How to Send Money to an Inmate in Alderson Federal Prison

What Do We Know About the Alderson Federal Prison?

Alderson Federal Prison, also known as Federal Prison Camp or FPC Alderson, is a notable minimum-security jail. It is solely for female criminals and inmates. It remains located in West Virginia, close to Alderson town. The prison gets operated and managed by a division or branch under the United States Department of Justice, named the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

A part of the Alderson Federal Prison remains located in unincorporated Monroe County. On the other hand, the second portion comprising the dormitories lies in unincorporated Summers County. Overall, the Alderson Federal Prison encompasses a facility that spreads across 159-acre of land.

How Does the Alderson Federal Prison Treat Its Inmates?

The Alderson Federal Prison houses female convicts and inmates of various backgrounds and criminal records. The prisoners may have gotten jailed due to white-collar, violent, or non-violent crimes. In addition to that, several of them had gotten convicted owing to offenses related to recreational drugs.  

Furthermore, the Alderson Federal Prison organizes a drug program. Hence, a few inmates staying there may have come from other jails to attend the presentation or course. Alderson Federal Prison treats all the prisoners living within its premises the same way and offers all its facilities to them. It stands true, irrespective of the convicts’ crimes or origins. 

Firstly, no barbed wires line the fences of the prison’s camp. The prisoners follow fixed schedules and progress each day by sticking to them. The Alderson Federal Prison requires each inmate to work and perform specific tasks and duties. Nevertheless, they get a few holidays. However, this day-off scheme does not apply to those convicts who work in the kitchen and the powerhouse. 

The inmates could previously spend their free time walking or jogging along the sidewalk between the two dorms. It was allowed as the path is within bounds and the prison premises. However, the freedom of roaming and walking along the entire campus ceased after 2004. Today, the convicts can spend their free time solely within a few restricted and fixed areas within the prison. Nevertheless, they can engage in recreational activities and sports such as volleyball. The Alderson Federal Prison has two broad and huge dormitories. Each room has bunk beds where the convicts sleep. Overall, the buildings can house over 500 inmates.

The Alderson Federal Prison and its staff members have emphasized and maintained several training programs for a long time for the convict’s personal growth and development. They entail beneficial vocational practices and classes that can aid the inmates after they get released from there. For instance, craft-shop undertakings and activities are a vital part.

The Alderson Federal Prison permits weekend visits to the inmates. During the holidays, the timings get changed and “special hours” get added. In addition to that, FPC Alderson served as one of the few state and federal prisons that participated in the Paws4prisons service dog training program. The program entailed an opportunity for the inmates to work and interact with the canines. On top of that, it comprised an academic lesson or curriculum that taught the convicts how to train rescue dogs and develop them into highly trained and professional assistants. The prisoners primarily did so to aid the police. 

What are the Steps Involved to Send Money to a Convict in the Alderson Federal Prison?

The Alderson Federal Prison issues the minimum things an inmate requires. It consists of clothing, food three times a day, and hygiene products. However, it becomes arduous for the convicts to achieve the desired comfort level using only the prison-issued items. For that reason, sending money to a prisoner can serve as a beneficial way to help them get adjusted to their lives in prison. 

There are three methods to send money to an inmate in the Alderson Federal Prison. However, the well-wishers need to know the convict’s full name and ID number, irrespective of the chosen approach. 

  • United Postal Service

An individual can send money using a Money Order through the united postal service. They have to post it to the Federal Bureau of Prisons with the inmate’s committed and valid name and eight-digit registered number. 

A person should not send the money directly to Alderson Federal Prison if they wish to opt for the postal services. The best approach is to send it to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, who would then pass it on to the former. 

  • MoneyGram

It is possible to send money to an inmate electronically and their commissary accounts. The funds can get sent to a BOP-managed or operated facility first. It then gets deposited in the convict’s respective accounts. 

An individual can do so using the Express Payment Program of MoneyGram. They need to know the convict’s ID number, account number, and name for the transaction. 

The well-wisher can visit moneygram.com and initiate the payment process. The money has to get sent under the company name of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Additionally, the beneficiary’s full name has to get mentioned. 

  • Western Union

The Western Union offers a unique form using which an individual can send money to an inmate in the Alderson Federal Prison. Again, the necessary details consist of the convict’s committed name and registered or ID number to complete the transaction. They can make the payment using a credit or debit card at westernunion.com. 

What are the Various Things on Which an Inmate Can Use the Sent Money?

The economy inside the Alderson Federal Prison, or any prison, operates similarly to the outside world. It implies that the inmates can utilize the money sent to them on themselves and purchase the things or items they require or desire. Nevertheless, a few illegal practices may also take place. For that reason, the prison initiates a strict check for any transactions that get done. 

Overall, the money can get used for sending emails or phone calls. On top of that, they can purchase meals, snacks, beverages, stationery, clothing, prescribed medications, personal hygiene products, etc. 

Author: Shirley