Inmate Services & Supplies — Ask the Inmate
Daily life inside a correctional facility depends on access to basic supplies that most people on the outside take for granted. Soap, toothpaste, writing materials, postage, and food beyond the institutional menu all come from commissary or from outside sources approved by the facility. This section covers what services and supplies inmates can receive from outside, how to send approved items through the right channels, what InmateAid's suite of services covers including letters, photos, postcards, magazines, and books, and how to make sure everything you send actually reaches your loved one rather than being rejected at the mailroom. The practical guidance here is written for families who want to support their loved one's daily wellbeing and for inmates who want to understand what is available to them. Small comforts matter enormously during a long sentence and knowing how to get them to the right person efficiently makes a real difference. See also our sections on Commissary, Send Inmate Mail, and Inmate Care Packages.
Related InmateAid Services
An inmate's "business" while incarcerated is private and they are afforded the same protection anyone on the outside would. Therefore, that information is not available. If you "know" this random inmate's name you can certainly use the services of InmateAid to convey that in the form of photos, greeting cards, magazines, etc.
Read moreNo, you cannot send foodstuffs unless they have an arrangement with a commissary pack company. However, we do not see anything showing that they do. You can use Amazon to send them paperback books. Another option would be to put money on their books so that they can shop in the prison commissary which has plenty of options like chocolates, cookies and snacks.
Read moreOnly a 55 cent stamp
Read moreYes, usually there is a notary that comes to the facility once a month. The inmate must request their services in advance of them coming.
Read moreJPay tablets are available to inmates at Garner Correctional Institution. The rollout of tablets across facilities has happened gradually over the past few years, and Garner is among the facilities where the program is in place. JPay tablets give inmates access to music, games, educational content, and in many facilities the ability to send and receive electronic messages through the JPay email system. The tablets are purchased by the inmate through commissary, and the cost varies. Messaging through JPay
Read moreYes, you are allowed to use tampons and other feminine hygiene products. For inmates that have money in their commissary account, there are several choices and brands available for purchase (the prices are similar to that of a grocery or drug store), If the inmate does not have extra money on their books, most of the facilities provide a standard product that is suitable.
Read moreNormally, these items must be purchased through the commissary.
Read moreYou cannot send a cross necklace - but an inmate is allowed to have it. What you might be able to do is speak with a counselor or case manager and tell them your desire. They might make arrangements for you to send it to them and then they would give it to the inmate, OR check to see if you can bring it to visitation. Also, InmateAid has a wide variety of Birthday Cards that are only $0.99
Read moreWhat you can send depends on the facility, but here is a practical rundown of the most common categories and how each one works. Letters. Letters are accepted at virtually every jail, prison, and detention center in the country. They must be addressed with your friend's full legal name, inmate ID number, and the complete facility address. InmateAid prints and mails letters for you, or you can send them directly through the postal service. Photos. Photos are permitted
Read moreThere are no rules that require inmates to get their head shaven or even a haircut. The facility has a barber that is run by the inmates. Inmates pay for the "service" with something from commissary that amounts to a $2-3 worth of goods.
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