Inmate Mail Policy

Incoming Mail
Incoming mail is inspected and forwarded to inmates daily, excluding weekends and holidays. When incoming mail is determined to be unacceptable, it will be returned, in its entirety, to the U.S. Postal Service to be returned to sender. If unacceptable mail does not have a return address, it will be disposed of. Mailroom staff will log all unacceptable mail and in custody inmates will receive a written notification that incoming mail was determined to be unacceptable. If mail is received for an inmate who is no longer in custody, the mail will be returned to sender. Correspondence between inmates in the facility that is forwarded by an outside source will be disposed of. All mail, book orders, magazine and/or newspaper subscriptions must be addressed as followed and legible or it shall be determined to be unacceptable, and will be returned to sender:

• The sender’s name and a return address.
• The inmate’s complete name (first and last)
• Inmate Booking number
• Nicknames are not acceptable and shall result in the mail being returned to sender.
• All incoming mail will be opened and inspected by Mailroom staff.

Inmate mail will be opened by Mailroom staff, scanned to identify any security violations, threats, and to verify that the contents are acceptable. The only exception will be mail clearly marked as “Legal Mail” and verified as being from state and federal courts, any member of the State Bar or holder of any public office, and the Board of Corrections; however, staff will, in the presence of the inmate, open and inspect such mail to verify that it is legal in nature and to search for contraband, cash, checks, or money orders.

Unauthorized Items
Examples of unauthorized items include but not limited to:

• Cash or personal checks.
• Hardcover or Spiralbound books, Notebooks, Calendars.
• Lipstick stains, glitter, stickers, scented items.
• Greeting cards, postcards, cardstock paper, laminated items.
• Inmate to Inmate forwarded mail.
• Postage stamps, blank paper, blank envelopes.
• Photos larger than 5x7 inches, polaroid photo.
• Photo images of drugs, sexually suggestive, or gang related.
• Manila Envelopes, Priority mail envelope, Bubble mailer.
• Any items available for purchase from Jail Commissary.
• Obscene material.

Authorized Items
Incoming mail may include the following:

• Money Order/Cashier Check paid to the order of:
  • MCSO Prisoner Trust Fund (Include inmate name and booking number on the top left corner).
• Paperback books, Newspaper and/or Magazine subscriptions mailed directly from vendors ONLY. * (Shipping label MUST include inmate name and booking number).
• Letters/photos in standard letter size envelopes ONLY. *

*Refer to unauthorized items.*

Outgoing mail
Outgoing mail is inspected and processed daily, then forwarded to the U.S. Postal Service, excluding weekends and holidays. Once picked up by U.S. Postal Service carrier any delays or issues should be addressed with USPS. Inmates may correspond, confidentially, with state and federal courts, any member of the State Bar or holder of public office, and the State Board of Corrections and with the facility manager or the facility commander.

Contacting the Mailroom
For further clarification or questions contact the Mailroom at (831) 755-3867.