In many locations, you can attach a photo to an email, or even record a 30-second VideoGram to send along with your letter. 4 books at a time. We understand how difficult it is to have a loved one in jail and provide for them. This information is needed to communicate with an inmate. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. Cards cannot have glitter, stickers or anything decorative/added to them. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. If they are hardcover they will be rejected. Click on the "Email" tab and follow the prompts. Some states allow inmates to receive magazines and cards, while others only allow paper letters. is to send letters. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. Before you send prisoner stamps, paper and envelopes, make sure these items aren't classed as contraband. To get the best experience, youll need to upgrade to a newer browser. Using DoNotPay to send letters to prison comes with more benefits, such as: DoNotPay is convenient to use with only a few simple steps to follow before we mail your letter. Log in to your DoNotPay in your web browser and have a go at other services we provide to help you: We have helped over 300,000 people with their problems. She has written for many digital publications, including The Washington Post, Forbes, Vice and HealthCentral. Consider using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local book store to help find the right things. All mail, confidential or non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection. Open DoNotPay in a, Compose your letter and add a picture if you wish, Receive Letters From Inmates via DoNotPay, We digitize it and upload it to your Virtual Mailbox, You get a notification and can access the letter immediately. Send pictures of the items you write about in your correspondenceyour friends and family, the pets, the neighborhood, etc. have shown that inmates who kept close contact with their loved ones had better chances of adapting to life upon release, as well as fewer chances of reoffending. Money orders, cashier's checks and personal check may be held for up to 30 days from the date it is deposited. If you are unsure of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility directly for this information. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. Include the inmates booking number on the check or money order, and make it payable to the inmate. Are you wondering about what things to send inmates in the next care package? At no time should you attempt to mail an inmate anything else, such as jewelery, personal items etc, as they will likely be confiscated as contraband. If you do not know the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the individual to find the ID. The prices of Jpay stamps varies depending on which state you buy them from. Make sure you know how inmates are permitted to receive routine mail. You can click the Request Mail Check to see if you have new mail. Most prisons provide inmates with stationery so that they could send one to two letters a week. Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on what the correctional facility allows. According to Washington County Sheriff's Office and Jail, if an inmate receives contraband items, those items will be returned to the sender, confiscated until the inmate is released from custody, destroyed, or confiscated as evidence in a criminal investigation. On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. A prepaid phone account set up by family or friends to receive inmate calls, An inmate phone account you can deposit funds into, Record secure voicemails for your inmate 24/7, Visit with your inmate via video at home or at a facility, Schedule a video visit or facility visit with your inmate, Easily pay for facility-required background check fees, Stay in touch with inmates by sending electronic messages, Share special moments with inmates by sending a photo or video, An inmates commissary account used for a variety of items, An inmate account used to pay for tablet-related content and services, Payment options for electronic monitoring, parole, restitution, community supervision and other fees, Help inmates learn with courses, modules, videos and other educational materials, Unlimited listening enjoyment with a music library of rock, pop, rap, country and more, Fun and entertainment for inmates to play popular games and puzzles, Keep inmates informed with access to popular and current real-time news stories, A robust library of ebooks with thousands of titles to educate and entertain, Easy access for listening to streaming local news, talk radio and music, Audio service for inmates to listen to TV channels broadcasted in facilities. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Postal Service. Yes, up to 40 stamps per envelope. Don't be fooled this is all a scam as no inmates have access to the internet or any instant messaging services (with the exception of digital mail services, which I will discuss below). All you need to do is focus on, Provide the inmates name, ID, and the facility they are housed in, Confirm that you want to receive emails from the recipient and send the request, DoNotPay will print and forward the letter, and when you receive a response, we will digitize it and send it to your, Concerns plans to escape or assists in an escape, Has depictions or portrayals of nudity or obscene activity, including sexual activity (consenting or non-consenting), sadomasochism, bestiality, and more, Contains human or animal hair, fluids, or substances, Describes how to sabotage computers, electronics, or communication as well as how to make drugs, weapons, explosives, or