What You Can't Send in a Letter to Someone at Sampson Correctional

Checklist Returned

• ✓ Postage stamps, stationery, blank envelopes, or pre-stamped envelopes (these will be returned; your loved one can buy stamps and mailing supplies through the prison canteen)
• ✓ Money of any kind in the envelope, including cash, money orders, payment checks, or IRS checks (use the state’s electronic options for sending funds instead)
• ✓ Books, magazines, or newspapers tucked into a letter (those are handled as packages, not regular mail)
• ✓ Materials or texts for religious correspondence courses unless you’re following the separate FAQ guidance for those items

A few other items will get your mail returned - they either don't scan properly or raise contraband flags. This includes oversized envelopes, fabric (banners, posters), anything metallic or with hardware, musical or electronic greeting cards, pop-up cards, and any drugs (prescription or otherwise). Safest bet? Keep it simple: a plain letter on regular paper, plus any allowed photos or artwork.

Your letter can still bounce back if the return address isn't formatted correctly. TextBehind requires your full first and last name - no initials. So if you normally write "J. Smith" on envelopes, spell it out completely or your mail won't make it through.

The recipient address matters just as much. Mail for Sampson Correctional goes to TextBehind's Maryland address, and it must include your loved one's name and OPUS number, plus the full prison name (no abbreviations). Use this exact format: Offender Name and OPUS number Name of Prison (do not abbreviate) P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 Anything addressed differently gets returned.

Need to send identity documents? Only copies are allowed. Copies of passports, Social Security cards, and birth certificates can go through, but never send originals.

1. Rewrite the recipient address in the required format - Include your loved one’s name and OPUS number, write out the full prison name (no abbreviations), and address it to: P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131.
2. Fix your return address line - Use your full first name and full last name on the envelope (no initials), or TextBehind will return it again.

• ✓ Take out any stamps, stationery, blank envelopes, or pre-stamped envelopes
• ✓ Remove any cash, money orders, payment checks, or IRS checks
• ✓ Don’t tuck in books, magazines, or newspapers
• ✓ Don’t include religious correspondence course materials unless you’re following the separate FAQ guidance for those items