Sending mail to someone at Illinois River: new scanning, how they receive letters, and the publications rule
Mail rules at Illinois River Correctional Center have changed in a few key ways, especially around regular letters and publications like books and magazines. Here's how the new scanning system works, how your loved one actually receives their mail, and what you need to know about the publisher-only rule and photo-vendor exceptions.
All Illinois Department of Corrections facilities, including Illinois River C.C., now scan and photocopy incoming non-privileged mail. If you're sending a regular letter or card, it will go through this scanning system as part of standard mailroom processing.
Note: Privileged and legal mail will not be scanned or photocopied.
This change doesn't cost you or your loved one anything. Electronic scanning of non-privileged mail is free.
Once your mail is scanned, your loved one gets a notification that new documents are available. They can then download and view them on their tablet.
Not everyone has tablet access all the time. If someone in custody can't use a tablet for any reason, they'll receive paper photocopies of their scanned mail instead.
- Find the document number - Have the individual locate the document number for the specific piece of mail they want printed (this number is handwritten on the scanned document).
- Fill out DOC 028 - They must complete an Individual In Custody Request Form (DOC 028).
- Submit the request with the number included - The request needs to include that handwritten document number so staff know exactly what to print.
Addressing
- ✓ Put the incarcerated person’s IDOC number near their name on the envelope.
- ✓ Write the IDOC number on each page you send.
- ✓ If you include photos, place the IDOC number on each photo as well.
- ✓ This helps ensure prompt processing.
Starting September 30, 2025, publications for individuals in custody at Illinois River C.C. must be mailed directly from a publisher. After that date, visitors can no longer drop off books, magazines, or other publications at the facility for a specific person.
There are exceptions to the publisher-only rule. It doesn't apply to materials for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, other approved programs, the facility library, or religious programs.
- ✓ If you’re sending a book, magazine, or similar publication after Sept. 30, 2025, make sure it is mailed directly from a publisher.
- ✓ Do not plan to bring publications to the facility to drop off for a specific person, that option is prohibited after Sept. 30, 2025.
- ✓ If the item is connected to education, an approved program, the facility library, or a religious program, check whether it falls under those exceptions before sending.
Photos get special treatment. Original photographs mailed directly from a photo printing vendor (with the vendor's watermark or logo) will be delivered to the recipient in their original form, as long as the photos aren't otherwise unauthorized.
Will scanning cost anything? No. There's no charge to senders or individuals in custody for electronic scanning of non-privileged mail.
Reminder: If your loved one wants a printed copy of a scanned item, they can request one using an Individual In Custody Request Form (DOC 028). They'll need to include the handwritten document number from the scanned document.
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