TRULINCS

Federal Bureau Of Prisons Email System

STATEMENT OF HARLEY G. LAPPIN
DIRECTOR FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, UNITED STATES SENATE

September 19, 2006

"We are currently piloting an inmate messaging system called TRULINCS, which allows offenders to communicate with family and friends through use of electronic messaging via a secure work station. We believe this system, when fully implemented, will greatly reduce the amount of incoming and outgoing mail through the U.S. postal system. Each inmate is permitted to register up to 30 electronic addresses. All incoming and outgoing messages are screened for key words and assessed by investigative staff. If appropriate, the message is uploaded by staff and transmitted via the Web environment to the intended recipient. The system currently allows each message to be indexed for indefinite retention. This process affords our offender population a fast, "real world" communication outlet, while providing the agency with enhanced content monitoring controls. To date, the system infrastructure modifications are in place at 11 BOP facilities. Although still in the pilot stage, wardens and investigative staff report the system has greatly enhanced intelligence gathering efforts. We anticipate this pilot program will continue to be successful, and we will implement Bureau wide at all of our facilities in the next several months."

See BOP current TRULINCS FAQs at: http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/trulincs_faq.jsp

Highlights from above link as of March 3, 2009:

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 re-entry into the community, thus reducing the potential for recidivism.

Do all BOP facilities have access to TRULINCS?

No, but the list of facilities where it is available is growing, and TRULINCS is expected to be in all BOP facilities by June 2011. Ask your inmate contact about it!

Is e-mail correspondence monitored?

Yes; all e-mail correspondence is subject to monitoring. Inmates consent to monitoring when they agree to participate in the program. Contacts consent to monitoring when they approve corresponding with the inmate and are notified each time they receive correspondence from the inmate.

Are there rules?

E-mail correspondence may not jeopardize the public or the safety, security, or orderly operation of the correctional facility. Additionally, it may not exceed 13,000 characters (i.e., approximately two pages) or have attachments. Correspondence that is not consistent with these restrictions will be rejected. Any attachments sent with electronic messages will be stripped and not delivered to the inmate.