destructive devices, Contains plans on how to breach the security or disrupt the order of any facility, Has lottery or gambling information or paraphernalia. Open DoNotPay in your web browser and do the following: How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? and have a go at other services we provide to help you: Request compensation for delayed or canceled flights, Register for services without phone verification, Protect yourself from stalking and harassment, Obtain refunds or chargebacks from other companies, Protect your work against copyright infringement, Get in touch with your incarcerated loved ones, Everything You Need To Know About Writing Letters to Inmates, How To Add Money To Inmate Phone Accounts Online, Sending Money to an Inmate Has Never Been Easier, How to Stay In Touch With Inmates at Clements Unit, How to Contact Inmates at Jim Rudd Transfer Facility Easily, Connect With Inmates at Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, The Easiest Way to Send Commissary Packages to an Inmate, Get in Touch with Inmates at Bent County Correctional Facility, The Easiest Way to Send Packages to an Inmate in Washington, The Fastest & Most Reliable Way to Send Money to an Inmate, How to Pay Your Houston Water Bills Online Hassle-Free, How to Remove My Case From The Internet Instantly, How to Recover Your Forgotten Workday Password Hassle-Free. Here are more ways you can contact a prisoner and show them youre there for them: DoNotPay can answer more of your prison-related questions. Some facilities let inmates receive self-addressed, stamped envelopes, but check whether there are any limitations. Help type articles, letters and study group discussions from prisoners. By sending these visual connections, your loved one can still see whats going on and remain interested/connected to the outside world. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. Be sure to add tracking to your shipment or else we will not be able to confirm that we've received your stamps. paper clips. It is important for inmates to maintain ties to the community while serving their sentence. Any funds sent to an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate's quality of life. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. Got a keyboard? When selecting books, you should consider topics and genres your loved one enjoys, as well as sending material that can help them further their rehabilitation. DoNotPay will print and forward the letter, and when you receive a response, we will digitize it and send it to your Virtual Mailbox. For the latest information regarding in-person visiting, visit CDCRsVisitation Information PageandVisitation FAQs. Purchase stamps. These two combine in a way that you and your correspondent have a unique experienceyou will be sending and receiving emails, whereas they will be handling printed and written letters. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). Besides stamps, you can send gifts or care packages to a prisoner to make them feel loved and supported. The Federal Bureau of Prisons encourages communication between inmates and their families and friends. If a sticker is on an envelope, the inmate is given the letter inside, but not the envelope. Address the mail to the facility where your intended recipient is. ", Ban on "receipt, possession, or distribution of literature/publications from the MIM to or by inmates", All MIM Mail being returned unopened as unapproved correspondance, All mail with MIM return address is banned. Inmates incarcerated in California may receive allowable items from anyone who is not currently incarcerated, or anyone who has not been released within the past year. Always keep in mind that the correctional staff will read the letter you have sent to an inmate. The rules stipulate that: To ensure that the mail you want to send to a California inmate is promptly delivered to the intended party, you should follow these guidelines for addressing: If you are not sure what the precise inmate mail address is, you can refer to the facility locator page. Any issues or disputes regarding the vendors products are the sole responsibility of the buyer and/or vendor, and CDCR is not obligated to mediate or resolve any such disputes (Department Operations Manual Section 54030.9.1(a)(7)). DoNotPay can answer more of your prison-related questions. Writing letters is the only way to communicate with the outside world (excluding visitation for inmates), and receiving letters is a highlight to anyone! Some things you should never do when sending a letter, as it will result in the letter being rejected: If there is one thing an inmate loves morethan getting a letter in the mail, it's getting photos. How to Send a Los Angeles County Inmate a Care Package, How to Send Money to a Georgia Prison Inmate, Washington County Sheriff's Office and Jail: Inmate Mail Guide, Florida Department of Corrections: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Writing to an Inmate. Usually mail is delivered within seven days of it arriving at the facility, but certain circumstances such as a lockdown or a large influx of mail during holidays can slow down delivery. You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. You can setup an account by calling GTL at 1-888-415-0377, or by visiting the GTL website, fee's and rates apply. Claire is a qualified lawyer and specialized in family law before becoming a full-time writer. