The Hidden Cost Of Cutting Off Email For People In Federal Prison
Those with sex offenses in the Bureau of Prisons are often ostracized. Even the BOP's own policies sometimes discriminate. Email is one of them and it needs to stop.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) recognizes communication as a vital tool in managing federal prisons and preparing inmates for reintegration into society. Inmates can maintain connections through visits, phone calls, letters, and electronic messaging via TRULINCS or CorrLinks. While these communication methods can reduce recidivism, restricting an inmate's access to TRULINCS raises concerns about the balance between security and rehabilitation.
Under BOP policy, wardens can deny an inmate's access to electronic messaging, particularly for those convicted of sexual offenses, to prevent further victimization. However, this policy may inadvertently hinder rehabilitation, as loneliness, depression, and anxiety can increase when inmates lose meaningful social support. The BOP's policy states that inmates who can use TRULINCS should generally receive access, except in instances where it jeopardizes institutional security or public safety.
Moreover, restrictions should be based on an individual's behavior, not general categorizations. Despite the BOP's recognition of this principle, sex offenders often face temporary restrictions on their electronic messaging privileges, which may become permanent if local staff determine that continued access poses a threat. While other offenders, such as white collar criminals, may also use computers and email systems to commit crimes, sex offenders are automatically subjected to these restrictions.
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