How to Contact an Inmate at FCI Allenwood (PA)

Inmates at FCI Allenwood can use the Bureau of Prisons TRULINCS electronic messaging system, but there are a few limits worth knowing upfront. Messages are text-only (no attachments), and each one is capped at 13,000 characters, roughly two pages of text. Access isn't automatic. The inmate must be approved to use TRULINCS, and each person they want to message must give permission to communicate through the system. All TRULINCS messages are monitored and screened for content that could affect safety, security, or facility operations.

Phone calls are monitored. The BOP posts a notice next to each telephone letting inmates know calls are recorded, so assume anything said on the phone can be reviewed. Typically, the inmate pays for calls. In some cases, the receiving party may pay instead.

Incoming mail falls into two categories: general mail and special mail. General mail is opened and inspected by staff. Special mail works differently. When properly marked, it can only be opened in the inmate's presence.

Before sending a message or letter, confirm where the person is currently housed. The BOP Inmate Locator on bop.gov is the official tool for finding a federal inmate's location, including whether they're at FCI Allenwood.

Questions about the BOP website or need to reach the Bureau directly? Contact the BOP Central Office. Mailing address: Federal Bureau of Prisons, 320 First St., NW, Washington, DC 20534. Phone: (202) 307-3198. The BOP processes emails the same way as written correspondence. Expect a response in about 20 to 30 working days, depending on your request.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Use the BOP Inmate Locator (on bop.gov) to confirm the person is currently housed at FCI Allenwood.
• ✓ Ask the inmate whether they are approved for TRULINCS, since they must be approved before they can message anyone.
• ✓ Watch for the permission/approval step for TRULINCS messaging, each contact has to give permission before messages can be exchanged.
• ✓ Keep TRULINCS messages text-only, with no attachments, and stay under the 13,000-character limit.
• ✓ Send mail with the right expectations: general mail is opened and inspected, and special mail (when properly marked) is opened only in the inmate’s presence.
• ✓ Treat phone calls as monitored, and plan for payment to typically come from the inmate (with some situations where the receiving party pays).

1. Confirm the inmate can use TRULINCS - the inmate must be approved for the system before electronic messages are an option.
2. Make sure you have given permission - each person the inmate wants to message has to give permission to communicate through TRULINCS.
3. Write within the system limits - messages are text-only (no attachments) and limited to 13,000 characters per message.

1. Double-check how your mail will be handled - BOP classifies mail as general mail (opened and inspected) or special mail (opened only in the inmate’s presence when properly marked).
2. Assume calls are monitored - the BOP posts a notice next to each telephone advising inmates that calls are monitored.
3. Clarify how calls are paid for in your situation - ordinarily the inmate pays for telephone calls, but in some cases the receiving party pays.

For the most reliable update on where an inmate is housed, use the BOP Inmate Locator on bop.gov. For broader questions about BOP policies and processes, contact the BOP Central Office. Address: Federal Bureau of Prisons, 320 First St., NW, Washington, DC 20534. Phone: (202) 307-3198. Written or emailed requests typically take about 20 to 30 working days for a response.