How to send messages, photos, and packages
FMC Butner uses TRULINCS for digital messaging. Messages are text-only—no attachments—and capped at 13,000 characters each. Phone calls go through the facility's telephone system. The inmate usually pays, though sometimes the receiving party does. Third-party or alternative call arrangements aren't allowed, so stick to the approved setup. The facility uses TRUFONE to collect and store call and contact information. Recordings are deleted after 180 days or when no longer needed for legal or administrative purposes. For paid features like phone, messaging, and video, you'll set up an account with the approved vendor and add funds through their portal or app.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Mail rules at FMC Butner are strict—but manageable once you know the system. Understanding the difference between general mail, special mail, and
Use the TRULINCS messaging system. Messages must be text-only with no attachments, and each message is limited to 13,000 characters.
The inmate ordinarily pays for telephone calls, though sometimes the receiving party pays. Third-party or other alternative call arrangements are not permitted at FMC Butner.
Call recordings are deleted from the TRUFONE system after 180 days or when they’re no longer required for legal or administrative purposes. TRUFONE also stores inmate call and contact information as part of the telephone system.
No—packages from home aren’t allowed without prior written approval. The only exceptions from home are release clothing and authorized medical devices.
Hardcover books and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Softcover materials are also restricted at medium, high, and administrative institutions and must come from publishers, book clubs, or bookstores.
Yes. General incoming mail is opened and inspected by staff. Mail marked “special” is opened only in the inmate’s presence, but it’s still inspected for contraband.
Phone calls are one of the main ways you'll stay connected with someone at FMC Butner. Here's what you need to know about payment, monitoring, restrictions, and how long call records are kept.
Before you can visit someone at FMC Butner, you need to be approved. This means getting on the inmate's visiting list and completing the BP‑A0629 visitor questionnaire.
TRULINCS messages for inmates at FMC Butner are text-only. That means you can write a normal message, but you can’t send attachments through the system.