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Box 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 If not, telephone or email a jail command officer at the facility and ask for the information you require. Address the mail to the facility where your intended recipient is. Inmates in California can receive funds by mail, or online via an electronic funds transfer. If a sticker is on a letter, the letter is returned to the sender. An inmate will be permitted to receive funds through the mail. If your inmate is not located in the facilities listed above, you can just mail the money order or check to the inmate. Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to. However, some correctional facilities don't allow inmates to receive these items, depending on security levels. Inmates can receive books, magazines and newspapers but they must come directly from an approved source, we will give more information about how you can send these things to an inmate below. A letter won't be forwarded if it: There is no quarterly limit for book shipments, but an inmate may only have ten books in their possession at any time. perfume. Keep in mind that rules are in place to ensure that the items sent from outside are not contraband. Only approved inmate items can be sent. Resolve Other Issues With DoNotPays Help. Prisons usually allow inmates to go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks. Thats not all we can do for you. Provides Friends and Family with a variety of support features, including live chat with customer service, submitting support tickets, and keyword content searches. Additionally, these items must be white, off-white or yellow, and card stock, sketch paper and other types of craft paper are not permitted. For an inmate to be able to write and send letters to their friends. 3190(i)(7) "All publications, including books and subscriptions to periodicals, subject to section 3006. There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any publications. Box 800Napanoch, New York 12458-0800. DoNotPay streamlines the process of writing, sending, and receiving inmate letters. Note that you can only purchase books and magazines through approved vendors, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Sending Books, Letters, and Photos to an Inmate: Important rules you need to know, Never use marker, crayon, glitter, glue, stickers or lipstick on the letter or envelope, Any drawings or markings that can be misconstrued as secret code etc. May 1, 2012 - 10:19pm. Last time I bought stamps each stamp cost .44 (20 stamps for 8.80) and I had to use one for each page. Send money through one of our EFT vendors : No fee for sending money via money order, personal check, or cashiers check, Fill out Money Order Deposit Form (coupon) with sender name and address, Make check or money order payable to JPay, Mail to: JPay, 2202 South Figueroa St, Box #3001, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Do not include any letters or notes with payment, as these will be discarded, Personal checks will be held for 10 business days, Maximum of $999.99 per Money Order Deposit Form (coupon). With these popular and convenient services, JPay is using technology to keep you and your friend or relative connected throughout the duration of their incarceration. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. For instance, you can't send sharp objects that can potentially be used as weapons. Purchases from vendors are at the buyers sole risk. If you want to visit an inmate or send them mail but dont know how to find an inmate, DoNotPay has all the tools you need to easily locate them! The prison staff check every inmate letter and package, and if they find any contraband, it will be confiscated, thrown away, or returned to the sender. Be sure to exclude the following items from a mailed letter: While it may seem obvious, when you research things to send inmates, money is at or near the top of the list. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. All mail you send to an inmate should be formatted as follows: Inmate Name, ID number Unit (if known) Institutions Name Facilities address. Besides the fact that it is a rip-off, it really takes the best part out of receiving a letterIt may be hard to understand, but when an inmate receives a letterthat ispenned by hand it is much more personal, and can give the sense of a connection to whomever is writing the letter. Help the mailroom staff by printing your loved ones name and ID number on the back. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. It goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in prison is a valuable way to help them feel connected between visits. It's truly maddening!! Now, so indigen. MIM(Prisons) is a cell of revolutionaries serving the oppressed masses inside U.$. Inmate's use the funds you send them to purchase items like stamps, envelopes, food, snacks, clothing, and hygiene products from the commissary. Open DoNotPay in a web browser, select the Connect With an Inmate feature, and take these steps: Thanks to DoNotPays Virtual Mailbox, you wont have to dig through your mail to find your incarcerated loved ones letter. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. At no time may you send any other items to an inmate directly from you. To send money to an inmate first: Lookup the inmate's CDCR number using the Inmate Locator. Inmates are also allowed to receive cards, but they must not contain electronics, nudity or anything offensive in nature. I find the best way to send photos to an inmate is to print them through Walgreens or a similar online service, often for under 10 per photo (always search for online coupons to save). Pictures must not contain nudity, violent acts and/or gang-related signs or activities. They keep you going from day to day and bring the voices or those you love right into your head. