How to Send Mail to Someone at Creek County Jail (and Why Your Letter Might Get Returned)

Creek County's jail mail policy changed on February 1, 2024. Most physical mail now goes to a processing address in Longview, Texas (PO BOX 591, Longview, Texas 75606). You'll need to include the inmate's name and ID number so it gets routed to the right person.

The policy lists exceptions for legal and medical mail, but the wording isn't perfectly consistent (more on that below). If you're sending anything that could be considered legal or medical documents, don't assume it should be handled the same way as a regular personal letter.

Here's where things get confusing. One part of the policy says that starting February 1, 2024, physical inmate mail (except legal and medical) must be mailed to PO BOX 591 in Longview, Texas for processing. But the "WARNING" section on the same page states, "No legal or medical mail will be accepted" at that processing address. Those two statements don't line up cleanly. If you're trying to mail legal or medical paperwork, this mismatch can easily lead to delays or a returned item.

Use the address format the policy provides, and do not skip the identifying details. Your envelope and everything inside should include the inmate’s name and inmate ID number, and you need a return address on the envelope as well. The policy’s processing address format is: Inmate Name Inmate ID# Creek County Jail PO BOX 591 Longview, Texas 75606

Formatting Rules

• ✓ Keep it 8.5 inches by 11 inches (or smaller). Mail larger than 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall is not accepted for processing.

• ✓ Stay at five pages or fewer. Anything over 5 pages will not be scanned or sent to the inmate, and it will be returned to you.

• ✓ Write on one side only. Mail is scanned front-side only, and any pages with writing on the back will be returned to sender.

• ✓ Include no more than one photo per mailing. If you send more than 1 photo, the entire letter and everything in it will be returned, and nothing will be delivered to the inmate.

One detail that surprises families: what happens after processing. Mail sent to PO Box 591 gets scanned and delivered electronically to the inmate. Then the physical original is destroyed. The policy warns that by sending items to that PO Box, you're agreeing the contents may be destroyed and won't be returned or reimbursed.

Don't mail magazines, newspapers, bulk mail, or books to PO Box 591. Those items aren't accepted at the processing address and will be returned to sender. The policy says these materials must go directly to the facility where the inmate is housed, following the Sheriff's Office mail guidelines.

Pre Send Checklist Sample

• ✓ Put the inmate’s full name and inmate ID# on the envelope and in the mailing.
• ✓ Add your full return address (mail without it does not meet the policy requirements).
• ✓ Use pages that are 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller.
• ✓ Keep it to 5 pages or less, or it will not be scanned or delivered and will be returned.
• ✓ Write on the front side only, writing on the back will get it returned.
• ✓ Include no more than 1 photo, or the entire mailing will be returned and nothing will be delivered.

If you want a simple template to copy, use this layout and fill in the inmate’s details exactly: To: Inmate Name Inmate ID# Creek County Jail PO BOX 591 Longview, Texas 75606 Return address (top left of the envelope): Your Name Your Street Address Your City, State ZIP

1. Decide whether what you’re sending is “legal” or “medical”. Court documents, attorney letters, medical records, and similar paperwork can fall into these categories.
2. Verify where it should be mailed before you send it. The policy both carves out legal/medical mail from the processing-address rule and also says no legal or medical mail will be accepted at the processing address.
3. Mail it only after you confirm the correct destination. Getting this wrong can mean delays, rejection, or the item being handled in a way you did not intend.