Corrlinks - A Dozen Regularly Asked Questions About Prison
Today I am going to address a dozen regularly asked questions about prison, conditions, and you. Communication barriers are hard to overcome when you don't have the right question or the right answer. I've been down for nearly two decades and I've seen it all. I know how hard this is and I'm willing to help in any way I can. I'm easy to talk to and easy to reach:
Corrlinks: 0074110 Harper (Iowa)
Or
hedcase19@yahoo.com
If his/her lawyer cannot tell you then consult his/her counsellor. Time computation varies by state, crime and degree.
A lot of information is now available on the Internet, but the level of security/custody says a lot. Maximum security is generally reserved for violent and dangerous criminals, but that doesn't mean there isn't violence or danger in medium or minimum custody prisons.
Be happy. Try to shoulder your own troubles for the sake of everybody. We all have stress but adding yours to being in prison won't help him/her and will just cause worry.
Don't guess. It'll get you in trouble. Ask direct questions and make the most of any time you can share with him/her.
If you're not satisfied with the answers you're getting, demand the truth. Sometimes it's not easy to admit when something's wrong, especially from prison.
You obviously know her/him, so if you're concerned, use your best judgment. Is he/she reacting oddly or lashing out? Again, ask questions and demand answers.
Yes, but keep it to yourself.
Be supportive, be a source of comfort, be understanding. Don't play the blame game. Don't make promises you can't keep. Don't panic.
If he/she is not financially independent, then yes. The prison doesn't supply much of anything in the way of food, hygiene, or entertainment. We don't need outrageous amounts, but enough to reasonably get by.
Yes. Memories are comfort and pictures help preserve the memories.
Be happy. Don't cry. Leave with a smile on your face. This is very hard on all of us, so don't make it harder. Prison is not the end of the world.
If you respect yourself and others, you'll be fine anywhere you go, right? Same thing here, just wash your ass every day, keep your area neat and clean, and do your job. It's the same in here as it is out there when the basics are considered. Tell him/her to be courteous, respect others, shower daily, and mind their own business. Simple.
Please feel free to contact me for any other advice or help on communicating with and being good to your loved one in prison.
Peace!
Casey L. Harper
Clarinda Correctional Facility, Iowa
Corrlinks: 0074110 Harper (Iowa)
Or
hedcase19@yahoo.com
1. How is "time" computed?
If his/her lawyer cannot tell you then consult his/her counsellor. Time computation varies by state, crime and degree.
2. What kind of place is he/she in?
A lot of information is now available on the Internet, but the level of security/custody says a lot. Maximum security is generally reserved for violent and dangerous criminals, but that doesn't mean there isn't violence or danger in medium or minimum custody prisons.
3. How do I talk to him/her?
Be happy. Try to shoulder your own troubles for the sake of everybody. We all have stress but adding yours to being in prison won't help him/her and will just cause worry.
4. What should I expect?
Don't guess. It'll get you in trouble. Ask direct questions and make the most of any time you can share with him/her.
5. Are there warning signs I should look for?
If you're not satisfied with the answers you're getting, demand the truth. Sometimes it's not easy to admit when something's wrong, especially from prison.
You obviously know her/him, so if you're concerned, use your best judgment. Is he/she reacting oddly or lashing out? Again, ask questions and demand answers.
7. Should I be worried?
Yes, but keep it to yourself.
8. What can I do to help?
Be supportive, be a source of comfort, be understanding. Don't play the blame game. Don't make promises you can't keep. Don't panic.
9. Do I need to send money?
If he/she is not financially independent, then yes. The prison doesn't supply much of anything in the way of food, hygiene, or entertainment. We don't need outrageous amounts, but enough to reasonably get by.
10. Should I send pictures?
Yes. Memories are comfort and pictures help preserve the memories.
11. How do I act at a visit?
Be happy. Don't cry. Leave with a smile on your face. This is very hard on all of us, so don't make it harder. Prison is not the end of the world.
12. Is he/she old enough to understand the basics?
If you respect yourself and others, you'll be fine anywhere you go, right? Same thing here, just wash your ass every day, keep your area neat and clean, and do your job. It's the same in here as it is out there when the basics are considered. Tell him/her to be courteous, respect others, shower daily, and mind their own business. Simple.
Please feel free to contact me for any other advice or help on communicating with and being good to your loved one in prison.
Peace!
Casey L. Harper
Clarinda Correctional Facility, Iowa
1 comment:
I spent time in Federal Prison and I got out 1-year before my husband did. I wrote a book called, "You Are Never Alone" about my prison experience and meeting God there. If anyone would like a free E-copy of my book, visit my website www.yourneveralone.com click on "contact us" leave your email address and I will send you a copy. God Bless, Trish Hart
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