Sending Books and Magazines to FCI Fairton: Publisher-Only Rules Explained
Want to send reading material to someone at FCI Fairton? The "publisher-only" rule is the key thing to understand. Here's what it means, what gets publications rejected, and how to appeal if something is turned away.
At FCI Fairton, hardcover publications and newspapers must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Don't mail a hardcover book or newspaper yourself - even if it's brand-new and still in shrink wrap. Have it shipped straight from an approved source so it arrives with packaging staff can verify.
Quick takeaway: For FCI Fairton, hardcover publications and newspapers need to ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore to be accepted.
Even when you use an approved source, a publication can still be rejected. The Warden may turn away any incoming material deemed detrimental to the institution's security, good order, or discipline. This broad standard gives staff discretion to keep out anything that could create safety issues or disrupt facility operations.
Publications can also be rejected if the material might facilitate criminal activity. This goes beyond general security concerns - it specifically targets content that could help someone commit wrongdoing while incarcerated.
Statutory restrictions create another category. Sexually explicit material or content featuring nudity falls under this - if federal law prohibits distributing it to inmates, FCI Fairton will return it to the publisher or sender.
Watch-outs: Publications get rejected for three main reasons: security/good order/discipline concerns, content that might facilitate criminal activity, or statutory restrictions (like sexually explicit material or nudity).
If a publication gets rejected, the publisher or sender can request an independent review. Write to the Regional Director within 20 days of receiving the rejection letter. That deadline matters - miss it, and you lose the chance for review.
- ✓ A clear statement that you’re requesting an independent review of the rejection
- ✓ Enough identifying details to match your request to the rejected item (the publication and the intended recipient)
- ✓ A copy of (or a reference to) the rejection letter you received
- ✓ Your name and mailing address, so you can receive the response
- ✓ The date you received the rejection letter, to show you’re within the 20-day deadline
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