What You Can't Send to Riverhead: Suffolk County Mail Restrictions Checklist

Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead has a clear list of what can't go in inmate mail. Check the list below before you send anything - it'll save you from delays, returns, or confiscation.

• ✓ Colored envelopes (all envelopes must be white only)
• ✓ Polaroid photographs
• ✓ Photos larger than 5" x 7"
• ✓ Stamps or other postage included inside the mail
• ✓ Pornographic pictures or pictures that are offensive and graphic in nature
• ✓ Hard-covered publications with the cover attached

Some restrictions are about safety, not just paperwork. Riverhead prohibits any material that threatens facility security - specifically, information about making explosives, firebombs, weapons, escape devices, alcohol, poisons, or drugs.

Other limits come down to screening and handling. The facility has specific rules about what's not allowed, and details matter more than you'd think. Envelope color, photo type, publication format - small differences can get your mail rejected.

Sending pictures? Stick to standard prints. Polaroids aren't allowed, and neither are photos larger than 5" x 7". Keep everything at that size or smaller.

For books and similar items, skip the hardcovers - at least if the cover is still attached. Riverhead won't accept hard-covered publications with the cover on.

Anything on the prohibited list gets rejected during screening. Double-check the restrictions before you seal the envelope - it's the easiest way to avoid problems.

Quick Dos Donts

• ✓ Use white envelopes only
• ✓ Keep photos 5" x 7" or smaller
• ✓ Send standard photo prints (not Polaroids)

• ✓ Don’t include stamps or other postage inside the mail
• ✓ Don’t send pornographic or graphically offensive pictures
• ✓ Don’t mail hard-covered publications with the cover attached