What Happens to Physical Letters After They’re Scanned (San Carlos Unit / ADCRR)
Writing to someone at the San Carlos Unit? Your letter gets scanned so they can view it on-screen, but the original paper is only kept for a limited time. Here's how the process works, the deadlines that matter, and what to do if you need the original back.
At ADCRR facilities like the San Carlos Unit, mail goes through Securus, the department's contracted partner. Their goal is to process, scan, and make your mail available digitally within 3 business days of receipt. That's a target, not a guarantee - but it gives you a reasonable expectation for when your loved one should see what you sent.
Note: If it’s been longer than expected and the scan still isn’t showing up, Securus Customer Service is available 24/7 at (800) 844-6591.
Once your letter is scanned, the original isn't kept forever. ADCRR's contracted provider stores physical mail for 90 days, then professionally disposes of it. If you might want something back - a handwritten note, a drawing, photos - treat that 90-day window as your deadline.
Return Request
- ✓ Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your correspondence if you want the physical originals returned after scanning.
Digital mail doesn't vanish the moment someone gets out. After release from ADCRR custody, their digitized mail stays accessible through a secure public website. They'll get login credentials and instructions to download their files - but only for 90 days after release.
- Get released from ADCRR custody - this is when post-release access becomes available.
- Watch for the instructions and login credentials - they’re provided so the person can sign in.
- Sign in to the secure public website - this is where the digitized mail is stored.
- Download the digital mail files within 90 days - access lasts up to 90 days after release.
Not seeing scanned mail when you expected it? Remember the standard timeline: Securus aims to process and post mail within 3 business days. If you're past that window or something seems wrong, contact Securus Customer Service - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Have the sender's name, the incarcerated person's name and ADCRR number, and the approximate date the mail was sent ready when you call. That helps support track down what happened.
- ✓ Securus Customer Service (24/7): (800) 844-6591
- ✓ Sender name
- ✓ Incarcerated person’s name
- ✓ ADCRR number
- ✓ Approximate date the letter was sent
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