What Happens to Mail Sent to USP Yazoo City: Inspection, Special Mail, and Rejection Rules

Mail sent to someone at USP Yazoo City is treated as "general correspondence" unless it qualifies as special mail. Staff open and inspect general correspondence, checking for contraband and any content that could threaten the security or good order of the institution.

"Special mail" gets different handling, but only if the envelope is clearly marked as such. When it is properly marked, incoming special mail may be opened only in the inmate's presence. Skip the marking and it will be processed like any other letter.

Inspections focus on two things: keeping contraband out and screening for content that could threaten safety, security, or good order. Staff open and inspect all general correspondence. Special mail isn't hands-off, either. Even when opened in the inmate's presence, it still gets checked for physical contraband. Staff will also verify that any enclosures actually qualify as special mail.

Sending reading material? Pay close attention to the source. At Bureau institutions, an inmate may receive hardcover publications and newspapers only if they are mailed directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.

Even publications from an approved source can be rejected. The Warden may turn away incoming material that is detrimental to institutional security or that could facilitate criminal activity. In practice, that includes content covering things like weapon-making, escape methods, drug or alcohol manufacturing, coded communications, violence or group disruption, or other criminal activity.

Rejected publications aren't quietly discarded. The Warden is required to notify the publisher or sender, and that notice must explain how they can request an independent review of the rejection.

1. Watch for the rejection notice: If a publication is rejected, the Warden notifies the publisher or sender and advises them about the independent review option.
2. Request independent review (if you want to challenge it): The publisher or sender may request independent review by writing to the Regional Director within 20 days of receiving the rejection letter.
3. Coordinate with your loved one: Share what was rejected and any deadlines, so you both know whether you’re going to replace the item, try a different source, or pursue the review process.

Practical Tips Senders

• ✓ Send general letters with the expectation they will be opened and inspected for contraband and security concerns.
• ✓ If you are sending special mail, clearly mark it as special mail so it can be opened only in the inmate’s presence.
• ✓ For hardcover books and newspapers, order through the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore (not from home).
• ✓ Avoid including anything that could be treated as contraband or raise security concerns, since mail is inspected.

Clear labeling is the single most important thing with special mail. Mark it correctly and it can only be opened in the inmate's presence (though staff will still inspect for physical contraband and verify that enclosures qualify). Keep the outside markings clean and obvious so the facility routes it correctly from the start.