Writing a letter to a friend in jail?

So..
I guess you could call me a bit paranoid.

Anyway, long story short.. my ex bf's cousin is in jail... for some pretty bad things i understand. (not for sure). and we use to be friends..

and i want to write him a letter.

ive got his address and all.

but im wondering.. .

is writing to someone in jail.. like bad?
will this like go on some record or something?

like.. people who are socialits or into ufos.. the gov. act like they are crazy.

like, will i get that for this?

will anything happen?

thanks

William F

With the United States incarcerating more people per capita than even communist China (1.5% of our total population), many people routinely write to inmates. Correctional authorities actually encourage the writing of letters because it is good for the morale and mental health of the inmates. There is certainly nothing inappropriate about writing a letter to an inmate, but there are rules.

Generally, when you write to an inmate (assuming you have the address of the facility where they are housed), you should include their inmate # and if possible their cell/dorm location (i.e. "Cell 15, Range 3A, D cellhouse" [or] "Pod 5, Bed 3 upper").

Correctional authorities do not maintain lists of who writes to inmates like they do with approved visitors - but that's another subject.

You can write about whatever you like as long as it doesn't involve prohibited activity. Prohibited activity involves the obvious such as discussing escape or trafficking. Gang activity is prevalent in prisons so officers scanning the mail will be alert to the possible use of gang signs, artwork, code words and slogans, and 'colors'.

Most male inmates REALLY appreciate letters from women, especially if they think there's potential for a romantic development... it gives them something to focus on rather than their current predicament. I generally urge caution though for unattached women seeking a relationship with an inmate. It's like the song goes, "looking for love in all the Wrong places".

Bottom line, writing to him isn't wrong, and maybe your correspondence will have a positive influence on him while he is incarcerated.

komodo

Mail going into and out of jails can be read by the officers. I can't imagine how you would get in trouble for writing a letter to someone in jail unless the letter contained information that implicated you in a crime.

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