Mail, Packages, and Electronic Messages: What Reaches an Inmate and What Gets Returned
Mail rules seem picky at first, but they break down into simple categories. Here's how general mail, special mail, packages, and TRULINCS electronic messages work, so you can send something that actually gets through.
Mail sent to a federal inmate falls into two categories: general mail or special mail. The distinction matters because each type goes through a different inspection process. Small details, like how you mark the envelope, can determine whether your letter arrives on time or gets held up.
General correspondence gets opened and inspected by staff. They're checking for contraband and reviewing content that could threaten security or institutional order. If something raises concerns, the letter may not be delivered as-is. In some cases, it can be rejected outright.
Special mail: When incoming special mail is properly marked as special mail, it may only be opened in the inmate’s presence. It is still inspected for physical contraband and to confirm any enclosures qualify as special mail.
Here's the part that surprises most people: inmates generally cannot receive packages from home. You need prior written approval from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member. Even with approval, the list of what's allowed is narrow: release clothing and authorized medical devices.
Books and magazines follow different rules than typical care packages. Inmates can receive them, but they must come directly from the publisher or another approved commercial source. Family and friends can't mail them in personally. If you want to send reading material, order it through proper channels so it's eligible for delivery.
TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the Bureau of Prisons electronic messaging system. It lets inmates and the public exchange messages securely, but it's not available to everyone automatically. The inmate must be approved to use TRULINCS, and each outside contact must also give permission.
The approval process involves BOP paperwork. One example is the TRULINCS Contact Request Form (BP-A1054), used to request and document contacts for electronic messaging. If you're waiting to be added, the contact request and consent steps are likely still in progress.
Practical Tips
- ✓ If you’re sending books or magazines, order them so they ship directly from the publisher or an approved commercial source.
- ✓ Don’t mail books or magazines from home and expect them to be forwarded; that is a common reason items get rejected.
- ✓ Assume general mail will be opened and inspected for contraband and for content that could threaten security or good order.
- ✓ Do not send packages from home unless the inmate has prior written approval from their unit team or other authorized staff, and keep “from home” packages limited to release clothing or authorized medical devices.
- ✓ If you are sending special mail, make sure it is specially marked so it is handled as special mail and opened only in the inmate’s presence (while still being inspected for contraband and qualifying enclosures).
Rules can get detailed, so verify before you send anything or make plans. Review the facility's visiting rules and procedures ahead of time. The Bureau of Prisons location pages list visiting regulations and hours for each specific institution.
Tip: If you plan to use TRULINCS, get the approval and permission steps moving early. The inmate has to be approved, and each outside contact has to consent before messaging can start.
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