Help Free Adam
the reality of Life inside prison
Most people have a lot of misconceptions about prisons and the way they operate. During my time in the custody of the Federal Bureau Of Prisons (F.B.O.P.), I've repeatedly attempted to explain my living conditions to countless family members and friends. The reality of my life in here is probably very different that whatever you've imagined so I'm going to try to now paint a more accurate picture for you.
The majority of my time is spent right here in my cell sleeping, studying, reading or writing. I begin each day with a rigorous "warm-up" exercise program that I designed specifically for this confined space. My cell is nearly identical to your bathroom. There is a sink, a toilet and cabinets but in place of the bathtub/shower there are bunk beds. At least two men, sometimes three, have to "live" with each other in this small space AND that includes all of their personal possessions too. It's important to find a compatible cellmate(s) because at some point in time you're going to be confined in there together for a few days, weeks or even months when there is an institutional lock-down.
Nearly every cell throughout the entire F.B.O.P. is the same as mine. There are no TV's, video games or audio systems in any of these cells. Some facilities, such as the one where I currently reside, do not have AC and I'm not aware of any facility that permits the purchase of a fan. Fortunately, I have a window in my cell that opens about 3 inches to allow some fresh air in from the outdoors... but that doesn't help much during the sweltering summer heat wave.
The housing unit where I currently reside holds about 150 men. There are seven more units identical to mine, plus the Special Housing Unit (disciplinary segregation) located within this facility. Each unit has 6 showers, 4 telephones, 4 microwaves, 3 email terminals, a laboring ice machine and 5 televisions that are a constant point of strife. (There are no volume controls on any TV so each one broadcasts it's audio on an FM signal that can be picked up on a walkman radio.) Waiting in line to use any one of these amenities has to be factored into your daily routine... or simply avoided altogether. To save some time (and health) I try to greatly limit my microwave use. Other men simply choose to forgo their shower(s) instead...and that part is probably worse than you can imagine.
The F.B.O.P. mandates that every inmate must have a job. Unfortunately 90% of the jobs (in every facility) pay wages of $5.25 or less Per Month. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of men in here, including myself, rely upon financial support from the outside. In order for me to make a phone call home I need to have about 4 dollars in my commissary account. I have to transfer that money into my phone account (only in whole dollars) to cover the $3.25 pre-paid charge for a 15 minute call. Of course there is also the option of calling (land-lines only) collect for about 3 times as much money. For precisely this reason many phones nowadays have collect call "blocks" which prevent these calls altogether.
The F.B.O.P. now offers inmates at every federal facility nationwide a much less expensive means of (nearly) instant communication with the Corrlinks Email Messaging System. I'm able to purchase a block of 300 credits/minutes for the price of $15 dollars. Those credits can then be used to write out-going messages, read in-coming messages, or print saved messages. This system has helped me to remain closely connected to many of my family members and friends on the outside.
Occasionally, I still find a reason to resort to "snail mail" but even that comes with a cost. I can purchase a pad of paper ($1.35), a pen ($0.25) and a strip of 10 stamps ($4.40) for $6 dollars over at the commissary IF I have that much money in my account. There is no "credit" given at the commissary. Despite the F.B.O.P.'s claim that they "encourage building and maintaining strong family and community ties" those bonds exist only for those who can afford them.
Here's how it breaks down for the month.
- Pre-paid Phone Calls: 300 minutes (Max) = approx $70.00
- Corrlinks Email Credits/Minutes : 30 per day/900 per month = $45.00
- Snail Mail: 2 letters per week/8 per month = $6.00
Upon arrival to any (permanent housing) federal facility each inmate receives his "government issue". This is a package that's put together by the Laundry Department as a one-time only event. All of the clothes are labeled with the ever unpredictable "prison sizes" and should not be confused with normal "street sizes". These garments are generally made by prison industries and are rarely (never) well-constructed. Each man is issued 3 pair of khaki pants, 3 khaki shirts, 5 briefs, 5 pair of socks, 3 t-shirts, 2 towels, 1 washcloth, 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pair of pleather boots, a 2 inch toothbrush, 2 liquid deodorant (single servings), 2 bars of Lisa soap (hotel size) and 2 single blade disposable razors.
