Can You Send Books or Packages to USP Yazoo City? Publisher-Only Rule and the Two Package Exceptions

At USP Yazoo City (and other Bureau of Prisons facilities), hardcover publications and newspapers must be sent directly from an approved source: the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Mail a hardcover book or newspaper from home, and it can be refused, even if it's brand new and in perfect condition.

Even when a publication comes from an approved source, the Warden can still reject it based on content. Material that shows or explains weapons or weapon-making (including instructions for ammunition, bombs, or incendiary devices) is a common reason. Publications can also be rejected if they depict or encourage escape methods, or include blueprints, drawings, or similar descriptions of Bureau of Prisons institutions.

Other content triggers focus on preventing contraband and violence. Publications may be rejected if they describe brewing alcohol or manufacturing drugs, or if they encourage or instruct criminal activity. Materials that depict, describe, or encourage activity likely to lead to physical violence or group disruption can be refused as well. Anything written in code is also grounds for rejection.

Packages are where families get tripped up most often. Inmates cannot receive packages from home unless there is prior written approval from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member.

• ✓ Release clothing (as allowed, and with the required prior written approval)
• ✓ Authorized medical devices (as allowed, and with the required prior written approval)

1. Use an approved sender for hardcovers and newspapers: Order hardcover publications and newspapers so they ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
2. Treat most home packages as “do not send” unless approved: If it’s coming from a house or personal return address, assume it needs prior written approval from the unit team or authorized staff before it will be accepted.
3. If it’s one of the two exceptions, get approval first: For release clothing or authorized medical devices, make sure the inmate has the required prior written approval from the unit team (or authorized staff), then confirm with the unit team before you mail anything.

If a publication is rejected, the Warden is required to notify the publisher or sender. That notice should explain the next step: the publisher or sender can request an independent review by writing to the Regional Director within 20 days of receiving the rejection letter.