoke for both administration and correctional officers. Inmates are NOT allowed to smoke. Smoking would result in major disciplinary action. For more … Read more
Below is the entire handbook the administration gives Federal Prison Camp Inmates when they first arrive at Herlong Satellite Prison Camp. https://www.pyersedandridge.com/ao.pdf
Have you ever seen the flag flown in the middle of the flagpole? If you’ve ever wondered why, the memo below may offer an explanation. It is usually flown in the middle of the flagpole on a holiday like Memorial Day. That holiday commemorates the life sacrifice that the men and women of the military … Read more
Suicide prevention is one of the most important aspects of prison control. Males have a higher rate of suicide, not just in prison, but in general. Prison can make a person even more susceptible to depression and other mental health disorders. It is up to the prison staff to be aware of the signs and … Read more
What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities As An Inmate? Most know that there a lot of liberties and privileges taken away while in jail, but which ones? When you’re arrested, the law enforcing personnel is required to “read you your rights”. This tells you what you can do and how to protect yourself from further … Read more
Staying in touch with family and/or friends is sometimes essential to an inmates psychological and emotional stability. Being able to communicate with those that love you is a reward of its own. When someone is unable to speak to their loved ones, depression and agitation can set in quickly. Fortunately, the prison has multiple ways … Read more
Staying in touch with loved ones can be challenging when you’re away at prison camp or prison. There are no cell phones allowed and if you’re caught with one then you most likely will receive a shot (disciplinary action). The phones that are available cost money and inmates aren’t the ones that pay the bill. … Read more
If you pay your cell phone bill each month then I’m sure you’ll understand how the Inmate Minute Revalidation Cycle operates. Every month your cell phone carrier allots you a certain amount of minutes to use each month (unless you have unlimited minutes). When you reach that amount within a month, you cannot make any … Read more
Oakland Halfway House is a transitional living institution for former inmates located in Oakland, California. This post is a brief recount of my stay there and how to survive your stay. Oakland Halfway House is a co-ed residency in which the women are the minority and the men are the majority. The women stayed in … Read more
Prisons are supposed to be about reforming individuals to become better citizens in society. That’s supposedly why they offer GED classes, lucrative hobbies, and prison jobs. The prison I attended had an idea to host a voluntary job fair. The only odd thing about it being voluntary was that it wasn’t; it was mandatory for … Read more
17 Ways To Survive Prison Camp Let’s be honest, prison camp or any kind of prison is stressful. You’re already tired from the drawn-out court process of being convicted and now you’ll be separated from all your friends, family and other loved ones. Those same people will also now have to get by without you. … Read more
The funny thing about being here in prison is that the correctional officers (COs) think they are better than everyone else. I don’t know if it’s their job status or just because they’re COs. I wonder if it’s a superiority complex or an inferiority complex. Either way, it’s like they’re showing off their riches in … Read more
According to TV, prison food always looks like slop from a pig trough that’s ladled into a bowl or plate. It’s the lumpiest looking goop you’ve ever seen. It’s something that you can’t imagine that people would ever eat, even if they were starving. However, prison food isn’t like that at all. At least not … Read more
How to Send Money to a Federal Inmate via Western Union or MoneyGram EFFECTIVE MARCH 22, 2004 Being locked away from society doesn’t remove the need for having a few dollars for yourself. If you have a loved one behind bars and need help sending them money, here are ways to send money through Western … Read more
Is Your Loved One in Prison? Visiting a love one in prison (camp or otherwise) can be a very rewarding experience. I admit it, I loved seeing my mom during visiting hours. She only came to visit twice during my stay at Herlong Prison Camp, but those times were simply amazing! I have never forgotten … Read more
I remember I was in the Sports room watching the Heat during the Eastern Conference finals. All of the inmates had assigned seats. The seats that were closer to the TV belonged to the brothers that were in prison the longest. The seats that were against the wall and directly across from the television were … Read more
When you have a loved one in prison, one of the most important things to remember is communication. Despite their actions and the fact that they are locked away, they still need to communicate with their family. It’s an entirely new and oppressing situation that they are facing and your support is needed. Communication with … Read more
According the the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), TRULINCS (also known as Corrlinks) is described as follows: “The Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) is a new program currently being deployed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide inmates with some limited computer access, to include the capability to send and receive electronic … Read more
Introduction I don’t consider myself to be a professional on the subject of anything prison related. I feel that I would have to spend much more time in prison than the twelve months (of a seventeen-month sentence) I spent at Herlong Prison Camp. If there was someone that stayed longer than I, then I would … Read more
It is well known that anyone with a felony conviction cannot vote in elections. It’s been an issue for many years. Some think it’s wrong, some think it’s right, and others are indifferent. It’s a big issue in the Black community since most of us make up the majority of inmates. … Read more
Prison Shopping List 2 What if you could write a list and have your family or friends go shopping for you? All you would have to do is fill out a form that helped them to know what to purchase. You’d get to know the prices ahead of time so you can make a decision … Read more
Prison Shopping Lists What if you could write a list and have your family or friends go shopping for you? All you would have to do is fill out a form that helped them to know what to purchase. You’d get to know the prices ahead of time so you can make a decision as … Read more