LIVE ARCHIVE UPDATED DAILY

Ask The Inmate. Real answers from people who've been there.

Ask a former inmate your toughest questions about jail, prison, visitation, phone calls, bail, and more. No charge. No account required.

  • 5,528+ questions answered
  • Former federal & state inmates
  • Answered within 24 hours
  • Always free

Your question is reviewed by former inmates with direct federal and state experience. Free, always.

Recently Asked
More Questions

Inmate Phone Calls
Are local numbers cheaper for inmate calls
If you change your cell number to a 913 area code, which is local to Leavenworth Detention Center, the calls are typically treated as local rather than long…

If you change your cell number to a 913 area code, which is local to Leavenworth Detention Center, the calls are typically treated as local rather than long distance. That can make a noticeable difference in the cost per call, depending on the phone provider used by the facility. In most correctional systems, call pricing is based on whether the number being dialed is local or long distance. Having a local number can reduce the per-minute rate and help stretch the available...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
I want to order my son things on his commissary
We are working with Western Union to have ALL the prisons and jails available.…

We are working with Western Union to have ALL the prisons and jails available. Today, Talbot County only takes money orders mailed into their system but with this request and others, we will endeavor to get this rectified. You can still send books, newspapers and magazines through InmateAid and believe me, he will LOVE the reading materials you send him from the outside.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
Do they have kosher meals in prison?
Most prisons DO have kosher meals, especially at the federal level and if they don't you can contact the Aleph Institute in Miami Beach to arrange for them to…

Most prisons DO have kosher meals, especially at the federal level and if they don't you can contact the Aleph Institute in Miami Beach to arrange for them to get them set up. For the commissary food items, there are limitations to what a "kosher registered inmate" may select from.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
What items are available in the commissary? How often can you shop?
There are items that span from clothing and shoes, to food and drink, to over-the-counter medical supplies and personal hygiene items.…

There are items that span from clothing and shoes, to food and drink, to over-the-counter medical supplies and personal hygiene items. Typically there is one day designated for shopping. Remember that the commissary is a privilege and inmates may be subject to revocation for incident reports. For a more complete list, go to InmateAid's Commissary Information page.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Visitation
What do they have to eat in visitation?
Most prisons and jails have an array of vending machines.…

Most prisons and jails have an array of vending machines. Make sure that you bring plenty of change and one dollar bills. Don't let the inmate handle the money, the guards may cancel your visit.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Commissary
How much can an inmate spend at commissary?
Commissary spending limits exist at every level of the correctional system and are enforced regardless of how much money is sitting in the inmate's trust…

Commissary spending limits exist at every level of the correctional system and are enforced regardless of how much money is sitting in the inmate's trust account. Having a fully funded account does not mean unlimited spending. The caps are in place to manage inventory, reduce conflict over goods, and prevent any single inmate from accumulating disproportionate amounts of commissary items that could be used for bartering or pressure. In the federal system, the Bureau of Prisons sets a monthly spending limit...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →