How Dixon Handles Mail & Publications: Scanning, Addressing, Photos, and Publisher Rules
Mail rules at Dixon have shifted toward digital delivery and stricter publication sourcing. Here's how to send letters and photos without delays—and how to order books and magazines under IDOC's current requirements.
IDOC facilities, including Dixon, now scan or photocopy incoming non-privileged mail. Most everyday personal mail gets processed for digital delivery rather than handed over in its original form.
The scanning process covers written correspondence, greeting cards, drawings, and photos. Mailroom staff open non-privileged mail, inspect it for contraband, then scan everything in color - front and back of the envelope, plus front and back of each item inside. IDOC's list of unauthorized mail still applies, so certain items won't make it through even if they're otherwise scannable.
Once scanned, the facility uploads PDF images to the recipient's Bulletin Board. They get a notification that new documents are available and can download and view them on their tablet.
Good to know: IDOC does not intend to limit the number of photos or pieces of paper you can send in a single envelope for scanning.
Address your mail with the person's name and IDOC number, using Dixon's mailing address exactly as listed: Individual in Custody Name & IDOC# 2600 N. Brinton Avenue Dixon, IL 61021
- ✓ Put the IDOC number right next to the individual’s name on the envelope.
- ✓ Write the IDOC number on each page, photo, or other item you include to help it move through processing faster.
Most photos you mail get the same treatment as other non-privileged items: opened, inspected, and scanned in color for tablet viewing. The exception? Original photographs sent directly from a photo printing vendor. If the prints show the vendor's watermark or logo, those originals go straight to the recipient - unless the photos violate content rules.
Starting September 30, 2025, publications must be mailed directly from publishers. Visitors can no longer drop off books, magazines, or other publications for a specific individual after that date - everything needs to come from a qualifying publisher.
A few exceptions exist. The publisher-only rule doesn't apply to materials for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, other approved programs, the facility library, or religious programs.
Who Is Publisher
- ✓ Book clubs
- ✓ Bookstores
- ✓ Book, magazine, or newspaper distributors
- ✓ Religious organizations or ministries
- ✓ Educational institutions
- ✓ Units of government conducting mail-order business or otherwise delivering publications to readers
- ✓ Online retailers such as Amazon.com and Walmart.com
Practical Tips
- ✓ Put the IDOC number on each page and photo you send (not just the envelope) to help it process promptly.
- ✓ If you’re mailing a thicker packet, you don’t need to split it up just to meet a page/photo cap - IDOC does not intend to limit the number of photos or pieces of paper per envelope for scanning.
- ✓ For books, magazines, or newspapers (starting September 30, 2025), place the order through a qualifying “publisher” source - such as a bookstore, distributor, book club, religious organization, educational institution, unit of government, or an online retailer like Amazon.com or Walmart.com.
Reminder: IDOC’s current list of unauthorized mail is still in effect, and it can override what you send even if it’s a letter, drawing, card, or photo.
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