Mailing to an MDC Inmate: Correct Address, 4-Page Limit, and What’s Allowed
Mail that's addressed wrong or includes something MDC doesn't allow will get sent back. Use the exact address format below, follow the 4-page limit for letters, and stick to items the facility authorizes.
Address inmate mail to MDC using this exact format (mail is routed through a Phoenix, Maryland P.O. Box): Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center, NM Inmate Name, MID # P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131
Allowed Items
- ✓ Photographs
- ✓ Greeting cards
- ✓ Postcards
MDC allows photographs, greeting cards, and postcards in incoming mail. Sending a letter too? Make sure it follows the facility's letter format rules and the four-page limit described below.
Letters must be written on plain or ruled white paper. Other paper types can cause your mail to be rejected for not meeting MDC's letter requirements.
MDC limits each letter to four pages/items. Go over that cap and your mail may not make it through.
Quick tip: Use plain or ruled white paper, and keep each letter to four pages/items or fewer.
MDC does not accept publications of any kind. That includes books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, journals, and newsletters. All of these get returned to the sender.
Don't send packages or books to MDC. The facility won't accept them, and they'll be returned to you.
Prohibited: Lewd material may not be sent to, or received by, MDC inmates.
Mail containing instructions for manufacturing drugs, weapons, explosives, or other unlawful substances is also prohibited. Content like that will get the entire mailing rejected.
Anything containing threats or encouraging bodily harm, revenge, or unsafe conditions for inmates or staff is not allowed. MDC will reject that mail outright.
Only include materials meant for the inmate named on the envelope. Enclosures intended for any other MDC inmate aren't permitted.
Prohibited items like publications won't be accepted. They get returned to the sender, and MDC policy says the intended recipient will be notified as well.
Plan ahead: If something is returned to you, it can add days or weeks before your loved one gets anything. Sticking to allowed items helps avoid that delay.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Write letters on plain or ruled white paper only
- ✓ Keep each letter within the four pages/items limit
- ✓ Do not send publications (books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, journals, newsletters)
- ✓ Do not include enclosures intended for any inmate other than the named recipient
Most mail problems at MDC come down to format or contents. Stick to plain or ruled white paper, stay under the four-page/item limit, skip publications entirely, and only include enclosures for the person you're writing to. Do all that and your mail is far less likely to get sent back.
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