Mailing Letters, Photos, and Books to Someone at SCORE: What’s allowed and how to address it

Mail is one of the most reliable ways to stay connected with someone at SCORE Jail. To make sure your letter or package actually gets delivered (and doesn't get kicked back), you need two things: the correct address format and a clear understanding of what SCORE accepts. That includes limits on photos and strict rules for books and publications.

Address inmate mail to SCORE using this format: (Inmate’s Full Name and Name Number) SCORE Jail 20817 17th Avenue South Des Moines, WA 98198

• ✓ Include your full return address on the envelope.
• ✓ Include the inmate’s full name and name/number on every piece of correspondence so it can be delivered accurately.

All incoming and outgoing mail at SCORE is opened and checked for contraband. Staff may also read, censor, or reject mail based on security and order concerns. That shouldn't discourage you from writing. Just know that everything you send will be screened, and anything questionable can be stopped.

• ✓ Photos: an inmate can have a maximum of six photographs in their possession. Any additional photos will be placed in the inmate’s property.

Books and publications have tighter rules than regular letters. SCORE requires that new softback books, magazines, and newspapers come directly from the publisher or a licensed retailer. You can't send publications yourself, even if they're brand-new.

Hardcover books are not allowed at SCORE. If you want to send reading material, stick to softback formats and make sure they ship from the publisher or a licensed retailer.

SCORE opens and checks all mail for contraband, and the facility reserves the right to reject anything it considers unsuitable. Your best bet for getting mail through? Keep it simple, follow the address requirements, and avoid sending anything that could raise security concerns.

If SCORE rejects your mail, it doesn't just vanish. Both you (the sender) and the inmate will receive a mail rejection notification form. That form explains why the mail was refused and outlines your options for requesting a review.

• ✓ The item may be returned to the sender.
• ✓ The item may be placed into the inmate’s property.
• ✓ The item may be investigated for a criminal violation.

1. Use the exact mailing address format so your mail routes correctly to SCORE Jail in Des Moines, Washington.
2. Write a full return address on the envelope because SCORE requires it on all mail.
3. Include the inmate’s full name and name/number on the correspondence to help ensure accurate delivery.
4. Keep photos within the limit since inmates can only have six photographs in their possession and extras go into property.