Penmate Inmate Support Guides

Mailing Letters and Photos to Someone at SCI Cambridge Springs (Smart Communications rules)

SCI Cambridge Springs uses Pennsylvania DOC's Smart Communications mail system for general mail. Use the right address format and follow the photo limits, and your letter is much more likely to arrive without delays.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

General letters, greeting cards, photos, and other everyday mail don't go directly to the prison. Instead, you'll send everything to the DOC's third-party vendor. Use this format, and make sure you include the person's full name and inmate number exactly as shown: Smart Communications/PA DOC Inmate Name/Inmate Number State Correctional Institution PO Box 33028 St. Petersburg, Florida 33733

Here's what happens after your mail arrives: Smart Communications opens and scans everything (including photos) into an electronic document. The facility mailroom then prints it out and delivers the printed copy to the inmate at SCI Cambridge Springs.

Photo Limits and Handling

  • ✓ Photos in general incoming correspondence are limited to 25 photos per mailing.

Heads up: Original photos cannot be returned. After 45 days, they're securely destroyed. Don't send anything you need back.

Not sure whether a photo, drawing, or message will be accepted? Keep it simple and family-friendly. Mail rules can be strict, and anything that violates DOC mail policies may be rejected. If you're unsure, review the current Pennsylvania DOC mail rules for prohibited content before sending.

Books and other publications don't follow the same process as regular letters. These go directly to the DOC Security Processing Center (SPC) at this address: Inmate Name, Inmate Number 268 Bricker Road Bellefonte, PA 16823-1667

Sending a photo book? Make sure it meets the DOC's format limits. It must have a soft cover and be no longer than 25 pages (excluding the cover).

Practical Tips

  • ✓ Write a full return address with your first and last name.
  • ✓ Include the inmate’s full name and inmate number on the address.
  • ✓ Print letters on 8 1/2 by 11 paper.
  • ✓ Do not send mail that is bound or opens like a book.
  • ✓ Keep photos to 25 per mailing.
  • ✓ Do not send original photos you want back, originals cannot be returned and are destroyed after 45 days.

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