Once you've been "suited and booted" in your government issue you can then take a trip over to the Medical Department to get any ailments you've got checked out. However, each visit is going to cost you $2 dollars and you'll have to purchase whatever OTC medicine that they prescribe (such as ibuprofen) over at the commissary afterward. Thankfully, I haven't had to depend on the Medical Dept. during any life-threatening situations of my own but I have watched more than a few men die in here throughout the years. I'm extremely grateful for my continued good health and I realize that it's MY responsibility to maintain my health for the duration of my incarceration... however long that may be.
The Chow Hall is another place that some men try to avoid but I make sure to never miss a meal. Some of the things that I eat in the Chow Hall are not exactly "healthy choices" but I always take the time to check the menu beforehand and go into every meal with a plan. One of the things that I almost always have to look forward to here at McKean is a piece of fruit at both breakfast and lunch. Now that may not sound like much but many other facilities are reluctant to pass out fruit because it can be used to make wine. Thankfully they're more sensible here because in addition to my breakfast, lunch and dinner over in the Chow Hall I've still got 4 more meals where I'm on my own. I make the extra effort to Eat S.M.A.R.T. (link to PBF) every single day (including holidays) as part of the healthy lifestyle I've chosen but that simply wouldn't be possible without the financial support I receive from the outside.
Each month I have to purchase food, hygiene products, phone minutes, email credits, and postage stamps with the money I receive. The products that I buy at the commissary are comparably priced to what you might find on your local store shelves. I had the McKean commissary list scanned and uploaded to this page so that you can see it for yourself. I've compiled a few itemized lists to show you exactly the types of purchases I've made in the past and still continue to make regularly. Again, none of this would be possible without the support I receive from the outside.
The majority of my time is spent right here in my cell sleeping, studying, reading or writing. I begin each day with a rigorous "warm-up" exercise program that I designed specifically for this confined space. My cell is nearly identical to your bathroom. There is a sink, a toilet and cabinets but in place of the bathtub/shower there are bunk beds. At least two men, sometimes three, have to "live" with each other in this small space AND that includes all of their personal possessions too. It's important to find a compatible cellmate(s) because at some point in time you're going to be confined in there together for a few days, weeks or even months when there is an institutional lock-down.
Nearly every cell throughout the entire F.B.O.P. is the same as mine. There are no TV's, video games or audio systems in any of these cells. Some facilities, such as the one where I currently reside, do not have AC and I'm not aware of any facility that permits the purchase of a fan. Fortunately, I have a window in my cell that opens about 3 inches to allow some fresh air in from the outdoors... but that doesn't help much during the sweltering summer heat wave.
The housing unit where I currently reside holds about 150 men. There are seven more units identical to mine, plus the Special Housing Unit (disciplinary segregation) located within this facility. Each unit has 6 showers, 4 telephones, 4 microwaves, 3 email terminals, a laboring ice machine and 5 televisions that are a constant point of strife. (There are no volume controls on any TV so each one broadcasts it's audio on an FM signal that can be picked up on a walkman radio.) Waiting in line to use any one of these amenities has to be factored into your daily routine... or simply avoided altogether. To save some time (and health) I try to greatly limit my microwave use. Other men simply choose to forgo their shower(s) instead...and that part is probably worse than you can imagine.
The F.B.O.P. mandates that every inmate must have a job. Unfortunately 90% of the jobs (in every facility) pay wages of $5.25 or less Per Month. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of men in here, including myself, rely upon financial support from the outside. In order for me to make a phone call home I need to have about 4 dollars in my commissary account. I have to transfer that money into my phone account (only in whole dollars) to cover the $3.25 pre-paid charge for a 15 minute call. Of course there is also the option of calling (land-lines only) collect for about 3 times as much money. For precisely this reason many phones nowadays have collect call "blocks" which prevent these calls altogether.