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. Commissary money can purchase basic necessities like: Choosing healthy meals in prison is possible, but supplementing prison meals can help an inmate stay healthy and enjoy eating. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. You can also send funds to an inmate online through Access Secure Depositsor JPAY. Consult with the prison or institution before attempting to send the inmate a package. This is where DoNotPay comes in. For an inmate to be able to write and send letters to their friends, pen pals, or family members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies. Used not allowed. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. You dont need to worry about how to address letters to an inmate or other rules. Though the provisions from each facility are different, most inmates are given three meals a day, a bar of soap, a place to sleep, and not much else. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. She has owned and operated her own income tax-preparation business since 2006. Adding a personal touch with holiday and special occasions templates, DoNotPay is convenient to use with only a few simple steps to follow before we mail your letter. Each email requires a "Stamp," often available at more affordable rates than traditional postage, and can be purchased online and at JPay kiosks in the correctional facility. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. Writing letters to inmates is what keeps them in the loop about the life outside, prepares them for it, and lifts their spirits. , the most important part is addressing it properly. Global Tel Link, also known asGTL, is a privately run company that is contracted through the California Department of Corrections to provide inmates with a pre-paid calling solution. If you need to check inmate mail rules in. * Mail written in gel-type ink * Mail written in crayon * Mail with lipstick imprinted on it * Polaroids * Stickers and labels * * Stick-on return address labels ** * Odor-causing substances like perfume or cologne that permeate the mail * Items containing glue or white-out * Marking pens * Felt-tip pens * Care packages * Flowers or candy * Ribbons * Phone cards * Greeting cards * Post cards * Plastic * Glitter * Tape * Stationery * Envelopes * Post-it Notes * Craft materials * Parchment paper * Black paper * Staples * Paper clips * Postage stamps (loose or book) * Cash or personal checks (U.S. 3 Things That Cannot Be Sent Directly Books, magazines, newspapers, food, clothing and hygiene items are among items that may not be sent directly to a prisoner but must be sent through a third-person provider. Magazines and newspapers can be ordered the same way, through amazon and using the same method at checkout we highlighted above. An inmate package or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need. Sending books and magazines to an inmate is fairly simple. Copyright 2023 California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, DOM Article 43 policy regarding Inmate Property, Lookup the inmates CDCR number using the, Determine where the inmate is located using the, Funds post to an inmate account within 1 3 days, Friends and family can deposit funds to a trust account or restitution only. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. Only 1 book shipment per month of 10 or less books. Who Can Send Mail to a California Prison Inmate? No used books. The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. As well as writing your friend or relative, you may want to send him stamps, envelopes and paper so he is able to write back to you. For the most part these are the only items that can be mailed to an inmate (with the exception of Holiday packages). Non-confidential mail must also be read before being delivered to the inmate or mailed to the individual outside of prison. Depending on the type of mail sent to inmates, eligible senders are listed in the table below. Dont forget to follow these rules even when you come up with, Any items with illegal, violent, or sexual content, Letters with perfume, stickers, glitter, or paper clips. 3190(i)(2) "Legal Material, including legal reference material, books, and legal pads not available in the institution canteen, pursuant to section 3161. If the facility does let inmates receive stamps, paper and envelopes, follow the correct mailing procedure. If you are sending 37 cent stamps for your pal to send within the US, the total still must not exceed $7.40 (20 stamps). You can send: Both options cannot weigh more than one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class stamps. Deposit funds to a Tennessee inmate's account over the phone by calling JPAY at 1-800-574-5729. How do I send stamps to an inmate on JPay? This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. If the inspecting staff disagrees with the morals, values, attitudes, or language of the text, they will still deliver the letter. Postal Service. