This is a general guide which details how to send items to an inmate, including books and letters. It will also cover mailing photos, cards, magazines and newspapers. For the most part these are the only items that can be mailed to an inmate, with the exception of Holiday packages.
At no time should you attempt to mail an inmate anything else, such as jewelry, personal items etc., as they will likely be confiscated as contraband. If at anytime you are unsure of what you can send, contact the facility directly over the telephone and ask for the mailroom, they should be able to clarify the rules for you, and can also help answer any other questions you may have.
Mailing Letters
While it may not seem significant to those outside, letters are incredibly important to individuals who are incarcerated. They serve as a lifeline, providing comfort and connection to loved ones. Inmates eagerly anticipate receiving letters from the mail room as it brings them a sense of joy and connection.
Mail is often one of the few things that inmates look forward to. Prison officials recognize the value of mail to inmates and consider its delivery a privilege. During a facility lockdown, incoming mail deliveries are halted until the lockdown is lifted.
To ensure that your letter is not rejected by the facility, avoid using staples, paper clips, markers, crayons, glitter, glue, stickers, lipstick, perfume, or any other fragrances. Additionally, refrain from including drawings or markings as this will result in the mail being rejected. It is important to remember that all mail is inspected and read by staff, so avoid writing anything you wouldn't want a third party to see.
If your letter is rejected or returned, the reason is usually stamped on the envelope. Some institutions now create digital copies of received mail and provide the offender with a printed copy of the original. The handling of the original mail varies depending on the facility.
Sending Photos
Inmates cherish receiving photos just as much as letters in the mail. Photos serve as a source of joy and inspiration while incarcerated. In most facilities, inmates can keep photos to display in their cell, use as bookmarks, or carry with them for motivation throughout the day. When an inmate receives a photo, it allows them to visually connect with the topics discussed in letters or phone calls, providing a glimpse into the sender's world. It's like having a personal, old-fashioned Instagram feed.
Tablets
In certain facilities, inmates can use tablets and kiosks to receive and sometimes send videos, photos, and messages. There may be a fee for this service. Additionally, these tablets are used for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.
When sending photos, remember these important guidelines:
- Photos should not exceed 4"x6" in size.
- Always write the inmate's name and ID number on the back of the photo in pen to assist mail room staff.
- Avoid sending photos containing nudity, sexually suggestive content, hand gestures, or tattoos that may have gang implications they will be rejected.
- Typically, only 5 photos can be sent in an envelope with a single stamp, and some facilities may limit the number to 3-5 photos.
- Keep in mind that both staff and other inmates will view these photos.
Mailing Publications
Receiving books, magazines, or newspapers can bring joy to inmates for days or even weeks. Sending these items to is straightforward. Most institutions allow inmates to receive books (excluding temporary classification and diagnostic institutions), but they must be sent directly from the publisher. This means you can order them from Barnes and Noble (not used or from third-party sellers).
Before sending anything, contact the institution to ensure compliance with the rules. When ordering books, they must be new and paperback; hardcover or used books will be rejected.
Make sure to ship to the inmate's mailing address using only USPS, with their first and last name followed by their ID number on the shipping label. If unsure, use the inmate search feature or contact the facility directly for information. Include the facility name and the correct address for inmate mail, which may differ from the physical address. For example, when sending items to an inmate at Ulster Correctional Facility, address it like so:
John Doe, 12345
Ulster Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 800
Napanoch, New York 12458-0800
You can order magazines and newspapers in the same way, through an approved publisher or vendor, following the method we mentioned earlier. Just ensure the content is appropriate. Correctional facilities prohibit adult magazines like Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler, but do allow magazines such as Maxim, Car and Driver, Field and Stream, Newsweek, etc.
When sending books, magazines, or newspapers to an inmate, remember these key points: Limit book shipments to 3 at a time, all books must be new and softcover (no hardcover or spiral-bound for security reasons), use USPS for shipping, include the inmate's name and ID number with the facility mailing address, and note that inmates in solitary confinement cannot receive mail.
Sending Holiday/Birthday Cards
You are allowed to send holiday and birthday cards to an inmate, but they should not contain electronics, multi-layer or popup/out content. They must follow the guidelines on appropriate content (no nudity or sexually suggestive material, even if intended humorously), and should not include glitter, stickers, or any other embellishments that deviate from a standard card.
It's advisable to send a letter first when sending items to an inmate to confirm their location and ability to receive items. If unsure about what can be sent, contact the facility using the provided telephone numbers. Additionally, consider that inmates have limited storage space for items, and some correctional facilities restrict the number of possessions an inmate can have at a given time.