Navigating the process of sending items to an inmate in a prison facility involves adhering to strict protocols. This includes procedures for sending money for commissary purchases, mailing letters with photos, arranging magazine subscriptions, purchasing phone time, sending postcards and greeting cards, and even enrolling in distance learning courses to make the most of available time.
Understanding visitation hours and rules is also crucial. Find comprehensive information about these processes and more for Maine State Prison - ME DOC below. Scroll through our page patiently to access all the necessary details. If there's anything specific you're seeking but can't find, feel free to reach out to us at aid@inmateaid.com for assistance.
These are general guidelines for sending money to an inmate's commissary account. Inmates need money to access several privileges like weekly shopping at the commissary, making phone calls, using the email service where offered, using the electronic tablets where offered and paying their co-pay when needing the medical or dental services.
A commissary is a store within the correctional institution. Commissary day is usually held once a week and can only be enjoyed if the inmate has funds in their commissary account. An inmate's commissary account is like a bank account within the prison. If the inmate has a job, their paycheck is deposited into this account, too.
The Commissary sells various products that the inmates may purchase if they have money on their books. The commissary sells clothing, shoes, snacks and food, as well as hygienic products like soap, shampoo, and shavers. The commissary might also sell entertainment-related products like books, magazines, televisions, radios, playing cards, headphones, MP3 players, electronic tablets like an iPads (no internet access), songs, and educational programming.
How do you send money to an inmate?
Sending money to an inmate varies from state to state, depending if it is county, state, or federal, their ways of accepting money for inmates change by the money transfer company they’ve contracted with.
Federal Prisons and some state-level prisons have centralized banking systems which means that you do not need to know where they are specifically, just that they are in the state systems of for instance the California, Texas, Florida DOC, or the FBOP to name a few.
Some facilities will allow you to deposit cash through the lobby window stand-alone kiosk in the lobby or visitation room. Most facilities will also accept a postal money order mailed to the institution’s inmate mailing address made payable to the full inmate’s name.
Electronic banking allows friends and family members to send the funds online, and correctional departments are starting to favor this method because it is less work for staff and more accurate/easier to keep track of, as well as being more convenient.
Regardless of the method of sending funds, there are several key things you will need to know:
• Inmate’s full committed name
• Inmate’s ID number
• Inmate’s location – or a system like the federal BOP
Before sending any funds you should find out what online transfer companies the institution your inmate is incarcerated in uses. You can find this information on our site by navigating to the facilities page click on the Money Transfer button under the address and phone number. Pay close attention to the rules of the facility. Sometimes they will require money senders to be on the inmate's visitation list. Some correctional facilities have a deposit limit, like $200-300 at a time, but in federal, there is no limit.
Some of the money transfer firms are MoneyGram, Securus Pay, JPay, AccessCorrections, JailATM, and CommissaryDeposit
An inmate with fines or restitution will be subject to commissary/trust account garnishment. If the inmate has these financial obligations, they will be extracted from the inmate’s bank account. It may be a percentage or the entire amount depending on the situation. We recommend inmates who are going into their bid contact the counselor and make an arrangement beforehand. If you go in knowing they are taking 20-25% of all deposits is better than have them take it all and you find out in the commissary line when the account is zero.
This is generally a signal that the inmate is doing something they shouldn’t and need money to get them out of or through a situation. It could be gambling, it could be extortion it could be other things you don’t need to know on this forum (for now). Set boundaries with your inmate. Tell them that “this is the amount I can send each month” and that is it. There are no extras beyond the boundary. Also, NEVER send money to the account of another inmate on your inmate’s instruction. This is a sign that something is not right. If the corrections people discover this, and they do more times than not, it will result in some severe disciplinary action to the inmate, and certainly the loss of all privileges.
We recommend speaking with the counselor or case manager of the facility and using a generic reference if your suspicions are wrong. You needn’t put them in a more difficult position if they are.
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Purchasing commissary care packages for an inmate is a thoughtful way to show support and provide essential items they may not otherwise have access to. These packages often include a variety of approved products such as snacks, hygiene items, and personal necessities. Here’s how you can buy commissary care packages online:
Find the Facility’s Approved Vendor
Correctional facilities typically partner with approved providers like Keefe Group, Access Securpak, Union Supply Direct, Walkenhorst’s, or CareACell. These vendors work directly with facilities to ensure that the items in the packages meet all regulations.
Search for the Inmate’s Facility
Visit the vendor’s website and select the correctional facility where your loved one is housed. This ensures that you see the packages and items specifically allowed for that institution.
Select a Package
Browse the available packages, which often include bundles of snacks, toiletries, and even seasonal or holiday-themed items. Many services also allow customization, so you can tailor the package to your loved one’s preferences.
Enter the Inmate’s Details
Provide the inmate’s full name and ID number to ensure the package is delivered to the correct person. Double-check this information to avoid delivery issues.
Complete Your Purchase
Add the selected package to your cart, proceed to checkout, and make your payment using a credit or debit card. Some vendors may also offer alternative payment methods.
Confirm Delivery Guidelines
Delivery schedules vary by facility, so check when packages are typically distributed. Most vendors provide estimated delivery times and tracking options.