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. You will need to make the check payable to the inmates full name and ID number and include your complete name and return address. Dont despairwe can offer you some solutions for managing your water, electric, or medical bills. The inmates first and last name and their Inmate ID number, Stamps could be considered contraband in some jurisdictions, such as. The check/money order must be payable to the inmate's name and booking number. Enter the inmates full name and the state they are in. Whether you send stamps to an inmate in an envelope or an inmate package, the most important part is addressing it properly. Mule Creek State Prison will allow used books to be purchased by inmates if the used books are purchased and mailed directly from a book store, distributor, or publisher. no staples or bindings. Though the provisions from each facility are different, most inmates are given three meals a . JPays email service is a fast, feature-rich way to correspond with your incarcerated loved one. Inmates who are found to be indigent and cannot afford stamps and envelopes will receive 5 stamped envelopes per month, and will be given more if the outgoing mail is legal in nature. California inmates are also allowed to receive new soft cover books directly from a publisher such as Amazon.com. Visit DoNotPay in your web browser, and well also help you: We have helped over 300,000 people with their problems. We are also licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. California Prison Mail Policies according to state documents and reports from prisoners. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Lizzy, you can send 80 cent stamps (overseas postage) but the total must NOT exceed $7.40 US. Postal Money orders are accepted) * Hardback or leather-bound books (all books must come directly from a recognized publisher) * Stickers and/or labels refers to the generic decorative, adhesive type of sticker and has nothing to do with postage. Rules help keep everybody safe and prevent illegal exchanges. An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. The Florida Department of Corruption, excuse me, Corrections, seems to operate as if they are above the law. You will want to check with the correctional facility to determine if there is a limit on how much you can send or how frequently you can send care packages. c. Pretrial, Holdover, and Detainee Inmates. The Ins and Outs of the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. Sending the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail rights for the inmate. For example, if I were sending an inmate items who is incarcerated atUlster Correctional Facility I would address it as follows:John Doe, 12345Ulster Correctional FacilityP.O. There were many reports on drug smuggling in envelopes and under postage stamps, which is why some prisons dont accept mailed stamps. You can see the list of all the dos and don'ts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. . , or family members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies. Dont despairwe can offer you some solutions for managing your, Request a refund and compensation for delayed or canceled flights, Take people or companies to small claims court, Sign up for services without phone verification, Protect yourself from stalking and harassment, Get in touch with your loved ones in jail, Skip the phone queue when contacting customer service reps, Protect your work against copyright infringement, Everything You Need To Know About Writing Letters to Inmates, How To Add Money To Inmate Phone Accounts Online, Sending Money to an Inmate Has Never Been Easier, How to Stay In Touch With Inmates at Clements Unit, How to Contact Inmates at Jim Rudd Transfer Facility Easily, Connect With Inmates at Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, The Easiest Way to Send Commissary Packages to an Inmate, Get in Touch with Inmates at Bent County Correctional Facility, The Easiest Way to Send Packages to an Inmate in Washington, The Fastest & Most Reliable Way to Send Money to an Inmate, How to Pay Your Houston Water Bills Online Hassle-Free, How to Remove My Case From The Internet Instantly, How to Recover Your Forgotten Workday Password Hassle-Free. in a way that does not disturb your daily routine. Commissary Money. This will help ensure the photos are delivered to the right inmate. 1. In prison and jail, there are few things to look forward to, and mail is one of them. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life. This method charges the person receiving the call and cannot be made to cellular phones. If the inmate is in a federal prison, you can search the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Not Allowed: * Mail containing more than 10 individual photos per letter regardless of how the photos are printed. The funds in an inmate's account will also follow the inmate if they are transferred to a different facility or are released. An inmate will be permitted to possess a limited quantity of postage stamps. The photos can be as large as 8"x10" but must not contain nudity, hand gestures, tattoos, or anything illegal or gang related. Aside from the stamps inmates get for the one or two free letters a week, how can they get more stamps? One of the big scams out there that I have been noticing is various "Inmate Service" companies that claim you can contact your inmate online, or send them a message through their website. They must also adhere to the policies surrounding appropriate content (no nudity or sexually suggestive material no matter how funny), and they cannot have glitter, stickers or anything else that makes the card different from a normal plain old card. (NMLS #967396). How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? Read our guide about sending money to an inmatefor more information. Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to find an inmate to write to. #1. mountanddo. The address to send it to is on the form. Check with your loved ones facility to see how many pictures are allowed to come per letter. Sending physical mail can often be even more special to an inmate. Determine where the inmate is located using the Facility Locator. is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to. Also, because the rate for local calls is much less then long distance calls you may be able to save tons of money on your prison phonecalls.