Digital Mail at Great Plains: How incoming letters are scanned, retained, and delivered

ODOC's mail system exists for one reason: keeping contraband out. Instead of arriving at Great Plains as physical paper, routine incoming mail goes to a contracted vendor first. There, it's scanned and converted to digital format before being delivered to the inmate.

Once your letter has been scanned, the original paper doesn't stick around. ODOC policy requires the vendor to shred routine mail 90 days after processing. Sending photos, personal notes, or anything you might want to reference later? Keep your own copy - the original won't be preserved.

Legal and privileged mail follows different rules. Mail to and from attorneys is protected under attorney-client privilege. ODOC also treats correspondence with the Oklahoma Attorney General and the courts as legal mail. One exception: mail to or from paralegal services doesn't qualify as legal mail under this policy, so it won't get the same handling as attorney correspondence.

Addressing matters. If privileged mail accidentally goes to the scanning vendor, ODOC will return it to the sender. Mailing something that should be treated as legal or privileged? Double-check the address so it doesn't get delayed by going to the wrong place.

What if your loved one can't access a personal tablet or kiosk due to housing designation or level status? They'll still get their mail. ODOC policy requires that inmates in this situation either receive access to a community tablet or have their scanned mail printed and delivered - at no cost.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Assume routine letters will be delivered as scanned mail, not as the original paper you sent.
• ✓ Keep your own copy of anything you may want to save - routine mail originals are shredded by the vendor 90 days after electronic processing.
• ✓ If you’re sending privileged or legal material, be careful about where you send it; privileged mail that goes to the vendor is returned to the sender.