By following these steps, you can easily send a commissary care package to brighten an inmate’s day. These packages not only provide comfort but also remind your loved one that they are supported and cared for. For added convenience, many vendors offer affordable pricing and frequent promotions to help you maximize your support
An inmate commissary, often referred to as a "canteen," is a store within a correctional facility where incarcerated individuals can purchase items not provided by the institution. Commissary services play an essential role in improving the quality of life for inmates by giving them access to additional goods and services. Here's what you need to know about how commissaries function and the impact they have:
Commissary stores typically offer a wide range of products, including:
Inmates use funds from their trust accounts to make purchases. These accounts are funded by money sent from family or friends, as well as wages earned from jobs within the facility. Without available funds, inmates cannot access commissary items unless they qualify as indigent, in which case the facility may provide limited basic supplies like paper and stamps.
Commissary services enhance the overall well-being of inmates in several ways:
Each facility has strict rules governing commissary purchases:
Inmate commissaries provide more than just goods—they offer a vital connection to the outside world and an opportunity for inmates to manage their daily needs. For families and friends, ensuring your loved one has funds in their trust account can significantly improve their experience during incarceration. Always check the specific rules and options available at the facility to better support your loved one.
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Looking to send heartfelt greetings to your loved one in prison? Some facilities have recently updated their rules for incoming mail to protect staff from potential drug contamination through the ink used in mail pieces. These new rules require mail to be sent to a third-party post office box, where it is scanned into computer files and shared with inmates without anyone physically handling the original mail. When sending letters, photos, postcards, greeting cards, and magazines to inmates at Maine State Prison - ME DOC, adherence to specific guidelines is essential. Both incoming and outgoing mail undergo inspection to prevent the introduction of contraband that could compromise the safety, security, or well-being of the facility, its staff, and residents.
Inmate mail must not contain content that poses an immediate threat to jail order, such as descriptions of manufacturing weapons, bombs, incendiary devices, or escape tools that could realistically endanger jail security. Content advocating violence, racial supremacy, or ethnic purity is also prohibited. Additionally, inmate-to-inmate mail is not allowed and will be destroyed.
To simplify the process, individuals can utilize the mailing services offered by InmateAid. This automated system makes sending special messages or pictures to loved ones convenient and efficient. InmateAid has successfully sent tens of thousands of mail pieces per month without encountering issues with prisons or jails. Envelopes bearing the InmateAid logo assure mail room staff that the contents comply with regulations, establishing a trust that has been maintained since 2012.
Inmates are permitted to receive only metered, unstamped, plain white postcards no larger than 4" x 6". Writing must be done in pencil or blue or black ink. Any other type of mail will be returned to the sender. If there is no return address, unauthorized mail will be stored in the inmate's locker until their release. Again, InmateAid's service for postcards and greeting cards complies with the old and new rules. You can get 8 postcards/greeting cards for only $8.
By following these guidelines and using reliable services like InmateAid, you can ensure your mail reaches your loved one safely and without complications.
Looking to send heartfelt greetings to your loved one in prison? Our Greeting Cards Service offers a hassle-free solution that saves you time and money while being prison-approved for over a decade. Choose from a vast selection of cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and all major holidays, surpassing the limited options found in stores. With just a few clicks on InmateAid, you can send your heartfelt wishes directly from your phone.
Whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Father's Day, New Year's, or any other occasion, our diverse collection has you covered. You can even personalize the card by adding your latest selfie to make it extra special.
Sending a greeting card is quick and affordable, with bargain packages starting at just $8. Customize your message with a photo or a short note to brighten their day and show you care. Send a greeting card today and make a positive impact on your loved one’s life.
Sending magazines and books to loved ones incarcerated at Maine State Prison - ME DOC in 807 Cushing Rd, Warren, ME is a heartfelt and impactful way to lift their spirits during their time behind bars. Show your support and care by providing a monthly installment of joy and mental stimulation.
While sending magazines in envelopes is not allowed, subscribing to a magazine is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply find their favorite magazine online and subscribe using their name and the facility address. This quick process takes only a couple of minutes.
Gone are the days of dealing with subscription cards found in grocery store magazines. We've made it even easier. By clicking the link, you can select their preferred titles and include your loved one's name in the order. The process is swift, and reliable, and offers discounted rates for your convenience. Since 2012, we have been successfully delivering magazine subscriptions to inmates.
Make their day brighter with a subscription today! By delivering the best magazines and books directly from the publisher, you can ensure a continuous source of joy and engagement throughout the year.
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Prison phone companies hold a monopoly within the facilities they are contracted with, resulting in shared profits and minimal incentives for representatives to promote cost-saving measures to customers. These companies typically display their rates, often offering multiple pricing tiers. However, the primary factor determining call costs is the type of phone number used and the location of both the caller and the inmate.
For non-federal facilities (county jail, state prison, private and ICE detention centers), the benefits of using a local number have diminished, making market intelligence crucial. InmateAid specializes in identifying the best deals in various scenarios. While approximately 30% of the time no savings can be achieved—a reality acknowledged by other providers—InmateAid guarantees a refund if they cannot save you money.
For more detailed information on inmate calls, individuals are encouraged to visit the InmateAid website and navigate to the facility where their inmate is incarcerated. By accessing the Prison Directory and following the links to the Discount Telephone Service, individuals can obtain an honest estimate before making any purchases.