How to Send Mail to Someone at Turney Center (Why the TDOC ID Format Matters)

Before you mail anything, you need two things: the person's TDOC ID and the facility where they're housed. Don't have that info? Use the FOIL – Inmate Search (MyTN public safety FOIL service) and search by name. If the name is common, add their date of birth to pull the right record. This is the fastest way to confirm the committed name, TDOC ID, and current facility - no guessing required.

Here's where people mess up: the TDOC ID has to be written a specific way. Include the inmate's committed name, then write their TDOC ID number with the literal prefix "TDOC ID#" in front of it. That label isn't optional. It's how the mail gets identified and routed to the right person.

• ✓ Inmate’s committed name
• ✓ “TDOC ID#” + the inmate’s TDOC number, written clearly
• ✓ Turney Center’s mailing address
• ✓ Your full, legible return address
• ✓ Double-check the TDOC ID: if it’s missing or hard to read, the mail won’t be delivered

Once your letter reaches the facility P.O. Box, it goes through processing before delivery. Expect 1 to 3 business days from receipt to delivery. Weekends and holidays stretch that timeline, so give it a few days before worrying.

Good news: reading scanned mail on the tablet is free. If your letter is processed and delivered electronically, they won't be charged just to view it.

Photos get scanned for delivery - they won't receive physical prints. Keep the content clean. Anything with profanity or inappropriate material won't make it through.

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• ✓ TDOC ID missing or hard to read - if the TDOC ID number isn’t included and clearly written, the mail won’t be delivered
• ✓ “TDOC ID#” not written before the number - the prefix is required
• ✓ Wrong facility listed - confirm where they’re housed before you send
• ✓ Name issues - use the committed name from FOIL, and watch for spelling errors
• ✓ If you’re unsure of the TDOC ID or prison name, look it up in FOIL using the inmate’s name (and date of birth if needed)

Addressed everything correctly? A short wait is normal. Mail takes 1 to 3 business days after it hits the P.O. Box, so don't worry if your loved one doesn't see it the same day you dropped it in the mailbox.

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• ✓ Look up the inmate in FOIL to confirm the committed name, TDOC ID, and facility
• ✓ Write the TDOC number with the required prefix: “TDOC ID#”
• ✓ Make sure the TDOC ID is clear and easy to read
• ✓ Address it to Turney Center using the correct mailing address
• ✓ Add a complete, legible return address