Mailing Letters, Books, and Photos to Monroe Detention Center: What Gets Through and What Gets Returned
Mail rules at Monroe are strict, but predictable. Here's how the facility handles incoming and outgoing mail, what needs to be on the envelope, and the most common reasons letters get sent back.
All incoming mail at Monroe Detention Center is opened and inspected daily before being forwarded to inmates. That inspection is why some items never make it past the mailroom - even things that seem harmless from the outside. If mail is flagged as unacceptable, it won't be placed in the inmate's property. It doesn't get held "for later" or tucked into their belongings. Once it's deemed unacceptable, it's treated as non-deliverable.
When staff can't accept something, the standard outcome is return-to-sender. Unacceptable mail goes back to the U.S. Postal Service in its entirety so it can be returned to the address on the envelope. But if it can't be returned to you, it might not come back at all. The policy allows undeliverable mail - including certain bulk-rate items - to be destroyed rather than stored or delivered.
Envelope Requirements
- ✓ Write the sender’s name and return address on the front of the envelope, or the mail will be returned.
Address the envelope using the inmate's complete first and last name exactly as it appears at booking. Monroe doesn't accept nicknames or gang monikers - mail using them can be returned as undeliverable. If you're unsure how their name is listed in the system, confirm before sending anything.
Monroe accepts newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and softbound books - but only when sent directly from the publisher or an Internet website. That "direct from source" rule is where people run into trouble. Retail bookstores and private individuals can't send these items. A brand-new, shrink-wrapped book can still be rejected if it didn't come from an approved sender type.
Hardback books are a different story. Monroe doesn't accept them unless the Jail Commander specifically approves. If you're ordering something, go with softbound - it's the safer choice unless you already have approval.
Cell limits: There's no cap on how much mail an inmate can receive, but they can only keep three books in their cell. State Fire Marshal restrictions also limit the total amount of paperwork they can possess.
Photos have their own rules. Polaroids aren't allowed. Neither are laminated or coated photos. If you're printing pictures to mail in, keep them plain - no lamination, no protective coating - so they pass inspection.
- ✓ Postage stamps
- ✓ Pre-stamped envelopes
- ✓ Blank envelopes
- ✓ Pens
- ✓ Personal checks
- ✓ Currency
For outgoing mail, Monroe requires inmates to use standard white, business-size envelopes purchased through the commissary. That's why your loved one can't reuse an envelope or send letters in a different style.
Outgoing mail also has a required return address format. The return address must be: Monroe Detention Center 140A Tony Diaz Drive Woodland, California 95776
If something you send doesn't make it through, here's what happens: unacceptable mail isn't placed in inmate property. When possible, it's returned in full to the U.S. Postal Service and sent back to you. If it can't be returned, it may be destroyed rather than delivered or stored. That's why envelope details matter - especially the return address and the inmate's correct booking name.
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