How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

El correo no legal para personas en las instalaciones de NCDAC se gestiona a través de TextBehind. Su carta es revisada, escaneada y entregada electrónicamente en la tableta del destinatario. La parte que más confunde a las familias es la dirección: debe enviar el correo al P.O. Box de TextBehind en Phoenix, Maryland, e incluir el nombre de la persona encarcelada, el número OPUS y el nombre completo de la prisión (sin abreviaturas). Si cualquiera de esos datos está equivocado, su carta será devuelta.

• ✓ Envíe una carta a la dirección de TextBehind (P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131). Incluya el nombre de la persona, el número OPUS y el nombre completo de la prisión (no lo abrevie), o el correo puede ser devuelto.
• ✓ Envíe una carta electrónicamente a través de TextBehind usando un smartphone o una computadora, incluyendo la subida de fotos para su escaneo y entrega. Aún necesita la información identificativa correcta para que llegue a la persona adecuada.

Las visitas por video están disponibles a través de la app Getting Out Visits. Puede iniciar una visita bajo demanda o programar una con anticipación. Un inconveniente: solo las personas que figuren en la lista de visitantes aprobados de la persona encarcelada pueden conectarse. Incluso con la app lista para usar, no podrá llamar hasta que su aprobación se tramite. Durante la visita, la persona encarcelada se conecta desde su tableta o desde un quiosco de video dentro de la instalación.

1. Get the exact identifying details. You will need the incarcerated person’s name and OPUS number, plus the full name of the prison (do not abbreviate).
2. Address your mail to TextBehind. Use this format: Name and OPUS Number, full prison name, then P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. Mail not addressed this way will be returned to the sender.
3. Choose how you want to send it. You can send a physical letter to the P.O. Box, or you can submit your letter through TextBehind using a smartphone or computer (including uploading photos).
4. Know what happens next. Non-legal mail is screened and scanned by TextBehind, then delivered electronically to the person’s tablet.

1. Use the Getting Out Visits app. This is the platform NCDAC uses for video visits.
2. Decide on on-demand or scheduled. You can connect on-demand or set an appointment for a future date and time.
3. Make sure you are approved to visit. Video visits are limited to people on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
4. Plan for how the incarcerated person will join. They will connect from their electronic tablet or from a video kiosk in the facility.

What to Verify

• ✓ Confirm you have the correct P.O. Box address (P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131).
• ✓ Double-check the person’s name and OPUS number.
• ✓ Write the full prison name, and do not abbreviate it.
• ✓ If you are unsure about the format, verify it before sending so your mail is not returned.

• ✓ Confirm the facility is still using TextBehind for screening, scanning, and electronic delivery of non-legal mail.
• ✓ If you plan to upload letters or photos, confirm the TextBehind app/website option is available for this facility.
• ✓ Ask about any current limits for uploaded photos or documents before you send.

• ✓ Confirm Getting Out Visits is the supported video visiting platform for this facility.
• ✓ Ask whether video visits are offered on-demand, by appointment, or both.
• ✓ Verify the visitor approval rules, including how you get onto the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
• ✓ Confirm whether the incarcerated person will connect by tablet or a facility kiosk, and whether there are any time limits or scheduling restrictions.

If your situation is time-sensitive, verify details directly with the facility before sending mail or starting a video visit. Small mistakes (like abbreviating the prison name or not being on the approved list) can block communication until you fix them.