How TRULINCS Email Works for People with Loved Ones at FCI McKean

TRULINCS is the BOP's email-style messaging system for people in federal custody, including at FCI McKean. It's not automatic, though. Your loved one has to be approved to use TRULINCS, and every person they want to message must also give permission before any messages can go back and forth.

TRULINCS is a controlled system. It does not give your loved one general access to the internet.

TRULINCS messages are text only. You can't send photos, documents, or any other attachments through the system, so keep your messages simple.

Each message is capped at 13,000 characters, which works out to roughly two pages of text. If you have more to say, split it into multiple messages.

TRULINCS is not private email. All messages are subject to monitoring, and both your loved one and the people they message must consent to that monitoring before using the system. Messages are also screened for content that could jeopardize public safety or the safety, security, or orderly operation of the facility.

TRULINCS isn't funded by taxpayer dollars. The service runs entirely on the Inmate Trust Fund.

That trust fund is maintained through fees inmates pay for services like TRULINCS, along with profits from commissary purchases and telephone services. So the system is supported by inmate-paid services, not general public funding.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Ask your loved one to confirm they are approved to use TRULINCS.
• ✓ Confirm you have given permission (and that your permission is on file) so they can message you through TRULINCS.

1. Write it as text only. Do not plan on sending attachments, photos, or documents through TRULINCS.
2. Keep it under 13,000 characters. If your note is long, break it into separate messages so nothing gets cut off.
3. Assume it will be read. TRULINCS messages are monitored, so avoid including sensitive details you would not want screened.