Families of SOs Community Group
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I'm New to this group and this is the first time that I write to a group such as this one via the internet.
I'm the mother of a 21 years son who was in his 323rd year of University. Right now, he is being detained at the Federal Detention Center for internet child pornography(photos), no physical.
It has been 8 months since his arrest. Like every mother and father, we are worried for his safety and for his future as well, and so does he.
For us all of this is new and scary; the lawyer, prison laws, etc.
For this reason, I have searched the internet for guidance and orientation that oder people in the same situation have to offer at first hand. My thanks to them for their articles and sincerity.
By doing this we have been able to give or son advice when we go to visit him.
He has not been sentenced yet for he has not have his day in court. He is a first-time offender an he is worried, same as us, about the Adam Walsh Act and the Sex Offender Program give in some of the FOB's.
For what he's heard in prison, he thinks that it is bad to take the Sex Offender Program, but we believe it is good for him to take the course.
My son, in his ignorance has asked to look for prisons that offer occupational courses that are of his interest.
I as his mother tell him that the first thing to be done is to look for prisons that are safer and in accordance with his offence.
I will be more than grateful if you can give me advice of any kind related to this matter. Specially in: Safer prisons and if it is recommended that he takes the Sex Offender Program.
Any other advice of any kind is also welcome, please!
Since he is currently at a federal detention center, I am assuming this is a federal prosecution.
First, let’s address his safety while in prison. Inmates don’t like sex offenders, but sex offenders can do quite well at a lower security. There are five custody levels for federal prisons----minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative security.
https://tinyurl.com/ycqop2vj
A sex offender’s safety in prison is mostly dependent upon the security level of the prison he is at and the two biggest factors for determining where he is sent are: 1) the nature of his crime, and 2) the length of his sentence.
The inmates at minimum and low security rarely have trouble with the other inmates b/c of their offense. Most of the other inmates at minimum or low security are first timers and non-violent offenders. They usually follow the rules, as they do not want to assault another inmate and have their release date pushed back.
The inmates at a medium security prison are much more violent and many are repeat offenders. In other words, the bad guys are housed at a medium security prison. They usually have lengthy sentences so they don’t really care about following the rules. As a result, they have no qualms at assaulting an inmate they do not like, including sex offenders.
Your son will never see a high security prison or an administrative prison.
Unless he receives a sentence of about 15 years or more, he will go to one of the lower security prisons and he will be safe as long as he does not do something stupid like snitch on someone or borrow and get in debt and not able to pay with another inmate.
He will likely go to one of the lower security prisons. At these prisons there are plenty of other inmates serving time for child porn or some other sex offense, so he will just blend in with everyone else. He needs to keep a low profile, keep his mouth shut, not talk to prison staff, and mind his own business.
If he is sent to a lower security prison, I am fairly certain that his safety will not be an issue. I was at a medium in the state system for six or seven years, and was then shipped down to lower security. I saw lots of fights and stabbings at the medium security prison, but when I went to the minimum security prison I never saw a fight other than someone throwing a punch which resulted in a bloody nose. At a medium, the other inmates will beat down an inmate they don’t like, but there is almost zero violence at a minimum.
I don’t think he will be sent to a medium security prison.
He needs to do the things that will make the other inmates respect him. I don’t care what anyone says, inmates do not beat up other inmates that they like and respect. He builds respect by keeping his mouth shut, giving others the utmost respect, and appearing to be an “OK” guy.
https://tinyurl.com/yb8hbtgf
You said, “For what he's heard in prison, he thinks that it is bad to take the Sex Offender Program, but we believe it is good for him to take the course.”
He may not have a choice. Taking a SOTP---sex offender treatment program----may be mandated at sentencing. Also, at classification his case manager will probably list an SOTP as one of the required programs he needs to take while in prison.
He would be better served to take the sex offender treatment course. Most of the prisons that offer a SOTP have a very high percentage of sex offenders as inmates and as far as safety is concerned, there is power in numbers.
