Prison pen pals

21/07/2011 Prison pen pals

The Internet really is an amazing invention. It never ceases to amaze me what weird and wonderful stuff can be found online. This morning two things on the more wacky side of things were discussed in my office. Richard, an avid Costo shopper alerted us to the fact that they have a range of coffins and urns that can be purchased online. Great to know! If I ever need to purchase a coffin, that’s where I’m looking. Costco of all places. Next you know, Aldi will be stocking them. They often have some bizarre stuff. Speaking of Aldi, I got the Aldi iPhone app the other day. It tells me all of this week’s specials. For example, you can buy dining chair covers for $12.99 or an anti-fatigue mat for $19.99. You just never know what you might find at Aldi. No caskets though. Costco has them covered there. I wonder if you can pay one off over 50 years.. If they ever have a sale it might be worth getting in quick.. well, not literally in.

Even more bizarre than coffins online is the fact that there are websites set up (eg. www.prisonpenpals.com) whereby you can find a prisoner to become pen pals with. There are literally thousands of prisoners who are looking for a pen pal. There are even sites dedicated to inmates on death row! Their profiles are posted complete with photo, what they are locked up for and their own little spiel. Here’s an example of a meth manufacturer from Illinois..

I’m a 30-year-old single, white male looking for female companionship. I’m 5 ft. 11 inches. I weigh 170 lbs. It’s mostly muscle ladies. I work out 5 days a week. I have brown hair and hazel eyes. I was born Jan. 10th 1981. Yes ladies I’m a Capricorn. Some of the things I enjoy are music, movies, reading and any other kind of outdoor activities. I’m pretty open minded when it comes to entertainment. I love to have fun.
Well, right now not too many people write I’m hoping to find someone to connect with, and talk to. It can get lonely in here ladies. As far as relationships go I’m pretty open-minded. We can see where it goes and if we connect on a good level then we can decide to take it to the next stage or not. I’ve got 20 months left to do at Logan Correctional Center figure it out. I hope to hear from you soon.

It almost sounds like a dating site for prisoners! It never occurred to me that something like this would exist. The wonders of the internet!

Now, although I find this whole concept a little bit strange and amusing I also find it quite intriguing. I can imagine that for someone who is behind bars and with little correspondence with the outside world, a letter from a stranger could absolutely make their day. I’ve been perusing prisoner profiles for a little while and there are those who are looking for love but there are also those who are incredibly lonely and craving interaction with someone outside of the prison walls. It would be so isolating being in prison and sure they have committed crimes that have led to conviction and incarceration but surely they are still worthy of receiving some sort of real world interaction.

So I’m going to get myself a pen pal. After searching the listings I’ve found a guy who would be great to write to. Here’s what his profile says..

I am currently an inmate at San Quentin State prison. I am serving a 17 to life sentence for an alleged gang related attempted murder. I must say that as I look back and see the error of my ways I become filled with regrets.
Although, I may not be able to change my past I have changed my present. I now work with at risk youth to warn them of the unseen pitfalls of the glamorized “gansta” lifestyle. I am currently working on a series of gang prevention DVDs to be shown to inner city youths. I am attempting to give back the money to my community but to communities across the nation. However I cannot make contributions to society without the help of people from the other side of these walls.
I am looking for friendships with those who feel that I can help their youth or make their community a safer place by sharing my story.

What I’m going to do is include correspondence on this blog, with the prisoners permission. I’m not sure if this will work but hopefully people who read this blog will also be able somehow get to know this guy.. I think it will be great just to hear his story if nothing else.