Prison Journal: Day 8,362- Blog from Michael Santos

13 July 2010

Earlier today, Carole Santos sent me a blog written by her husband, Michael Santos. The blog, which I have posted below, highlights why all incoming prisoners must be prepared to surrender to federal prison. Prison is uncomfortable enough, and those that neglect to plan do so at their own peril. I was lucky to meet Walt Pavlo prior to my surrender. Walt prepared me for the journey, then while in prison I had the privilege of working with Michael Santos. His endorsement of my services is both flattering and humbling. In many ways the advice I dispense is simply an extension of what Michael has been teaching in prison for more than two decades.

Prison Journal: Day 8,362

Today I spoke with Tom, a prisoner who recently self-surrendered to Taft Camp. When he turned himself in to the guards at the front, he gave them a money order for $50 that he bought from a local pharmacy. The guard told Tom that they would credit the $50 to his commissary account. What Tom didn’t know was that he would not be allowed to spend the money for two weeks, nor did he know that $50 would not be sufficient to purchase the items he would need to settle in.

Tom told me that he didn’t have any idea about what to expect from prison. He said that he thought the prison system would provide for all of his needs. It does, but a difference exists between needs and wants. Just as money eases life everywhere else in society, money makes life a bit easier in prison.

It wasn’t a matter of Tom not having money, just a matter of him not having sufficient information about what to expect. It was Tom’s defense attorney who gave him the inaccurate information and the wrong impression that $50 was all he needed to bring—for postage. That bad advice leaves Tom with an awkward initial adjustment.

My writings provide extensive descriptions about prison life, but perhaps it isn’t easy for people who are about to serve time to find all of my descriptions. I steer people to Justin Paperny, who offers consulting services for people about to self-surrender, and those who talk with him find value in the insight he offers. Unlike Tom, they come prepared and ready to begin a positive adjustment immediately.

The commissary list at Taft Camp details what is available for prisoners to purchase. Prisoners don’t have to buy anything. The prison provides clothing and food. But those who want to ease their life inside should plan on monthly expenditures. With expenses for telephone, postage, and food items, it is not unusual to spend $400 each month. Not all prisoners have the resources available to spend and they live just fine—but those who want to avoid the chow hall require money.

For those who surrender to prison camp with money, bringing either cash or a U.S. Postal money order is the only certain way to have money available to spend quickly (by prison standards). Those who want more detailed information should consult Justin.

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