Sending cash to an inmate is quite easy and is made even less complicated all the time owing to innovations in technology. Better departments are taking advantage of currency transfer systems from inside their prisons via devices like an ATM, you merely add cash and the money is then put on to the prisoners books later in the day.
There is still the standard method of sending cash to an inmate using Western Union, or mailing the prisoner a US Postal money order. Sending currency to a prisoner in this way has always been the safest technique as it could actually be tracked much better by both parties.
Why might prisoners even need cash anyway if everything is covered for them?
This question has always been probably the most asked and is simple to explain. In just about all prisons a commissary exists which allows prisoners to get items much like we do at convenience stores. The stock held at the commissary is restricted to goods allowed on the prison premises and comprises things like food and drink, deodorant and cleaning soap. These bits and pieces are regarded as luxuries to a particular degree and thus are also a sort of currency used by inmates. Often times a prisoner wishes to use their commissary money to repay a debt or to purchase protection. It's tough to know which and probably the prisoner will say nothing to you or to the guards.
Prior to mailing any funds to a convict you must realize the most sum they are able to use at any time and on no account send above that sum. Each prisoner has a maximum spend available as there is limited inventory available to get. You may also choose to talk to different friends to determine if additional requests have been made from the inmate. A sizeable influx of money on an inmate's books might mean there is problems for that inmate at the jail.
Here are some different cautionary signals of trouble and particularly, what to watch out for so you aren't conned into forwarding convicts cash when they don't need it:
A convict might make the following claims:
- "I want the money because I have to pay to replace some jail belongings I broke and if I don't pay my prison term is going to be increased"
Having extra time added to a prison term is extremely uncommon and all the more unlikely if the property was accidently broken. The convict is more liable to lose good time credits or receive a write up instead of additional time on their sentence.
- "I need to raise the money so I can pay my bond and appeal my case"
Not true at all. As soon as the individual is tried for a crime and convicted... and are sitting in jail waiting to be transferred - game over. No level of surety will set them free - only time will.
- "I have to file an appeal, please send me cash to pay for my attorney."
If this were the case, send the money directly to the attorney. In addition, check the state where the lawyer practices to ensure they really are listed with the BAR association.
When corresponding to an inmate or if you wish to find an inmate first find out what the need for money is. You can also do a free inmate search to make sure the inmate is at that prison.