Mailing to SCORE: address, photo limits, and rules for books and contraband
Mail rules at SCORE are strict, but straightforward once you know what to expect. Get the address right, include the proper identifying info, and follow the limits on photos and publications—your mail will get through without delays or rejections.
Address inmate mail to: SCORE Jail 20817 17th Avenue South Des Moines, WA 98198
Include your full return address on the envelope. Make sure the inmate's full name and name number are clearly written on the correspondence - SCORE uses this to route mail correctly. Missing details can mean your letter never reaches the right person.
SCORE opens and inspects all incoming and outgoing mail for contraband. Staff may read, censor, or reject mail for security reasons. The exception: legal mail clearly marked as correspondence between an attorney (or the court) and the inmate regarding their current case.
Photos are allowed, but inmates can only keep six photographs at a time. Send more than that, and SCORE will place the extras in the inmate's stored property rather than with their everyday belongings.
Want to send reading material? SCORE only accepts new softback books, magazines, or newspapers shipped directly from the publisher or a licensed retailer. You can't mail publications in yourself, and hardbound books aren't permitted.
Since staff open and review all mail, keeping your letters and enclosures simple helps avoid problems. Stick to basic correspondence and approved items. Legal mail gets different treatment only when it's clearly marked and relates to the inmate's current case with their attorney or the court.
- Watch for a rejection notice - if SCORE rejects incoming mail, both you (the sender) and the inmate will receive a mail rejection notification form.
- Read the reason listed on the form - the notice explains why the mail was refused.
- Follow the review options provided - the same form includes the sender’s and the inmate’s options for review of the refusal.
Checklist
- ✓ Address it exactly to: SCORE Jail, 20817 17th Avenue South, Des Moines, WA 98198
- ✓ Put your return address on the envelope
- ✓ Include the inmate’s full name and name number on the correspondence
- ✓ Keep photos to six total in the inmate’s possession (extra photos will be placed into property)
- ✓ Send books/magazines/newspapers only as new softbacks shipped directly from the publisher or a licensed retailer
- ✓ Don’t send hardbound books
- ✓ If you’re sending legal mail, make sure it’s clearly identified as legal mail and is between the inmate and their attorney or the court about the current case
Reminder: All mail is opened and checked for contraband, except clearly identified legal mail. If your mail gets rejected, both you and the inmate will receive a rejection form explaining why - and what options you have for review.
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