Quarterly package vendor rules and vendor contact for CDCR
Quarterly packages for people in CDCR state prisons must be purchased through authorized private vendors (vendors have to be CDCR-approved before they can provide services). Your best move as a family member is to shop through an approved vendor storefront, not mail a package directly to the prison.
Businesses that want to become a quarterly package vendor can contact Lt. Victor Espinoza at Victor.Espinoza@cdcr.ca.gov. Wondering how orders and money interact with restitution? Funds sent to an incarcerated person may be subject to restitution, but families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution.
Common Questions
Q
Can I mail a quarterly package directly to an inmate in a California state prison?
No. CDCR says family members cannot send quarterly packages directly to people incarcerated in California State Prison, and packages must be purchased through approved vendors.
Q
How can I add money to an inmate's account if I do not have online access?
Some facilities offer phone deposits and in-person kiosks as alternatives to online payment. For example, Del Norte County Jail lists deposits by phone or at a lobby kiosk, and it provides a phone deposit number: 866-394-0490.
Q
Where can I buy commissary items or gift packs for someone in custody?
Some counties handle this through the sheriff’s commissary e-commerce site. For example, San Diego County says you can deposit money through its sheriff commissary e-commerce site, and you can purchase gift packs there as well.
Q
How do I become a quarterly package vendor for CDCR?
CDCR directs potential vendors to contact Lt. Victor Espinoza at Victor.Espinoza@cdcr.ca.gov for information on becoming a Quarterly Package Vendor. CDCR also states vendors must be approved before providing services to institutions.
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