OneOfThem,

Just as a small point to some of what you posted, I would like to say that for a number of years while I was incarcerated, I held the very same attitude that you have shown here. I am not criticizing you, simply an observation.

I made a five year bid a great deal harder than it had to be because there were many times that I did not engage the filter between my mouth and my brain, and my tendency toward violent responses not only defeated my cause by making the ones I WANTED to listen ignore the facts and only recognize my violent behavior, but led to two assaulting an officer charges and 2 years in solitary confinement (as well as a 6 week trip to the infirmary.)

I spend a great deal of my time fighting legal battles for equality of offenders, both in and out of the prison walls, and to defeat my own cause with my rash behavior only makes matters worse for those I am trying to help.

I have learned the hard way that fighting with my pen and not my fists is the ONLY way that things are going to get done. This country was founded on violence and bloodshed, but is made strong on the battles that are fought not on the battlefield, but in the courtrooms and halls of congress.

Just something to think about.

Ms. Cook,

I did just realize that your issue is with the Bureau of Prisons. Ignore the references to state, as the same would apply to the BOP. According to the BOP website regarding TRULINKS (http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/trulincs_faq.jsp#4) ALL BOP operated facilities have trulinks as of Feb. 2, 2011.

Inmates are limited to sending and receiving electronic messages only from individuals on their approved contact list. An inmate must request to exchange electronic messages with a person in the community by placing that person on their contact list. If staff approves the inmate's request to exchange electronic messages, the system generates a message to that person directing them to www.corrlinks.com to accept or block the inmate from contacting them via electronic messaging. The inmate will be notified of the requested contact's reply action and messaging may begin if approval is received from the contact.

Here is a link to a list of BOP facilities with email access:

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-409009.html

and with a contract facility, the warden would be the correct contact, it would be different if it were a state facility, as I based my previous response on. I will try to get more information on this for you :)

thank you so much nomorelabels, corrilinks is already in place where my son is but not for s.o's....my son told me that the asst. warden has the power over this decision and she is not one to budge, however, the new warden is taking some efforts to improve the conditions, whether or not she is willing to override the asst warden on this i am not sure, but can only try.

my son's most persuasive argument is to be able to have more education opportunities, without corrilinks he is limited to three options, all completely on paper - (one is of questionable reputation, one is limited to paralegal, and the other is ohio state,$$). he really hates the idea of having to pen out all his reports and what not, cant blame him, really. if anyone has any links to getting a higher education in prison, federal, please send them my way -they need to offer correspondence courses.

another thing...how do i address it? do i call her by her name (honorable, or is there a rank?) Ms. C---, or less personal, do i send it to his councilor too?

Ms. Cook,

Your Primary contact should be with the Warden of the institution, as per BOP policy regarding the TruLincs system, all decisions of the Warden are final. I would address any communication on the matter to:

Office of the Warden
Mr. / Ms. (last name)
Your Facility Name
Any Street
Any Town, State, Zip

IN RE: Inmate Usage of TruLincs Service
_______________________________________________________________________________

As for Offenders not being allowed to use TruLincs, this is a BOP wide policy, as is evidenced in their policy program statement, number P5265.13. There are, HOWEVER, administrative review policies set in place to challenge the denial of usage of the system.

Your son, as well as yourself and any other correspondent can use the following base argument when requesting certain offenders usage of the system:

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF TRULINCS

This policy describes the operation of the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System
(TRULINCS) - Electronic Messaging. Through TRULINCS, inmates may send electronic
messages to securely, efficiently, and economically maintain contact with persons in the
community. Both inmates and electronic message recipients must adhere to the rules of this
policy, and must not use TRULINCS for any purpose which would jeopardize the safety,
security, or orderly operation of the correctional facility, or the protection of the public and staff.
Inmates participating in TRULINCS will not have access to the Internet.

a. The Program Objectives of TruLincs. The objectives of the TRULINCS program are:

# To provide inmates with an alternative means of written communication with the public.

# To provide the Bureau with a more efficient, cost-effective, and secure method of managing
and monitoring inmate communication services.

# To reduce the opportunities for illegal drugs or contraband to be introduced into Bureau
facilities through inmate mail.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Communications are monitored, and the offenders have NO ACCESS to the internet, and inmates are only allowed to connect with the people on their contact list. If this is the case, then the public safety concern is a null issue.

I would first suggest that you print out the following program policy statement from the BOP regarding the TruLincs program, and review the policy guidelines. Provide your son and any other correspondent a copy of it as well. It is in PDF format, and can be saved and emailed to interested parties or you can share the link as well.

http://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/5265_013.pdf

The policy states Inmates are excluded from electronic messaging when it is determined that their use would
threaten the safety, security, or orderly running of the institution or the protection of the public
and staff.

Inmates excluded from program participation under this section are notified of the specific
reason(s) by a written explanation of the decision, unless possessing such written information
would threaten the safety of the inmate, or other legitimate penological interest(s). If prohibited
from possessing a copy of the written explanation, inmates remain entitled under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) to access this information from their Central Files, and must be provided
reasonable opportunities to access and review such documents. At the inmate’s request, expense,
and preparation of an envelope, staff may photocopy and mail the documents.

My next suggestion would be to print the following comprehensive BOP Grievance Guide and send it to your son and have him file a grievance on Form BP-9 regarding denial of usage of TruLincs and have him reference points from the above linked Program Policy in his grievance. MAKE SURE that he follows his grievance policy through all appeals, if necessary.

The BOP Grievance Guide can be found at this link:

http://www.washlaw.org/pdf/BOP_Grievance_Guide.pdf

This is the BEST starting point that I can put together at this very moment. I have added your issue to my research list, and will continue to look for information on the matter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know.

Jackie - My husband is not allowed to have email at the facility he is at, but many others are, even with similar charges. I was told by the warden it is because he has computer "skills." Whatever that means. They now have instituted email by everyone to the counselor and case manager rather than writing on paper for call outs. What the hell is the difference If he has such great "skills" then why can he contact some but not others. It's the same server and same security. He has filed grievances and I have even had my state congressmen look into it. Now that they have a different warden and they are using the Trulinks for inside contact, I think he needs to go after it again. But I'm sure he won't unless he doesn't get his transfer in March. Good luck. Keep us posted on what comes of it!

thanks again, nomorelabels, that is a great place to start. have you found anything on why they dont allow inmates to have access to email? i would be curious why type of logic they use to deny this privilege, from what idiling wrote (thanks idiling) it doesnt take much logic at all....some of my friends get corrilinks from theirs, some dont and they are in the same facility...no one seems to know why....too many skills? really?

nomorelabels, most times the right protocol is so important,

would he first try to petition the warden on a personal level, then file a grievance if he wasnt getting anywhere? or just file a grievance?...does the warden/asst warden take that personal or is it just par for the course, like how things are done, no hard feelings kind of thing? or do both at the same time? just wondering the best way to have the better chance.