What Happens to Your Mail at FCI Cumberland: special vs general mail, packages, and the publisher-only rule for books
At FCI Cumberland, most everyday letters count as
“Special mail” is handled differently, but it’s not a free pass. If it’s properly marked as special mail, staff may only open it in the presence of the inmate. Even then, it will still be inspected for physical contraband, and staff will also verify that any enclosures actually qualify as special mail.
Thinking about sending a care package from home? Check first. Inmates at FCI Cumberland can't receive packages unless there's prior written approval from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member.
- ✓ Release clothing
- ✓ Authorized medical devices
Books and reading material have their own set of rules. Across the Bureau of Prisons, an inmate may receive hardcover publications and newspapers only if they are sent directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
At medium-security, high-security, and administrative institutions, the rule extends to softcover items too. Paperbacks, magazine issues, newspaper clippings - all must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore unless an exception is authorized. Don't assume softcover is easier than hardcover. What matters is where it ships from.
Practical tip: Instead of mailing books or magazines yourself, place the order so it ships directly from a publisher, book club, or bookstore. That’s the route the BOP rules are built around.
Even publications from approved sources can be rejected if they're deemed detrimental to security, discipline, or good order. This isn't a decision staff make casually - only the Warden (or Acting Warden, if the Warden is absent) has the authority to reject an incoming publication.
- Skip the package and send funds instead - Since packages from home generally require prior written approval, money is often the more reliable way to help.
- Let your loved one buy what they’re allowed to have - The Trust Fund system is designed to give inmates a way to purchase items or services that aren’t provided as basic care by the institution (or to buy a different quality than what’s issued).
- ✓ Order books, magazines, and newspapers so they ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
- ✓ If you’re trying to send softcover items to a medium/high/admin setting, assume the same “direct from publisher/book club/bookstore” rule applies unless an exception is authorized.
- ✓ When you think an exception may apply, have your loved one ask their unit team about the right approval process before you place the order.
Note: If you’re unsure whether something needs written approval (packages) or whether a publication will be accepted, check with your loved one’s unit team at FCI Cumberland before you send it.
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