In the context of prison, “ghosted” is a term that refers to when an inmate is unexpectedly transferred or moved to another prison without prior notice or explanation to them or their contacts outside of prison.
It is called “ghosting” because the inmate seemingly disappears without a trace, leaving their loved ones or contacts unaware of their whereabouts or the reason for their transfer.
When an inmate is ghosted, it can create confusion, anxiety, and frustration for both the inmate and their family or friends. The sudden disruption in communication and lack of information can make it difficult to maintain contact or provide support.
It’s important to note that the specific policies and procedures regarding inmate transfers can vary between different prisons. In some cases, inmate transfers may be conducted for security reasons, operational needs, or administrative purposes, and the lack of prior notification is part of the standard process. Efforts are generally made to inform the inmate’s contacts outside of prison as soon as possible following the transfer. In most cases they will be given a short call during the booking in process to inform a loved one that they have moved to another prison.