What You Can and Cannot Send to Someone at FCI Lompoc: Packages, Books, and Mail

At FCI Lompoc, written correspondence is grouped into two categories: general mail and special mail. Knowing which one you’re sending matters, because staff handle and open them differently.

General mail is opened and inspected by staff. They're looking for contraband and reviewing content for anything that could threaten the security or good order of the institution. If you're sending regular letters, cards, or everyday correspondence, expect it to go through this screening before it reaches your loved one.

Special mail works differently when clearly marked. At FCI Lompoc, special incoming mail may only be opened in the presence of the inmate, though staff still inspect it for physical contraband. They also verify that any enclosures actually qualify as special mail.

Packages from home are generally not allowed at FCI Lompoc unless you have prior written approval. That approval has to come from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member. Send a box without it, and it's likely to be rejected and sent back.

Exceptions are rare. The only packages an inmate can receive from home without special approval are release clothing and authorized medical devices.

Books, magazines, newspapers, and other publications are a good alternative to care packages. Inmates at FCI Lompoc can receive publications without prior approval in many cases. The main limits: some items may be prohibited by law, and any publication can be rejected if it's found to be detrimental to the security, discipline, or good order of the institution.

• ✓ Send hardcover publications and newspapers only directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
• ✓ Make sure the sender’s address is clearly identified on the outside of the package.

Publications are typically rejected because they're considered detrimental to security, discipline, or good order, or because they're prohibited by law. Rejected items may be returned to the sender. The same risk applies to packages from home: unless it's release clothing, an authorized medical device, or you have prior written approval from the unit team, a package probably won't be accepted.

How rejections are communicated and how long returns take can vary depending on what you sent and how it arrived. If you need to challenge a decision, look up the facility's administrative remedy process and follow it carefully.

Practical Tips

• ✓ For hardcover books and newspapers, order them directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
• ✓ Double-check that the sender’s address is clearly printed on the outside of the package.
• ✓ Skip “from home” boxes unless the inmate has prior written approval from their unit team or authorized staff.
• ✓ If you are sending an allowed home package, keep it limited to release clothing or an authorized medical device.
• ✓ Remember that publications can still be rejected if they are prohibited by law or considered detrimental to security, discipline, or good order.