it is very different because the feds have a bigger budget. the guards are better paid and very well trained. The food is better, the recreation and housing is more updated. Some state prisons in the south do not even have air conditioning.

you can call the facility and politely ask the person answering the phone if they would "gently break the rules" and pass your fiance the new number. This works 50% of the time. If you can talk nicely and respectfully you might get it done.

Yes prohibited by law, but that being said, cigarettes are easily attainable in Ohio state prisons for anywhere from $2-10 each

There is an orientation period that usually takes a couple of days to a week to complete. During that time they do an evaluation of the inmate and provide them with the rules and expectations while in custody. Once they have finished with everything, the inmates may make calls, receive visits and go to the commissary.

it's just like prison

Count time is usually 10am, 4pm and 10pm. It lasts for about 20 minutes. There is no way to obtain an inmate calling list as they are afforded the same privacy as you would be. Who's private phone records are public information??

no, never

There aren't many ways to effectuate change through advocacy for a federal inmate. Unless you have DNA evidence that can attract the attention of a judge that would cause the case to be reopened it's almost impossible to go against the full weight of the United States Department of Justice - the odds are heavily on their side.

Yes

They are either stored in a container and held in the facility, OR they are sent to the inmate's home address