How to send letters and cards to someone at Southeastern Correctional (ODRC Mail Processing Center guide)

All personal letters and greeting cards for someone at Southeastern Correctional go to the ODRC Mail Processing Center (OMPC) - not directly to the prison. This has been the rule since November 13, 2023. If you're working from an old address book or a saved mailing label, double-check before you send.

Not everything goes through OMPC. Legal mail, packages, and magazines still ship directly to the institution. The right address depends on what you're sending.

When your letter or card arrives, it may be processed at OMPC or in the institution's mail room. Either way, incoming mail (except legal mail) can be opened and inspected for contraband - cash, checks, money orders, or anything else that's prohibited. Staff may also read, copy, or scan the contents as part of screening.

Limits

• ✓ Keep letters/cards to fifteen (15) pages total, written or typed, counting front and back
• ✓ Use white or yellow paper only, no larger than 8 1/2 x 14 inches
• ✓ Professional greeting cards (single- or multi-fold) are allowed
• ✓ Musical cards and pop-out cards are prohibited

Legal mail and packages skip OMPC entirely - those still go to the institution directly. One more thing: family and friends can't order printed materials through third-party vendors who ship straight to the facility.

For food and sundry packages, ODRC has a list of approved vendors: Keefe Group/Access Securepak, Union Supply Direct, and Walkenhorsts. Orders are still subject to facility limits, so what's available - and how much you can send - depends on the institution's rules.

1. Send personal letters and greeting cards to OMPC - For Southeastern Correctional, personal mail from family and friends (including greeting cards) must be addressed to the ODRC Mail Processing Center.
2. Update any old addresses you have saved - If you mail to a prior institution address, it may be forwarded to OMPC, which can slow down delivery.
3. Write with the screening process in mind - Non-legal mail may be opened and inspected for contraband, and it may be read, copied, and/or scanned during processing.
4. Stick to the paper and card limits - Keep it to 15 pages (front and back count), use white or yellow paper no larger than 8 1/2 x 14, and skip musical or pop-out cards.