You said, “My son, in his ignorance has asked to look for prisons that offer occupational courses that are of his interest.”
This is not a problem as inmates do not have a choice as to which prison they are sent. The BOP will most likely ship him to the first warm bed available providing that prison is compatible with the prison security he is assigned. For example, if his security points are so low that he is minimum eligible, they won’t ship him to a medium. They will wait for an opening at a minimum security prison.
I know that you, as a mother, have been bombarded with all sorts of negative emotions----anger, sadness, doubt about the future, worry, etc.---but you will get through this. I am just as certain that you and your family know nothing about the criminal justice system or prison. You are in the right place.
And finally, just remember that in the history of this country tens of thousands of men and women have gone to prison, served their time, and have done very well upon release. There is absolutely no reason your son cannot do the same.
I am a guy, btw, who has been all through the system. The fine ladies here---the mothers, the wives, and the GFs of offenders can give you suggestions to cope.
I hope I have added some clarity to your situation. If you ever have any questions or comments, you can message me anytime and I will get back to you.
rewdiazepam
I would like to weigh in here. I did 10 1/2 yrs at a federal low for CP so I have some knowledge here. Depending on the location he is headed I may be able to provide you with detailed information.
First off, Rew is almost always right or really close. I just have some slight alterations or adds because this is my specific experience.
First off - placement. There is a directive that the Bureau keep you within 500 miles of your home (as the crow flies). They follow that directive unless there is concern for the inmates safety due to notoriety or the inmate really ticks off people working in the system.
If you request a specific program whether it is work training/treatment/etc... the government tries to put you in a facility where that is offered. ...even if you are from New York and the only program is in California! So be careful. And if there is more than one... they will pick where you go. So know that.
Second there are two flavors of the Sex Offender Program. There is one for more serious or hands on offenders which I have heard nothing but bad about and was told by both staff and inmates not to take. And...a new one directed more at CP offenders and lower level hands on. I have heard both good and bad about these programs. One thing to be careful of is that there are only so many prisons with the program so he will be sent to a prison with the program if he chooses to take it. Also... many of the programs aren't available to you until you only have 5 years left or less. So the point may be moot at first.
When your son gets out of prison he will have to go through a group therapy program similar to what he will take in prison. You get no credit, good time, or any other perks from taking the program on the inside. You will however understand what the program will be like on the outside. Know this, everything that is revealed in treatment inside or outside will follow you forever. It isn't an easy choice but I chose not to take the program so I didn't have to move institutions. I do not regret that choice in any way. I knew guys that were glad they took it though.
As for his safety, every institution has its own personality. Many low and even medium institutions (SO's can't go to minimum or camp in fed) are fairly safe now in the federal system...especially if there is no hands on conduct in the case. It is still best to keep a low profile especially at first. Most inmates get into trouble by incurring debt, gambling, or by having relationships. If the inmate doesn't do these activities their path is pretty smooth. Every fight I ever heard about was over something like this. No repeating this... but I did 10 1/2 years and never saw a fight. Shoving...sure. Aggressive behavior...sure. Never saw a real fight. Crazy!
Also, I lifted weights, played sports, was in a band for almost 8 years straight, and taught GED, resume writing, automotive, computers, etc... If you hold some respect you can do all of these things. Oh, everyone knew about my case as well. Some people avoided me because of it but they were few and in general not good people anyway.
Respect... ah yes lets talk about that a little. Yes keeping his mouth shut, being very respectful of others and fitting in - being an "OK" guy matters. Additionally, most of the personality types in prison are the type that prey on the weak. So not being a pushover, standing up for yourself a bit. Not escalating but don't come to my house looking for trouble....you might find it. Not being...soft. I was given a hard time at first until people knew I wasn't going to be run over.
I need to wrap this up as I'm working but I hope this helps. I'll be thinking of you and your family. T
Thank pointman for your advices and information. I hope to keep in touch with you and other people of the group.
Thank pinetreegreen. It 's very confortable and helpful to keep in touch with people in the same or similar situation. Hope we can be friends too.