The F.B.O.P. now offers inmates at every federal facility nationwide a much less expensive means of (nearly) instant communication with the Corrlinks Email Messaging System. I'm able to purchase a block of 300 credits/minutes for the price of $15 dollars. Those credits can then be used to write out-going messages, read in-coming messages, or print saved messages. This system has helped me to remain closely connected to many of my family members and friends on the outside.
Occasionally, I still find a reason to resort to "snail mail" but even that comes with a cost. I can purchase a pad of paper ($1.35), a pen ($0.25) and a strip of 10 stamps ($4.40) for $6 dollars over at the commissary IF I have that much money in my account. There is no "credit" given at the commissary. Despite the F.B.O.P.'s claim that they "encourage building and maintaining strong family and community ties" those bonds exist only for those who can afford them.
Here's how it breaks down for the month.
- Pre-paid Phone Calls: 300 minutes (Max) = approx $70.00
- Corrlinks Email Credits/Minutes : 30 per day/900 per month = $45.00
- Snail Mail: 2 letters per week/8 per month = $6.00
Upon arrival to any (permanent housing) federal facility each inmate receives his "government issue". This is a package that's put together by the Laundry Department as a one-time only event. All of the clothes are labeled with the ever unpredictable "prison sizes" and should not be confused with normal "street sizes". These garments are generally made by prison industries and are rarely (never) well-constructed. Each man is issued 3 pair of khaki pants, 3 khaki shirts, 5 briefs, 5 pair of socks, 3 t-shirts, 2 towels, 1 washcloth, 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pair of pleather boots, a 2 inch toothbrush, 2 liquid deodorant (single servings), 2 bars of Lisa soap (hotel size) and 2 single blade disposable razors.
Once you've been "suited and booted" in your government issue you can then take a trip over to the Medical Department to get any ailments you've got checked out. However, each visit is going to cost you $2 dollars and you'll have to purchase whatever OTC medicine that they prescribe (such as ibuprofen) over at the commissary afterward. Thankfully, I haven't had to depend on the Medical Dept. during any life-threatening situations of my own but I have watched more than a few men die in here throughout the years. I'm extremely grateful for my continued good health and I realize that it's MY responsibility to maintain my health for the duration of my incarceration... however long that may be.
The Chow Hall is another place that some men try to avoid but I make sure to never miss a meal. Some of the things that I eat in the Chow Hall are not exactly "healthy choices" but I always take the time to check the menu beforehand and go into every meal with a plan. One of the things that I almost always have to look forward to here at McKean is a piece of fruit at both breakfast and lunch. Now that may not sound like much but many other facilities are reluctant to pass out fruit because it can be used to make wine. Thankfully they're more sensible here because in addition to my breakfast, lunch and dinner over in the Chow Hall I've still got 4 more meals where I'm on my own. I make the extra effort to Eat S.M.A.R.T. (link to PBF) every single day (including holidays) as part of the healthy lifestyle I've chosen but that simply wouldn't be possible without the financial support I receive from the outside.
Each month I have to purchase food, hygiene products, phone minutes, email credits, and postage stamps with the money I receive. The products that I buy at the commissary are comparably priced to what you might find on your local store shelves. I had the McKean commissary list scanned and uploaded to this page so that you can see it for yourself. I've compiled a few itemized lists to show you exactly the types of purchases I've made in the past and still continue to make regularly. Again, none of this would be possible without the support I receive from the outside.
