Why Your Letter Got Returned: Siskiyou County Jail's Mail Addressing, Formatting, and Delivery Rules

Addressing Rules

• ✓ Include the sender’s name on every piece of incoming mail.
• ✓ Use a return address that is stamped or printed. Address labels are not allowed.
• ✓ Address the mail to the inmate’s complete name exactly as they are booked.
• ✓ Make sure the mail is addressed to the specific inmate who should receive it. Mail is only delivered to the addressed inmate.

Expect your letter to be opened. Siskiyou County Jail opens and inspects all incoming mail for contraband before it can be delivered.

Legal mail works differently. Staff open and inspect it with the inmate present.

Delivery timing depends on the jail's processing schedule. Mail is opened, inspected, and distributed every day except Sundays and holidays.

Two avoidable mistakes cause most returns: using a return address label, and using anything other than the inmate's real name. Your return address must be stamped or printed directly on the envelope (no labels). The inmate's name cannot include nicknames, initials, or gang monikers.

Missing or incorrect information on the envelope causes problems too. Leave off the sender's name, and it comes back. Use a nickname instead of the inmate's complete booked name, same result. Mail only goes to the person named on the envelope, so double-check you've got the right name before sending.

1. Check the sender line. Make sure your name is clearly included.
2. Fix the return address format. Use a stamped or printed return address, not an address label.
3. Verify the inmate’s booked name. Address it to the inmate’s complete name exactly as they are booked, then resend.