How Hill (and IDOC) Handles Incoming Mail & Publications: Scanning, Photos, and the New Publisher Rule
Mail rules at Hill Correctional Center follow IDOC's department-wide shift to scanning most non-privileged mail, while keeping a few categories—like certain photos and publications—as originals. Here's how it works and what to do if your loved one needs paper copies.
IDOC now scans or photocopies incoming non-privileged mail at all facilities, including Hill. What this means for you: most everyday letters you send will be converted to a digital or photocopied version before delivery. Your loved one won't receive the original paper exactly as you sent it.
Note: The scanning/photocopying change for non-privileged mail is in effect immediately at IDOC facilities, including Hill.
- Mail is opened and inspected - Non-privileged mail is opened at the facility and checked for contraband.
- Each piece is scanned in color - Staff scan the front and back of the envelope and the front and back of each item inside, including letters, greeting cards, and photographs.
- A PDF is created and uploaded - The scanned images are saved as PDFs and uploaded to the individual’s Bulletin Board.
- Your loved one gets a notification - They’re notified that new scanned documents are available to download and view on their tablet.
No tablet access? The facility provides paper photocopies instead. Your loved one still gets the content - just not the original items you mailed.
Exceptions
- ✓ Publications
- ✓ Photos sent directly from photo printing service companies
- ✓ Official government documents mailed from a government entity (including, but not limited to, birth certificates and Social Security cards)
- ✓ Correspondence from IDOC staff sent to an individual in custody
Want actual photo prints delivered - not scanned images? The method matters. Original photographs are treated differently when mailed directly from a photo printing vendor. If having the originals matters, use a photo printing service that ships the order straight to the facility.
Starting September 30, 2025, Hill (along with all IDOC facilities) will only accept publications mailed directly from the publisher. Visitors can't drop off books, magazines, or other publications for a specific person. The postmark date matters: anything postmarked September 30 or earlier gets accepted. Postmarked after? Returned to sender.
Some program-based exceptions exist. Materials for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, other approved programs, the facility library, or religious programs don't have to come directly from a publisher.
Photos sent in regular mail get scanned along with everything else. But original prints can still arrive intact when they come directly from a photo printing vendor and show the vendor's watermark or logo - unless the photos are otherwise unauthorized. This includes photos you purchase and have the vendor print and mail directly to your loved one.
Need a paper copy of something that was scanned? Your loved one can request it by submitting an "Individual In Custody Request Form (DOC 028)." They should write "Mail Print Request" and include the document number for the specific item. That number is handwritten on the document and starts with their IDOC number - for example: Y12345-091925-1.
Tip: The document number is what ties the request to the exact piece of mail - make sure it’s copied correctly (it begins with the individual’s IDOC number).
Electronic scanning is free - no cost to you or your loved one. Since non-privileged mail gets opened, inspected for contraband, and scanned (envelope and all), avoid sending irreplaceable originals you wouldn't want handled this way.
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