Penmate Inmate Support Guides

What Happens to Your Original Letters After They're Scanned? Understanding Arizona's Digital Mail Policy

If you're mailing someone in ADCRR custody, it helps to know what happens to the actual paper letter, not just the digital copy they receive. Here's how long originals are kept, how to request them back, and what to do if something seems missing.

• 1 min read Verified from official sources

Once your mail is digitally scanned, ADCRR's contracted provider stores the physical original for 90 days. After that, it's professionally disposed of. So if you want the paper copy back for your records, you'll need to request a return up front (see the next section).

Return Physical

  • ✓ Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your correspondence if you want the physical mail returned to you after it is scanned.

After someone is released from ADCRR custody, their digitized mail doesn't stay locked inside the facility system. Formerly incarcerated individuals can access their scanned mail through a secure public website. They're given instructions and login credentials before release. That download access lasts up to 90 days after release. If your loved one wants to save important letters or photos, plan for that window so they can download everything they want to keep.

Once mail arrives for digital processing, Securus' target is to scan it and make it available within 3 business days. If it's been less than that, a short delay is still within the normal timeline.

Help: For questions or issues with digital mail scanning or access, Securus Customer Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (800) 844-6591.

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