Mail, postcards, photos, legal mail, and package rules

Start by finding the exact mailing format for the facility, then follow it closely. Buchanan County Jail instructs people to send inmate mail through the United States Postal Service using this format: (Inmate's Name) C/O Buchanan County Jail, 501 Faraon Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501. All incoming mail is subject to search. Packages will not be accepted for inmates, and mail without a complete and accurate return mailing address will not be accepted and delivered.

Other jails emphasize inspection and timing. Monroe County says prisoner mail can be inspected at any time and that mail call occurs once daily. That "once a day" schedule is why mail can feel slow even when you send it quickly, especially around weekends and holidays.

• ✓ Christian County states it is postcard-only for incoming and outgoing personal mail, with a legal mail exception.
• ✓ Christian County requires incoming personal mail to be on a standard white postcard no larger than 5" x 7".
• ✓ Christian County states no index cards or photographs are allowed for incoming personal mail.
• ✓ Christian County requires postcards to include the sender’s full name and return address, and the inmate’s full name and jacket number.