What is TRULINCS?
The Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) is a new program currently being deployed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide inmates with some limited computer access, to include the capability to send and receive electronic messages without having access to the Internet. This program is designed in part to assist in the inmate’s eventual release to the community. Electronic messaging has now become a standard form of communication within most American homes and businesses, and it can now be used to help inmates stay connected to their families. Strengthening or re-establishing family ties helps inmates improve the likelihood of a successful reentry into the community, thus reducing the potential for recidivism.
Do inmates have access to the Internet?
No Internet access is provided.
Who funds TRULINCS?
No taxpayer dollars are used for this service. Funding is provided entirely by the Inmate Trust Fund, which is maintained by profits from inmate purchases of commissary products, telephone services, and the fees inmates pay for using TRULINCS.
Do all BOP facilities have access to TRULINCS?
No, but the list of facilities where it is available is growing.
How do I correspond with an inmate by e-mail?
Inmates are limited to sending and receiving electronic messages only from individuals on their approved contact list. An inmate must request to exchange electronic messages with a person in the community by placing that person on their contact list. If staff approves the inmate’s request to exchange electronic messages, the system generates a message to that person advising them of the request and gives the prospective contact the option of accepting or rejecting the request and any future electronic messages from that particular inmate; or rejecting the request and any future electronic messages from any Federal inmate. The inmate will be notified of the requested contact’s reply action, and messaging may begin if approval is received from the contact.