Using TRULINCS and Phone Calls: Electronic Messaging & Telephone Basics for FMC Devens Families
TRULINCS messages and phone calls are the primary ways people at FMC Devens stay connected with family. Here's how each works, what limits apply, and what "monitoring" actually means.
TRULINCS is the Bureau of Prisons' electronic messaging system. At FMC Devens, your loved one can only use it after being approved - and this isn't regular email. Inmates don't have internet access through TRULINCS. The service runs through the Inmate Trust Fund (not taxpayer dollars), which is why usage is treated as a privilege.
The purpose is simple: helping inmates maintain ties with family and community. For most families, TRULINCS becomes the go-to way to share day-to-day updates when a phone call isn't an option.
Trulincs Limits Monitoring
- ✓ Messages are text-only (no photos, files, or other attachments).
- ✓ Messages are capped at 13,000 characters (about two pages of text).
TRULINCS requires permission from both sides. Each person an inmate wants to message must give consent before messaging begins, and everyone - inmates and contacts alike - must agree to monitoring. Once active, messages are screened for anything that could threaten public safety or facility operations. Write with the assumption that your messages will be reviewed.
Phone calls at FMC Devens help inmates stay connected with family and community. Access can come with limitations as part of standard correctional management.
- ✓ Third-party or other alternative call arrangements aren’t permitted.
- ✓ Usually the inmate pays for calls, though in some cases the receiving party pays.
Phone calls are monitored. A notice next to each telephone reminds inmates of this. If you're sharing sensitive family information, keep in mind that regular calls aren't private.
Legal calls are different. Unmonitored calls to attorneys are allowed in certain circumstances. If your loved one needs to speak privately with their attorney, they should ask about arranging an unmonitored call.
- Ask if they’re approved for TRULINCS - TRULINCS use starts only after the inmate is approved for the system.
- Confirm who you’ll be messaging - you must give permission (consent) before TRULINCS messaging can occur.
- Get clear on call costs - calls are ordinarily paid by the inmate, but in some cases the receiving party pays, so confirm what applies to your situation.
Note: This article doesn't cover phone vendor names, current rates, or exact sign-up steps for paid calling or TRULINCS access. Check the facility's and provider's current instructions for those details.
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