It does happen a lot and it's not the kind of violation that they are looking to bust. There are many versions of this type of "service" one inmate does for another. We do not think there is much to be concerned with as long as the two involved stay in good graces with each other. These type deals go awry when the two inmates have an argument and someone overhears the dispute in a heated exchange of words.

Thank you for loving this site! You can go to [eComm Direct](tdcj.state.tx.us/php/ecommdirect/index.php) and review the items on their website.

Inmates may not receive anything like protein shakes or protein powder from the outside. They are only allowed to buy items off of the commissary list. If protein powder is found in the possession of an inmate, it will be an immediate trip to the SHU and possible loss of good time, loss of commissary, phone and visitation privileges and likely a transfer to a one-level higher facility.

Yes they can, they are available in many state and federal prisons. The prices vary but they are about $60 - $80 and the televisions are over $100

The commissary lists generally include typical personal hygiene items you'd find at a drug store. The facility provides the bare minimum but inmates can "upgrade" some of these essentials. They also sell foods and snacks. There are items that are sold that act as the currency for the jail. Packs of tuna, chicken, salmon and beef are used for bartering between inmates for services between themselves. They also sell candy, chips and other junk food. There is a limit that

yes, in most cases they get a slip of paper with the last name of the sender

The facility will provide a deposit slip to the inmate notifying them that they have money to spend for commissary

The facilities provide shoes although they are of a minimalist nature. Most offer a choice of upgrades through the commissary. The choices include various work boots to several sneaker brands. One other way inmates get shoes is that there are always the industrious inmates who have contacts in the system where they resell shoes left over from inmates who have been released. The prices for the used goods are paid for with items from the commissary (usually not exceeding $5-10).

Depending on where your inmate is incarcerated, they will have a weekly or monthly spending limit. Most county jails have a $50-75 per week limit. Federal has a $340 per month spending limit. There are also the cost of the phone calls to be considered. You should budget according to your own needs first and then the inmate's. Some people on the outside worry about their inmate so much on the inside that they send them more money than they

Not all county jails offer people the ability to send in commissary packages. There are five or six companies that provide the service but they have to hav ea preset arrangement with the institution to do so. Our advise is to call the jail itself and ask a staff membe because they are not listing anything on their website - 972-204-7001