How to Mail Letters, Photos, and Publications to Someone at Logan Correctional Center
Mail rules at Logan Correctional Center have changed in ways that catch many families off guard. Most non-privileged mail is now digitized, and a publisher-only requirement for publications kicks in on September 30, 2025.
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has started scanning and/or photocopying incoming non-privileged mail at Logan Correctional Center. So even if you're mailing letters and cards the same way you always have, your loved one may receive them differently now.
Mailroom staff scan the front and back of the envelope in color, along with everything inside: letters, greeting cards, photographs. Those scans are saved as PDF images and uploaded to the individual's Bulletin Board.
Once new scanned mail is available, the person in custody gets a notification and can download and view the PDFs on their tablet.
No tablet? Your loved one won't be cut off from mail. IDOC states they'll receive paper photocopies instead.
Heads up: IDOC cannot return original mail to the sender after scanning. If you want to keep something (like a one-of-a-kind card or original photo), send a copy and hold on to the original at home.
Photos have a notable exception. Original photographs mailed directly from a photo printing vendor that show the vendor's watermark or logo are delivered to the recipient as originals, unless they're otherwise unauthorized. This is different from general correspondence, which gets scanned. And remember, once originals are scanned, IDOC cannot return them to the sender.
Starting September 30, 2025, publications will only be accepted if they're mailed directly from the publisher to the individual. Visitors will no longer be allowed to drop off books, magazines, or other publications for a specific person at the facility.
The postmark date matters here. Publications postmarked September 30 or earlier will be accepted. Anything postmarked after September 30 gets returned to the sender.
Exception: The publisher-only requirement does not apply to materials received for Office of Adult Education programs, other approved programs, the facility library, or religious programs.
Addressing and Processing
- ✓ Put the individual’s IDOC number near their name on the envelope.
- ✓ Write the IDOC number on each page or photo when possible, so it stays connected to the right person during processing.
All of these scanning and copying steps apply only to non-privileged mail. Privileged and legal mail is excluded. Security measures for legal mail are not supposed to include copying, scanning, imaging, or reproducing it in any form.
There's also some built-in flexibility. The IDOC Director has the authority to exclude certain incoming mail from the electronic scanning and copying processes.
Find an Inmate at LOGAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
