How facilities usually receive and screen inmate mail
Start by finding the facility's written mail rules. Many facilities publish these in an inmate handbook, usually under sections covering communication and correspondence. You'll often see separate parts for general mail and privileged or legal mail.
Different types of mail get treated differently. A common policy limits packages to items shipped directly from vendors rather than from your home. Check the local rules before spending money on something that won't be accepted.
Common Questions
Q
Can I send photos and greeting cards to someone in jail?
Often, yes, but they have to follow the facility’s personal mail rules and they will be processed under that mail policy. Example (state-specific): one department directs personal mail, greeting cards, photos, and drawings to a Digital Processing Center address instead of a facility street address.
Q
Can I mail a package or order something online for an inmate?
Sometimes, but a common restriction is “vendor-only” packages. Example (state-specific): one corrections system allows packages and articles only when they are received directly from vendors via USPS, FedEx, UPS, and similar carriers.
Q
How should I send legal mail to ensure privacy and special handling?
Follow the facility’s legal (privileged) mail instructions, since legal mail is usually handled under separate rules from general mail. Example (state-specific): one department states legal mail should be addressed to the inmate at their assigned unit, with no changes as of 12/05/25.
Q
Can someone in custody receive and return a mail-in ballot?
In some places, yes. Example (state-specific): Arizona describes counties coordinating with sheriffs and detention facilities to set up reasonable procedures for delivery and return of ballots-by-mail, and it also notes that Arizona early ballots include a postage-paid return envelope.
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