Sending Mail & Packages to Someone at Hardeman County Corrections: What Is Allowed and What Happens After Release

If your loved one transfers to another TDOC facility, mail sent to Hardeman County Corrections won't get lost. It's forwarded to the receiving institution. After release, things work differently. Mail is forwarded to whatever address the inmate provided before leaving - so that release address matters. If mail is addressed to a deceased inmate, it's returned to the sender.

• ✓ Use the facility’s mailing address: Whiteville Correctional Facility, P.O. Box 679, Whiteville, TN 38075
• ✓ If the inmate is transferred within TDOC, expect mail to be forwarded to the receiving institution
• ✓ If the inmate is discharged or paroled, mail will be forwarded to the release address they provided before leaving
• ✓ If mail is addressed to a deceased inmate, it will be returned to the sender

Privileged mail gets special handling, but it's still screened for safety. At Hardeman County Corrections, incoming privileged mail is opened only in the inmate's presence. Staff examine it for contraband right there - that's the key difference from regular mail. This process is documented. If you're sending legal materials or other privileged mail, expect it may be opened for inspection. But it won't be privately opened and read behind the scenes.

1. Mail is received and identified as privileged - it’s handled under the privileged-mail process rather than opened like standard correspondence.
2. It’s opened with the inmate present - staff open the privileged mail only in the inmate addressee’s presence to check for contraband.
3. The inspection is documented - the opening/inspection is recorded as part of the facility’s process.
4. Further review requires a higher-level decision - staff must not read privileged mail or listen to legal tapes unless the Warden/Superintendent determines, on reasonable suspicion, that reading/listening is warranted.

The package rule is simple: inmates can only receive packages directly from approved contract vendors. Packages sent from home, from friends, or from retailers that aren't approved vendors won't be accepted.

There's a workaround for families, but it still goes through approved vendors. If you're on the inmate's approved visitor list, you can purchase items from the approved contract vendor on their behalf. Just follow TDOC guidelines and Policy #504.01.

Once an approved package arrives, it won't sit around long. The facility must deliver it to the inmate within 48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays.

Where mail goes depends on the inmate's status. If they transfer to another TDOC facility, mail follows them to the new institution. If they've been discharged or paroled, mail goes to whatever address they provided before release - so any mail you send after release is only as findable as that forwarding address. Mail addressed to a deceased inmate is returned to the sender.

Packages work differently than letters after release. If someone has paroled or discharged, packages addressed to them are held at the facility. The inmate gets a letter notifying them the package arrived. They have 30 days to pick it up or arrange to have it shipped to their address.

• ✓ Before release, make sure the inmate provides a reliable forwarding address so mail can be forwarded after discharge/parole
• ✓ If a package arrives after discharge/parole, act quickly - the package is held for 30 days while the inmate arranges pickup or shipment
• ✓ If the inmate transfers within TDOC, expect mail to be forwarded to the receiving institution

Common Rejections

• ✓ Sending a package from home or from a non-approved seller (packages must come directly from approved contract vendor(s))
• ✓ Trying to order vendor items for an inmate when you’re not on the inmate’s approved visitor list (the visitor-list purchase option only applies to approved visitors)
• ✓ Expecting privileged mail to be handled like regular mail (privileged mail is opened only in the inmate’s presence for a contraband check)