How Graham's Mail Scanning System Works: What Your Loved One Will Actually See

Graham Correctional Center scans all non-privileged incoming mail in color. This includes the front and back of the envelope plus everything inside - letters, greeting cards, and photographs. Once scanned, the PDF images get uploaded to your loved one's Bulletin Board, where they can view everything on their tablet. The bottom line: they receive a digital copy of what you sent, not the original paper.

Some items skip the scanning process entirely. Publications - books, magazines, newspapers - aren't scanned or photocopied. Photos sent directly from photo printing services are delivered as-is. Official government documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards also bypass scanning.

Starting September 30, 2025, there's a new rule for publications: they'll only be accepted if mailed directly from the publisher. Visitors won't be able to drop off books, magazines, or other publications at the facility for a specific person.

Your loved one won't be left wondering if mail arrived. Once scanned items are uploaded to the Bulletin Board, they get a notification that new documents are ready to view and download on their tablet.

That notification comes after mail goes through standard processing. Since non-privileged mail is opened and inspected for contraband first, expect a short delay between when you send something and when they're notified.

Here's the key thing to remember: your loved one sees a PDF on their tablet, not your original letter or photos. When you're writing or choosing photos to send, keep that digital version in mind - that's what they'll actually read and look at.