How to write your first letter to someone in prison
Keep it short and friendly: say who you are, why their profile caught your eye, and ask a question or two they can answer. Address it exactly as the profile shows, with their full name and ID number, use plain paper, and never include money or anything taped or glued.
Updated by Jason Santiago
What to write
- Introduce yourself simply. Your first name, roughly where you live, and something you spend your days on.
- Mention their profile. Pick something specific: a book, a sport, a goal. It shows you read it.
- Ask easy questions. What they are reading, what a normal day looks like, what they are working toward.
- Say how often you can write. Honest expectations are kinder than a promise you can't keep.
What to leave out
- Your home address, if you'd rather not share it: use a P.O. box or mail service.
- Money, gift cards, stamps or financial details. See writing safely.
- Questions about their case in the first letter. Let them bring it up when they're ready.
- Anything the facility rejects: stickers, glitter, perfume, crayon, tape, glue, or photos printed on regular paper.
Addressing and sending it
Copy the mailing address from the profile exactly, including the ID number. Many prisons now scan mail and give the person a copy, so write clearly in dark ink on plain white paper. Check the prison mail rulesand the state's page in rules by state before you send anything other than a letter.
If they use a messaging app
Some profiles list a messaging app such as Securus, JPay or GettingOut. You sign up with that company, find the person by name and ID number, and pay the company for each message. The prison reads those messages too. See messaging apps by state.