How much money does it cost to keep someone in prison?
According to data from Vera, the average cost per person in prison ranges from about $14,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the state. Most states average $25,000 to $30,000 per incarcerated individual annually. When annual prisons costs are applied to average prison population rates, the numbers balloon.
What can $100 buy in prison?
Federal prisoners can get various types of meat (e.g., tuna, mackerel, chili), beverages (e.g., sodas, tea, coffee, drink mixes), snacks (e.g., Little Debbie’s snacks, trail mix, chips), and a plethora of personal items (e.g., clothing, shoes, hygienic items, radios, MP3 players, postage stamps, copy cards).
How important is money in prison?
Yes, money is very important in prison, but a little can go a long way. Inmates can be fairly comfortable if they have $100 a month to spend, and every dollar helps. So, if you have a friend or loved one who is currently incarcerated, send them a few dollars if you have some to spare. It will absolutely brighten their day and change their world.
Can you send money to an inmate in prison?
But of course, all of that costs money. Each state prison has their own way of sending money to an inmate, but they almost always have a mail option and an online option. Some prisons allow you to send a check or money order directly to the inmate, while others have a lock box that you must use for snail mail.
How much should you give an inmate?
Inmates can be fairly comfortable if they have $100 a month to spend, and every dollar helps. So, if you have a friend or loved one who is currently incarcerated, send them a few dollars if you have some to spare. It will absolutely brighten their day and change their world.
What can you do with your books when you are in prison?
You can also use the money you have on your books to make phone calls, which is incredibly important when you are locked up. Some prisons are now making tablets available to inmates, and after buying the tablet, they can make phone calls, download games, movies, and music.