How TRULINCS and Phone Calls Work for Someone at FCI Milan
At FCI Milan, TRULINCS is the Bureau of Prisons’ electronic messaging system. It works more like a monitored message kiosk than regular email: messages are text-only, and attachments aren’t allowed.
Each message is capped at 13,000 characters - roughly two pages of text. Got a lot to say? Split it into multiple messages so nothing gets cut off.
Getting added as a TRULINCS contact requires paperwork. The BOP Trust Fund materials reference a TRULINCS Contact Request Form (BP-A1054) - one of the official forms inmates use to request adding or updating contacts.
TRULINCS isn't a free-for-all contact list. The inmate has to be approved to use the system, and each person they want to message must give permission too. Messages are screened, and both sides consent to monitoring before using TRULINCS. Write with the expectation that anything you send can be reviewed.
FCI Milan allows phone calls so people can stay connected with family and community contacts, but the rules are strict. Third-party calling and other workarounds aren't permitted - don't have someone you're calling connect another person, or route calls through a different number.
Note: Assume phone calls can be monitored. Don’t treat a regular call like a private conversation unless you’ve been clearly told it’s an unmonitored call.
Call recordings through BOP's TRUFONE system are kept for 180 days, then deleted - unless they're needed for legal or administrative purposes.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Ask your loved one to add you through the TRULINCS contact process (including the BP-A1054 TRULINCS Contact Request Form).
- ✓ Write messages as plain text only - no photos, no documents, no attachments.
- ✓ Keep each message under 13,000 characters (about two pages). If it’s longer, split it into separate messages.
- ✓ Treat TRULINCS messages as screened and monitored - keep sensitive details out.
- ✓ Don’t use third-party or “creative” call routing; alternative call arrangements aren’t permitted.
- ✓ Assume calls are recorded and may be monitored, and keep private or sensitive information off the phone.
- ✓ Remember recordings are generally deleted after 180 days unless needed for legal or administrative reasons.
TRULINCS works best for short, clear updates: family news, quick questions, straightforward planning. Since you can't send attachments, anything that needs a document or image requires a different approach. Keep your messages self-contained and easy to understand in plain text.
Privacy reminder: Because messages and calls can be monitored - and call recordings may stay in the system up to 180 days - avoid sharing sensitive or privileged information through TRULINCS or regular phone calls.
Find an Inmate at FCI Milan, MI
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
