How to send letters and photos to someone at SCI Phoenix (Smart Communications rules)

General (non-privileged) mail doesn't go directly to SCI Phoenix. Instead, send all incoming correspondence to Smart Communications/PA DOC at P.O. Box 33028, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Include the incarcerated person's full name and inmate number so it gets matched to the right account and delivered.

• ✓ Include a full return address with your first and last name
• ✓ Print your correspondence on 8½ x 11 paper
• ✓ Do not send items that are bound or open like a book

Including photos? Keep it to 25 per mailing. If you have more to share, split them across separate envelopes - go over the limit and your loved one might not receive any of them.

Letters and photos go to Smart Communications/PA DOC first - not directly to SCI Phoenix. Smart Communications processes everything before forwarding it to the facility.

Since photos in general correspondence can't be returned, assume anything you send won't come back. Got an irreplaceable picture? Keep the original and send a copy instead.

Pre Mail Checklist

• ✓ Write a full return address with your first and last name
• ✓ Include the inmate’s full, correct name and inmate number
• ✓ Print everything on 8½ x 11 paper
• ✓ Don’t mail anything bound or that opens like a book
• ✓ Keep photos to 25 per mailing

Some items shouldn't go through Smart Communications at all. Official original documents - IDs, checks, birth certificates, Social Security cards - should be mailed directly to the facility addressed: "Attn: Business Office – Inmate name/inmate number." Some facilities use a separate mailing address for these documents, so check the facility page and use that address if one is listed.

Legal (privileged) mail works differently. It must include a DOC-issued attorney or court control number. Only attorneys representing inmates or verified court entities can request these numbers.