To prison with care: things to add to a care package for a convict or a person under investigation 

The times they are a-changin’: we used to pack holiday suitcases, now we’re sending parcels up the river.

First of all, it’s necessary to know the SIZO [detention centre]  where your loved one is. Since each centre has its own norms and customs, some of them allow you to send bacon, some of them don’t. The article will regard general rules.

The ways of sending a care package:

1. In person

2. By transferring money to the person’s card

How to send a care package:

On the FSIN [Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia] website, there’s an application form for sending parcels

What to do after making an arrangement for a certain date:

1. Learn what things can be sent to the detention centre where your loved one is. Look up this information on the FSIN website. 

2. Don’t forget your passport + three copies of the care package list. The sample is also on the website. 

The application must be one page maximum. 

3. Total weight of the parcels must not exceed 30 kg per month. You must bring all needed containers with you. You’re going to need plastic bags for food, and flecon bags. One bag can contain up to 10 kg, so you’ll need three for the maximum permissible parcel.

Money transfer

There are several ways of putting money on your loved one’s card: 

1. A mail transfer through the Russian Post;

2. an online bank payment or a payment made in a branch bank;

3. paying at the window of the UIS [the Penal System] (during business days only).

When transferring money by any method mentioned above, you must specify the full name and the birth year of the convict or a person under investigation. 

Account details of each institution allowing money transfers to convicts/people under investigation are given on the official UFSIN [Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia Department] website in the "Structure" section (you need to choose the branch in the list at the left and open the subsection) and on the information boards of the branches.

Recommendations for making the list: 

Food must be pulled out of the packages and put into plastic bags beforehand (exception: washing powder must be poured into a bag under the supervision of the SIZO employee).

Items should be added to the list in the order in which you’ve put them in the bag. It’s recommended to write down the items starting from solid ones to fragile ones. For example, if you write down biscuits first and apples at the end of the list, the biscuits will most likely turn into dust. 

List sample:

1. Slippers (1 set)

2. Underwear (2 pcs.)

3. Socks (4 pcs.)

4. T-shirts (5 pcs.)

Etc.

10. Black tea

11.Tomatoes

12. Instant noodles.

Nuances to be considered:

Vacuum packing doesn’t need to be removed.

Cigarettes are an unofficial currency in the SIZO or prisons. Even if your loved one doesn’t smoke, it’s better to add them to the parcel. 

Each SIZO has its own rules, but there are general recommendations. 

What shouldn’t be sent:

Fresh berries; all stone berries. Instead of them, you can send dried berries: dried apricots, raisins, stone-free date fruits and other stone-free berries.

Laces; If you’re sending trousers, they should be with an elastic waistband;

Tea with dried flowers or fruits; Loose tea is allowed. 

Citrus fruits (yet they can be ordered and delivered from the local shop);

Glass and metal;

Dairy products. Only powdered milk is allowed.