Mail, photos, and NM's move toward digital mail tablets
New Mexico is changing how mail is delivered inside some facilities. NMCD began implementing Smart Communications tablets on July 1, 2024. These tablets replace the physical mail system by digitally uploading mail to inmate tablets. On timing, NMCD policy states incoming and outgoing letters are held no more than 48 hours, and packages (if allowed) no more than 72 hours. This excludes weekends, holidays, or emergency situations.
- ✓ Use the facility’s exact addressing format (for example, Bernalillo County MDC provides a specific format that includes the inmate name, MID number, and a P.O. Box address)
- ✓ Include a clear return name and return address (some facilities require this)
- ✓ Do not send lewd material where it is prohibited
- ✓ Check publication rules before ordering books or magazines (some facilities define publications broadly, including books and magazines, and may reject them)
- ✓ If the facility uses a digital mail center, you may need to mail items to a third-party P.O. Box address rather than the jail itself
- ✓ If publications are allowed, some facilities require them to come directly from a publisher or distributor
Common Questions
Q
Can I send books or magazines to someone in a New Mexico facility?
It depends on the facility, and some places do not accept publications at all. Bernalillo County MDC states publications are not accepted and will be returned, and it defines publications broadly (including books and magazines). In other facilities where publications are allowed, you may be required to have them shipped directly from a publisher or distributor.
Q
How long does it take for mail or packages to reach an inmate?
NMCD policy says letters are held no more than 48 hours and packages (if allowed) no more than 72 hours, excluding weekends, holidays, or emergency situations. Delivery can also be delayed or returned if the address format is wrong, so follow the facility’s exact instructions (for example, Bernalillo County MDC lists a specific mailing address format using the inmate name and MID number).
Q
Will an inmate still receive physical mail now that NMCD uses tablets?
In NMCD facilities using the new system, NMCD states Smart Communications tablets replace physical mail by digitally uploading mail to inmate tablets. Other facilities can have different setups and addresses, including third-party digital mail centers, so always verify the current mail instructions for the specific jail or prison.
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