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First Time / One Time Commissary Purchases (upon arrival)
(1) Timex Ironman Wrist Watch $37.95
(1) Travel Size Alarm Clock $10.00
(1) Sony FM/AM Walkman Radio $49.00
(1) Koss R-10 Headphones $36.40
(1) Master lock Combination Locker Lock $7.00
(1) Calculator $10.00
(1) Pocket Dictionary $3.85
(1) Address Book $0.75
(1) Shower Shoes $3.50
(1) Gillette Sensor Razor (Handle) $6.05
(1) Locker Mirror (Handheld) $2.45
(1) Fingernail Clippers $0.45
(1) Toenail Clippers $0.90
(1) Hairbrush $1.25
(1) Safety Scissors $6.70
(1) Coffee Mug $2.75
(2) Microwaveable Bowls (Cook/Storage) $5.70
(1) Gallon Jug (Water/Ice) $7.35
(5) Plastic Clothes Hangers $1.85
(3) Boxers (3 pack) $32.85
(10) Ankle Socks $13.00
(1) Athletic Shoes $65.00
(2) Sweat Pants $31.50
(2) Sweat Shirts $33.80
(2) Mesh Shorts $37.70
(2) Thermal Tops $15.90
(1) Gym Bag $8.45
(1) Baseball Cap $4.00
(1) Winter Gloves $7.40
Monthly Commissary Purchases
(1) Colgate Toothpaste $2.75
(1) Dental Floss $1.65
(3) Dove Bar Soap $5.40
(1) Degree Deodorant $3.20
(1) Mouthwash $2.35
(1) Ajax Hand and Dish Soap $1.35
(2) AA Batteries $4.60
(2) Legal Pads $2.70
(2) Pens $0.50
(20) Mackerel (8oz Pouch) $35.00
(10) Tuna (3.5oz Pouch) $16.50
(10) Rolled Oats $17.50
(2) Bran Flakes (Kelloggs Original All-Bran) $12.70
(6) Instant Brown Rice $8.10
(1) Box Nestea Tea Bags $4.20
(2) Tasters Choice Instant Coffee $17.40
(2) Bottles of Olive Oil $9.10
(6) Chili Garlic Hot Salsa $11.40
(5) Jalapenos $9.75
(30) Lemon Juice Packets $3.00
(4) Garlic Bulbs $2.20
(2) Minced Onion $2.00
(5) Powder Milk $18.00
(1) Pepper $1.15
(2) Unsalted Peanuts $4.80
(2) Peanut Butter $6.00
*** There are no unhealthy items such as cookies, cakes, candies, chips, ice cream, pizzas, etc. included on any of these lists but that does not accurately reflect how most men choose to eat in here.
Bi-Monthly / Quarterly Commissary Purchases
(1) Book of Stamps (20 stamps) $8.80
(1) Copy Card (50 copies) $6.50
(4) Photo Tickets (4 pictures) $4.00
(1) Suave Shampoo $1.85
(1) Next Hair Conditioner $1.75
(1) Medium Toothbrush $1.10
(1) Q-Tips (Box of 300) $1.80
(1) Multi-Vitamin $4.00
(1) Vitamin C $3.25
(1) Vitamin E $3.85
(1) Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D $2.45
(1) Ibuprofen $2.65
(1) Chapstick $1.60
(1) Sensor Razor Blades (about every 6 months) $12.10
Yearly Commissary Purchases
(3) Boxers (3 pack) $32.85
(10) Ankle Socks $13.00
(1) Athletic Shoes $65.00
(1) Sweat Pants $15.75
(1) Sweat Shirt $16.90
(1) Mesh Shorts $18.85
(1) Thermal Top $7.95
(1) Sunblock $3.75
(1) Watch Battery $2.50
(1) Microwaveable Bowl $2.85
(1) Gym Bag $8.45
Ten years ago I could have gotten a job in prison industries where I would now be earning a few hundred dollars a month. Instead I chose to pursue my passion for health and fitness and landed a job in the Recreation Department as a fitness instructor. That decision hasn't earned me much money over the years but it has brought me great deal more health and happiness than I had ever known before. I'm confident that one day I'll be able to earn a comfortable living utilizing all the knowledge and expertise that I've acquired throughout my time in here. All of it has been made possible due to the support that I've received throughout the years. So to all my supporters of both past and present... Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I am eternally grateful for your support...A
