An inmate entering prison is given just the basics:

 

Some inmates have told me that they were given tooth powder instead of toothpaste. Some have also been given one toothpick per month.

Inmates who are considered to be dangerous to others or to themselves are not permitted items that can be weaponized. However, most inmates are allowed — more accurately, they “earn the privilege” — to have a variety of other items in their cells. These items include toiletries, food items, socks, even small digital TVs and radios. If an inmate breaks any prison rules, then the privilege of having items in the cell is revoked for a period of time.

 

Family members, friends (and anyone with a credit card) can deposit funds into an inmate account via select service providers such as GTL Getting Out and JPay. Be aware that there is a service fee attached to deposits, just like at an ATM in a convenience store.

 

Many inmates are given an electronic tablet with which they can make phone calls, send and receive texts, watch movies and play games. These tablets do not have search engines like Google. All of these services, of course, require a fee, as prison communications is a privatized business venture. Keep this in mind if you plan on communicating with an inmate. You’ll be charged for phone calls, texts and sending photos and short videos.

 

There are many restrictions on what items can be mailed to an inmate. Check the restrictions at each prison facility before mailing anything. There are many items that you can’t mail to an inmate via the postal service but which you can purchase and send through Amazon. Prison mailrooms are always on alert for items sent to inmates that could conceal weapons, drugs, pornography and political propaganda.