Yes, I work with the prison system and there are plenty of people that are simply looking to chat and pass the time - much in the way people do on forums. Being in prison does not mean you are a hardened gang member. They have nothing but time for introspection and there are some decent human beings there.
Sigh
Perhaps when considering writing, you could look at the person's rehabilitation, not just their crime. (That's what prison is supposed to be about.)

I'd approach with caution.

Many are masters of emotional manipulation and cons.

Yes. That actually sounds interesting.

I've seen a lot of responses that are not compassionate. I do recommend knowing who you are writing to, however. I know a person who has had many penpals who were incarcerated but she met them through the GED education program. Just be smart. It is understandable to fall in love with someone who is incarcerated.

I wouldn't say know, but I would consider the situation carefully. I empathize with people who are convicted of petty crimes, and I have seen how difficult our society makes it for ex-cons to survive after prison. However, I know how manipulative people can be, especially when they have unlimited time to develop their technique.

Nope, never. There is way too much gang power and influence in the prisons today. If they're talking/communicating with you, it's to find a way to get something from you; probably something you'd rather not give them by choice.

No, because I’ve been there and done that. The sweetest and most misunderstood man in the world turned out to be a monster when he got out. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Not me. Those guys are waaay too needy for me.

It's not something I would do, but I don't see anything wrong with it as long as there's an expectation on both parties to privacy. And like others have said, it depends what they "did," I suppose. At the same time, I would rather be a pen pal with a service man or woman overseas. They need all the support they can get.

Quite possibly, I'm a recovery Facilitator for a secular group. I'm sure there are people struggling with recovery in prison.

Aren't we all prisoner?

No... i try to stay within my small group of forum members.

NO

It's a very broad question. Did I know this person before? Are they at a federal prison for tax evasion or insider training? Cuz I would have written Martha Stewart. She has some damn handy tips!!

I would not.

Ahh that's an idea !!! I bet they will have the time !!

Interesting question. For me I guess it would depend on the crime. This is how I came to exist. My father was in prison when his aunt asked my mom to write to him just so he'd have contact with the outside world. They married and conceived me in the state pen

I used to write letters worldwide to anarchist prisoners, havnt done it for years though.

Depends.

Maybe

yes honesty 411....I have been incarcerated for 6 months . Another 6 with a alcohol bracelet on my leg . Not all people in jail are animals. or hurt anyone.DUI for me but I learned. no mas.

Probably not.

I was for a while.

No! They aren't in there to be entertained. They will grab any chance to "beat" the system.

I used to be a pen pal with a few inmates when I was younger. It ended as each were either released or just stopped writing.