What family and friends can (and can’t) send to someone in CT DOC — books, clothing, media and commissary

You generally can't send or drop off clothing packages to someone in Connecticut DOC. The department provides clothing directly, and if your loved one needs additional items, they'll need to purchase them through commissary. Here's what they start with: on admission, inmates receive a bedroll with sheets and a blanket, plus uniform pants and shirts. If needed, they also get underwear and basic hygiene items.

After that initial issue, hygiene items come from commissary. The one exception: if someone has less than $5.00 in their account, hygiene items are provided free of charge.

You can send books and magazines, but only under specific conditions. They must be new, and they have to ship directly from the bookstore, book club, or publisher. No used books. No packages mailed from your home after you've already opened them.

Even when you follow the "new and direct shipment" rule, incoming books and magazines are still reviewed. CT DOC screens printed material under Administrative Directive 10.7 (Inmate Communications), which spells out what can be allowed or refused.

For music, commissary is usually the easiest route. CT DOC offers approved CDs through commissary, which keeps the ordering and approval process inside the facility's system.

If your loved one was previously at Corrigan, don't use that address. Corrigan closed on January 23, 2018 due to a reduction in the inmate population.

Before ordering anything - books, magazines, or approved media - confirm where your loved one is currently housed and follow the receiving rules for that location. For privileged or professional visit scheduling tied to Corrigan-specific processes, contact Corrigan.ProfVisit@ct.gov.