What You Can and Can't Mail (or Send) to an Inmate at FCI Pollock

Mail rules at FCI Pollock can feel strict, especially your first time sending something. Here's what you need to know: how regular letters are handled, when "special mail" gets different treatment, why packages from home usually don't work, and how to send books and magazines so they actually get through.

FCI Pollock sorts written correspondence into two categories: general mail and special mail. The distinction matters - it determines how staff can open your letter and whether the inmate can be present when they do.

General incoming mail gets opened and inspected by staff. They're checking for contraband, but they also review content for anything that could threaten security or order at the institution. Include stickers or other enclosures? Expect the same screening.

Special mail works differently - but only if it's properly marked. When it qualifies, staff can only open it with the inmate present. They'll still check for physical contraband and verify that any enclosures actually meet the special mail criteria.

Packages from home are where families run into trouble. At FCI Pollock, inmates can't receive packages from home without prior written approval from their unit team or another authorized staff member.

• ✓ Release clothing
• ✓ Authorized medical devices

Want to send reading material? Go the "publisher-only" route. Inmates at FCI Pollock can receive magazines and books - hard or paperback - but only when shipped directly from the publisher.

Even books and magazines sent correctly can be rejected. The Warden can turn away a publication if it's deemed detrimental to security, good order, or discipline - or if it could facilitate criminal activity. Unpopular content alone isn't grounds for rejection.

When material is returned under the statutory restriction, the Warden keeps documentation for review. Specifically, they'll copy and retain the publication cover plus one page of the banned content - useful if there's an appeal later.

Rejections are limited to specific reasons: the publication must be detrimental to security, good order, or discipline, or it could facilitate criminal activity. Being unpopular isn't enough. The retained copy (cover and one page) supports any challenge or review of the decision.

Tips

• ✓ For books and magazines, order through the publisher so it ships directly from them
• ✓ Don’t send a “care package” from home unless the inmate has prior written approval from their unit team or other authorized staff
• ✓ If you’re sending something that could qualify (like release clothing or an authorized medical device), confirm the details with the inmate before you ship
• ✓ Keep receipts, order confirmations, and any tracking information so you can follow up if something doesn’t arrive

Since general mail gets opened and inspected - and sorted into general versus special categories - keep things simple. Send clean, straightforward correspondence and hold onto a copy of what you sent and when. That makes troubleshooting delays much easier.

Not sure if something will be accepted? Have your loved one check with their unit team before you mail it. Rules and enforcement can shift, and getting clarity upfront saves time, money, and the frustration of a rejected package.