(1) Timex Ironman Wrist Watch $37.95
(1) Travel Size Alarm Clock $10.00
(1) Sony FM/AM Walkman Radio $49.00
(1) Koss R-10 Headphones $36.40
(1) Master lock Combination Locker Lock $7.00
(1) Calculator $10.00
(1) Pocket Dictionary $3.85
(1) Address Book $0.75
(1) Shower Shoes $3.50
(1) Gillette Sensor Razor (Handle) $6.05
(1) Locker Mirror (Handheld) $2.45
(1) Fingernail Clippers $0.45
(1) Toenail Clippers $0.90
(1) Hairbrush $1.25
(1) Safety Scissors $6.70
(1) Coffee Mug $2.75
(2) Microwaveable Bowls (Cook/Storage) $5.70
(1) Gallon Jug (Water/Ice) $7.35
(5) Plastic Clothes Hangers $1.85
(3) Boxers (3 pack) $32.85
(10) Ankle Socks $13.00
(1) Athletic Shoes $65.00
(2) Sweat Pants $31.50
(2) Sweat Shirts $33.80
(2) Mesh Shorts $37.70
(2) Thermal Tops $15.90
(1) Gym Bag $8.45
(1) Baseball Cap $4.00
(1) Winter Gloves $7.40
Monthly Commissary Purchases
(1) Colgate Toothpaste $2.75
(1) Dental Floss $1.65
(3) Dove Bar Soap $5.40
(1) Degree Deodorant $3.20
(1) Mouthwash $2.35
(1) Ajax Hand and Dish Soap $1.35
(2) AA Batteries $4.60
(2) Legal Pads $2.70
(2) Pens $0.50
(20) Mackerel (8oz Pouch) $35.00
(10) Tuna (3.5oz Pouch) $16.50
(10) Rolled Oats $17.50
(2) Bran Flakes (Kelloggs Original All-Bran) $12.70
(6) Instant Brown Rice $8.10
(1) Box Nestea Tea Bags $4.20
(2) Tasters Choice Instant Coffee $17.40
(2) Bottles of Olive Oil $9.10
(6) Chili Garlic Hot Salsa $11.40
(5) Jalapenos $9.75
(30) Lemon Juice Packets $3.00
(4) Garlic Bulbs $2.20
(2) Minced Onion $2.00
(5) Powder Milk $18.00
(1) Pepper $1.15
(2) Unsalted Peanuts $4.80
(2) Peanut Butter $6.00
*** There are no unhealthy items such as cookies, cakes, candies, chips, ice cream, pizzas, etc. included on any of these lists but that does not accurately reflect how most men choose to eat in here.
Bi-Monthly / Quarterly Commissary Purchases
(1) Book of Stamps (20 stamps) $8.80
(1) Copy Card (50 copies) $6.50
(4) Photo Tickets (4 pictures) $4.00
(1) Suave Shampoo $1.85
(1) Next Hair Conditioner $1.75
(1) Medium Toothbrush $1.10
(1) Q-Tips (Box of 300) $1.80
(1) Multi-Vitamin $4.00
(1) Vitamin C $3.25
(1) Vitamin E $3.85
(1) Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D $2.45
(1) Ibuprofen $2.65
(1) Chapstick $1.60
(1) Sensor Razor Blades (about every 6 months) $12.10
Yearly Commissary Purchases
(3) Boxers (3 pack) $32.85
(10) Ankle Socks $13.00
(1) Athletic Shoes $65.00
(1) Sweat Pants $15.75
(1) Sweat Shirt $16.90
(1) Mesh Shorts $18.85
(1) Thermal Top $7.95
(1) Sunblock $3.75
(1) Watch Battery $2.50
(1) Microwaveable Bowl $2.85
(1) Gym Bag $8.45
Ten years ago I could have gotten a job in prison industries where I would now be earning a few hundred dollars a month. Instead I chose to pursue my passion for health and fitness and landed a job in the Recreation Department as a fitness instructor. That decision hasn't earned me much money over the years but it has brought me great deal more health and happiness than I had ever known before. I'm confident that one day I'll be able to earn a comfortable living utilizing all the knowledge and expertise that I've acquired throughout my time in here. All of it has been made possible due to the support that I've received throughout the years. So to all my supporters of both past and present... Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I am eternally grateful for your support...A
