It is never easy to have a loved one in prison. The incarcerated person could be a beloved child, grandchild, sibling, partner, parent, or a dear friend to someone outside who is waiting for them. When people are incarcerated for long periods of time, it is normal for their families and friends to want to find a way to keep in contact with them.
People who want to know about their incarcerated loved ones can do so by using inmate search programs like inmate search san quentin. The process may vary slightly depending on whether the inmate is in county jail, state prison, or federal prison.
What Is Inmate Search?
Inmate search is a system through which people can search for the location and other details of an incarcerated person. One may need details like first name, last name, department of corrections (DOC) number, and/or state identification card number.
When the required details are filled in the inmate locator program, the current status and location of an inmate become available. However, it is important to note that the information produced should not be misused or the person doing so may face prosecution.
Inmate Search For Families And Friends
Knowing where one’s incarcerated family member or friend is located, what their status is, and how much time they have served, and/or are yet to serve may be important to a lot of people.
Someone who has committed a state crime is likely to be in state prison while those who have committed federal crimes will be incarcerated in federal prisons. All the states have their own inmate database and inmate locator systems.
If an inmate’s family member or friend wants to know about them, they can visit the inmate locator system of the state where the inmate is serving time. Then they can put in details like their loved one’s name and other identification details. The more specific the details, the easier it is for the locator to give an accurate answer from the database.
If an inmate is serving in a county or city jail, the family members can also contact the sheriff’s department or the city police department for more information. One can also search for relevant information using the Federal Bureau of Prisons Database.
How Can Families And Friends Support Their Incarcerated Loved Ones
Once family members and friends find the exact location and whereabouts of their incarcerated loved one, they can then contact them and/or offer them support in various ways. (Please note that these services may or may not be available at a given location.)
Phone Calls
Inmates are allowed to call their family members, friends, and legal team from the prison. Family members and friends may provide the inmate with their registered numbers. Inmates are allowed to stay on call for a duration of 15 minutes after which the call would be disconnected.
The phone calls an inmate makes are chargeable. These can be collect calls, where the person on the other side needs to accept the call charges before the call gets connected. The receiver can also set up an account where they deposit money to make it easier for the inmate to call them. Alternatively, money can be deposited in the inmate’s account to pay for the calls.
Video Visitations
Many prison facilities allow video or remote visitations. These visitations can be scheduled in advance and are chargeable. To initiate a video visitation, one needs to first be on the approved visitation list of the inmate. Then they can go to the video visitation website and schedule a visit.
If an inmate is going to be a parent, or if it is their/their loved one’s birthday/special day, these video visitations can truly add some color to their lives. These little things may make sure that the inmates do not miss out on some very important events in their families lives.
It is important to note that the rules of regular visitations, such as the dress code, are also applied to video visitations. These calls are monitored and recorded.
Emails
Some correctional facilities allow email services. Inmates can receive emails and photographs from their families and friends. They may or may not be allowed to respond to the emails depending on the facility.
Many facilities have inmate tablets on which inmates can view emails. At other facilities, the staff members can print the mail and give them to the inmates. Emails are chargeable as well.
Written Letters
Written letters have been used to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones for a very long time. Inmates can send and receive letters. These letters go through the prison staff to make sure they contain no contraband or sensitive information.
To send a letter to an inmate, one needs to put the inmate’s full name, their housing assignment in the prison, the facility’s name, and other important details on the envelope.
In-person Visitations
Family members who are on the approved visitation list of an inmate may be allowed in-person visitations. If an inmate wants a family visit, they can initiate the same with the family visiting coordinator. Once the necessary paperwork is done, the family can visit the inmate in private and spend time together.
Loved ones can also visit for short durations during visitation hours. Depending on the facility, an inmate may be allowed one visit a week and these visits may be 30 minutes long. All visits will be monitored and any misconduct may lead to termination of the same.
Sending Money
Family members and friends can deposit money in their incarcerated loved one’s account. The inmate can then use this money to buy certain items, pay for calls and letters, or pay for their medical and other bills.
The money can also be used to pay for restitution fines and/or other administrative charges. Money may be sent through electronic funds transfer, personal checks, or money orders.
Conclusion
Having the support of family members and friends can help an inmate find happiness and the will to move toward rehabilitation. People can make use of inmate locators to find and locate their incarcerated loved ones and keep in touch with them. They can also send them money if needed.
