Why Your Mail Might Be Returned: Victoria County Jail's Security Screening Process

At Victoria County Jail, every piece of mail is screened for security. Because of that extra screening, any mail item can be returned to the sender if it doesn’t meet the jail’s requirements or raises a security concern.

One reason your mail may look different than expected: the jail converts most personal correspondence to electronic format. Since January 1, 2021, non-legal, non-commercial mail sent to inmates goes through this conversion process. To send this type of mail, use the JailATM.com electronic option or mail it to the vendor's processing address: JailATM.com - Victoria County Jail, INMATE ID: INMATE FULL NAME, 2830 S. Hulen St., Box 809, Fort Worth, TX 76109. Send it any other way, and it may not be processed correctly - which increases the chances of a return.

Even when you follow every rule, delivery confirmation isn't guaranteed. Victoria County Jail states it cannot guarantee delivery confirmation for any book, magazine, or other mail item. Tracking updates don't always tell the full story.

Common Causes

• ✓ Use the correct mailing address format: Inmate Name and CR Number, Victoria County Jail, 101 N Glass Street, Victoria, Texas 77901
• ✓ Include the inmate’s name and CR Number so staff can match the mail to the right person
• ✓ Write the mailing address and your return address legibly on the same side of the envelope
• ✓ Don’t send letters without a return address - they are not acceptable

• ✓ Don’t include printed drawings, pages from books or puzzles, or computer printouts inside your letter
• ✓ Keep the outside of the envelope clean: no drawings or writing beyond the addressing information

• ✓ Don’t include any substance or item considered contraband or a threat to security
• ✓ Avoid posters or greeting cards that are larger than standard size, have pop-up elements, include electronics, or contain materials like metal or rope
• ✓ If the inmate already has two books, any additional books sent will be returned to the sender

Most rejections come down to a few common issues: printed pages or computer printouts tucked into a letter, oversized cards or cards with metal components, or a book that pushes the person over the two-book limit. These are the items screening flags as prohibited, and they're the usual culprits behind returns.

1. Look for a return reason - All mail is screened and can be returned to sender, and the jail also says it can’t guarantee delivery confirmation for books, magazines, or other mail items.
2. Confirm what you actually sent - If you relied on tracking or delivery confirmation, remember it may not reflect what happened after the item reached the jail’s screening process.

1. Fix the addressing first - Address letters with the inmate’s name and CR Number and send them to Victoria County Jail, 101 N Glass Street, Victoria, Texas 77901. Make sure both the mailing address and your return address are legible and on the same side of the envelope.
2. Remove common “auto-return” enclosures - Don’t include printed drawings, pages from books or puzzles, or computer printouts. Keep the outside of the envelope limited to addressing only.
3. Avoid items that trigger security concerns - Anything considered contraband or a threat to security can cause a return. Oversized or pop-up cards/posters and items with electronics, metal, or rope are also not acceptable.
4. Watch the book limit - If the inmate already has two books, additional books sent will be returned to sender.