How Inmates at FDC Houston Communicate: Mail, Phone Calls, and TRULINCS

Keeping in touch isn't just about getting through a hard stretch - it matters long-term. The Bureau of Prisons cites studies showing that when incarcerated people maintain relationships with friends and family, their risk of recidivating drops significantly. Regular letters, calls, and messages help your loved one stay grounded and connected to the people who care about them.

At FDC Houston, incoming mail falls into two categories: general mail and special mail. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect once your letter arrives.

General mail is the default for personal letters. Staff open and inspect it - checking for contraband and screening for anything that could threaten institutional security. It can feel intrusive, but it's standard practice. Keep your letters straightforward and avoid anything that might get flagged.

Phone calls are another key way to stay connected at FDC Houston, but assume every call is monitored. The BOP posts a notice next to each telephone warning inmates that calls are recorded. Keep conversations family-focused and avoid anything you wouldn't want overheard.

• ✓ Calls are ordinarily paid for by the inmate.
• ✓ Third-party or other alternative call arrangements are not permitted.
• ✓ In some cases, the receiving party pays for the call.

TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the BOP's controlled electronic messaging system. It's not open email like you use at home - your loved one needs approval to use it, and each outside contact must give permission to communicate. In practice, your loved one adds you as a contact, then you complete the required consent process (often tied to a TRULINCS contact request form like the BP-A1054).

Here's something worth knowing: no taxpayer dollars fund TRULINCS. The BOP says the service runs on the Inmate Trust Fund, supported by profits from commissary purchases, telephone services, and the fees inmates pay to use the system.

Set realistic expectations on response times. The BOP processes emails the same way as written correspondence, which can take 20–30 working days. Mail inspection adds to that timeline - staff open and review general mail before delivery. If you haven't heard back, don't panic. Your message may simply be moving through the standard review process.