How to send messages, photos, and packages
Remote communication at FCI Edgefield happens through TRULINCS and BOP telephone service. TRULINCS is a secure, paid electronic messaging system—text-only, capped at 13,000 characters. Messages won't go through unless the inmate has approved you as a contact and you've given consent. All messages are screened for content, and the service is funded through the Inmate Trust Fund rather than taxpayer dollars. Phone access follows Bureau of Prisons rules: third-party or alternative call arrangements are prohibited, and calls are monitored. Attorneys may have unmonitored calls in certain circumstances. Since messaging and phone services are vendor-operated and fee-based, you'll handle account setup, deposits, scheduling, and support through the vendor portal. Before trying to connect, confirm you're on the inmate's approved contacts list.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
TRULINCS is the Bureau of Prisons' controlled messaging system—think email, but with restrictions. If you're writing someone at FCI Edgefield, understanding the rules around format, length, and monitoring will help your messages go through without a hitch.
Mail rules at FCI Edgefield are strict—especially for books and packages. But once you understand the difference between general mail and special mail, plus the publisher-only rule for publications, you'll avoid rejected items and wasted money.
Mail rules feel strict at first, but they're predictable once you understand how the Bureau of Prisons categorizes things: general mail, special mail, packages, and publications. Here's what typically gets through at FCI Edgefield—and what usually gets stopped in the mailroom.
FCI Edgefield uses TRULINCS, a paid, secure electronic messaging system that’s text-only and limited to 13,000 characters per message. The inmate must approve you as a contact (with your consent), and messages are screened for content before delivery. TRULINCS is funded through the Inmate Trust Fund, not taxpayer dollars.
No. The Bureau of Prisons prohibits third-party or alternative phone call arrangements for inmates. Phone service has to follow BOP rules and the vendor’s procedures.
Inmate phone calls are monitored under BOP policy. Attorney calls may be unmonitored in certain circumstances, as allowed by BOP rules.
Yes. FCI Edgefield opens and inspects incoming mail. Mail marked as special is opened only in the inmate’s presence, and all mail is checked for contraband.
Usually no. Packages from home generally require prior written approval, with limited exceptions such as release clothing and authorized medical devices.
No. Under BOP rules, inmates may receive publications without prior approval as long as the material isn’t detrimental to security, discipline, good order, or facilitating criminal activity, though wardens can reject disallowed content.
Getting approved to visit FCI Edgefield starts with paperwork and a suitability review. Here's how the Visitor Information form, the BP-A0629 questionnaire, and the BOP's WebV system work together—and what you're being asked for at each step.
MoneyGram is one of the fastest ways to get money into an inmate's commissary account at FCI Edgefield—but only if you enter the BOP fields exactly right.
MoneyGram ExpressPayment is one of the fastest ways to fund someone's commissary account at FCI Edgefield. The trick? Getting the BOP details exactly right—especially the receive code and the inmate "account number" format—so your transfer doesn't get rejected or end up in the wrong place.
