Frederick County's Mail Scanning System — How to Send Mail and What Not to Send

For regular inmate mail, send it to the facility's mail processing PO Box (not the physical facility address). Format the envelope like this: Frederick County Adult Detention Center Inmate Name, AR# Facility #5294 PO Box 18247 Greensboro, NC 27419 Including the inmate's name and AR# ensures the mail gets routed correctly through scanning.

Here's how the timeline works: a vendor contracted through Pay Tel Communications, Inc. scans incoming mail within 24 hours of receipt. Correctional staff then review the scanned mail electronically within 48 hours. So delivery isn't instant - your letter has to be scanned and approved before the inmate can see it.

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• ✓ Keep it to 10 pages or less per envelope.
• ✓ Use standard paper only: no larger than 8.5" x 11".
• ✓ Write a complete, legible return address on the envelope, including your first and last name - if it’s missing or unreadable, the company will not scan the mail.

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• ✓ Magazines, books, or packages (don’t mail these to the mail processing center)
• ✓ Cash, personal checks, or money orders (don’t mail these to the mail processing center)
• ✓ Original important documents (like birth certificates, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, green cards, etc.)
• ✓ Original photos or other irreplaceable/valuable items
• ✓ The big reason to avoid originals is simple: under this system, originals and original photos cannot be returned.

Once mail is scanned and approved, inmates view it electronically on tablets throughout the facility. Your loved one sees a digital copy - not the original paper you sent.

1. Call the Adult Detention Center right away - Use the main line at 301-600-2550 and explain that you mailed an original document or original photos through the scanning mail process.
2. Have the key details ready - Be prepared to share the inmate’s name and AR# and what you sent, so staff can tell you what (if anything) can be done.
3. Follow up in writing if you’re instructed to - If staff asks you to submit a request or provide additional information, do it promptly.
4. If you need the facility’s physical location for reference when you contact them, the Adult Detention Center address is 7300 Marcies Choice Ln, Frederick, MD 21704.