5 Things to Know Before Mailing Anything to Decatur Correctional Center

Decatur Correctional Center digitizes all incoming non-privileged mail. Staff open each piece, inspect it for contraband, then scan everything into the system. If you're sending a letter, greeting card, or photos, expect the contents to be reviewed and converted to digital images - your loved one won't receive the original paper.

Once scanned, PDFs of the mail get uploaded to the recipient's Bulletin Board. They'll receive a notification that new documents are available and can view them on their tablet. Even a handwritten note ends up as a digital file - that's what they'll read day-to-day.

Thinking about sending books, magazines, or newspapers? The rules change on September 30, 2025. After that date, publications must come directly from the publisher - no exceptions. Visitors also won't be able to drop off reading materials at the facility anymore. If you want to send a book, order it through a publisher well in advance.

Want to send actual printed photos instead of scans? Use a photo printing vendor. Original photographs mailed directly from a vendor (showing their watermark or logo) will be delivered as-is - unless the content itself is prohibited.

Your loved one can request a printed copy of any scanned mail. They'll need to submit an Individual In Custody Request Form (DOC 028) with the document number - a code handwritten on the scanned item that starts with their IDOC number.

1. Fill out DOC 028 - Submit an Individual In Custody Request Form for a “Mail Print Request.”
2. Add the document number - Include the handwritten document number from the scanned mail item (it begins with the individual’s IDOC number) so staff know exactly what to print.