What Happens to Your Letters After You Mail Them: Forsyth's Digital Mail System Explained

Forsyth uses a digital mail process for most personal (non-legal) mail. Instead of delivering the original paper letter, the facility scans mail that meets processing requirements and makes it available on the inmate tablet. Once scanned, the physical mail is destroyed. The original envelope, pages, and contents are not kept as paper copies after they have been processed into the digital system.

Forsyth splits mail into two tracks. Personal, non-legal mail (except publications) goes through the designated mail processing center for scanning. Legal mail and publications work differently. Do not send these to the mail processing center. Legal mail and publications are the only types accepted at the facility itself, and publications must come directly from an approved publisher or distributor.

Send regular personal mail to the processing center, not the facility. Any personal mail sent directly to the facility after 08/01/2024 will be returned to sender.

Once mail goes through the scanning system, the inmate reads it digitally on the inmate tablet. The original physical letter is not delivered as paper.

After a piece of mail is successfully scanned, the paper version is destroyed. It does not stay in circulation. If keeping the original matters to you (handwritten pages, keepsakes), plan with that in mind before you send anything.

1. Email your request - After release, the inmate can request digital copies of scanned mail by emailing inmatemail@fcso.us.
2. Include the required details - List the facility name, the inmate’s full name, the inmate’s ID number, and the recipient email address.
3. Watch for the download link - Once the information is verified, an email with a link to download the postal scans will be sent to the email address provided.

• ✓ Put the facility name, inmate full name, inmate ID number, and Facility ID on the envelope or the mail will NOT be scanned.
• ✓ Use Facility ID 5067 on the envelope.
• ✓ Add a complete, legible return address that includes the sender’s first and last name or the mail will NOT be scanned.
• ✓ Apply enough postage. The sender is responsible for postage, and mail with insufficient postage will be refused.
• ✓ Keep it to 10 pages or less per envelope.
• ✓ Use pages no larger than 8.5" x 11".
• ✓ Do not include cash, personal checks, or money orders in mail sent to the mail processing center.
• ✓ Acceptable contents include written or typed pages, photos (not Polaroid), drawings, and greeting cards.
• ✓ Do not include glitter, glue, tape, 3D elements, or electronic components.