What You Can and Can’t Send to an Inmate

Important note

Correctional communication rules, approved services, fees, schedules, and mail procedures vary by facility and can change. Confirm current requirements directly with the facility or its official communication provider before sending money, mail, photographs, or gifts. Unchained Connections is a public pen-pal directory; it is not a correctional agency, legal or medical service, or messaging provider, and it cannot guarantee that a service is available or that a message will be delivered.

Mail and property rules: Do not rely on general lists as permission to send an item. Facility rules may differ and change; check the recipient’s current facility page or mailroom instructions before mailing anything.

Introduction

It’s crucial to go by the guidelines set forth by the correctional facility where the offender is housed while sending them things. Although these regulations may differ from one institution to another, there are some universal principles that are usually applicable. What you can and cannot send to an inmate is broken down here:

What You Can Send to an Inmate:

1. **Letters and Postcards**:

• The majority of prisons allow you to send **postcards** and **personal letters**. Generally speaking, letters should be written with ink rather than pencil.
• Since most facilities accept postcards in a consistent size and thus are simpler to screen for contraband, **Postcards** are frequently chosen.
• Pay attention to what you write in your letters. Content that is violent, threatening, or sexually explicit may not be permitted for inmates.

1. **Books, Magazines, Newspapers**:

• **Books** and **magazines** can typically be sent, however they frequently need to be sent straight from the publisher or a reputable online retailer (like Amazon). Unless it’s a paperback book and you have pre-approval, you can’t send them from your house.
• **Newspapers** may be permitted, usually if they are provided through a subscription service.
• Softcover books might be required, and certain subjects—like obscene or gang-related content—are beyond limits.

1. **Money**:

• To fund an inmate’s commissary account, you can send them **money orders**. Checks are generally not accepted, and many establishments no longer take cash.
• **Electronic money transfers** are frequently accepted through firms like MoneyGram, Western Union, or JPay.

1. **Photographs**:

• Although most establishments permit **photographs**, there are frequently stringent restrictions on their size (typically 4×6 inches).
• There shouldn’t be any inappropriate content, violence, or nudity in photos. The quantity of images that can be sent at once is limited by certain organizations.

1. **Clothing**:

• You can send certain **clothing items**, such socks, t-shirts, or underwear, to certain facilities. They must, however, adhere to the facility’s rules (no foul language, logos, or improper designs).
• It is crucial to confirm the dress code and acceptable attire list with the particular facility.

1. **Cards (Holiday, Birthday)**:

• **Greeting cards** Cards containing pop-ups, glitter, or musical features may be prohibited, but greeting cards are permitted. The finest cards are usually straightforward and uncomplicated.

1. **Legal Materials**:

• **Legal materials**, such as case-related records, legal forms, or law books, are frequently provided to prisoners. Legal mail can be transmitted from some locations without being checked or opened.

What You Can’t Send to an Inmate:

1. **Contraband**:

• **Drugs** All unlawful substances, including drugs, are strictly forbidden.
• **Weapons** Anything that can be used as a weapon, such as needles or sharp things, is considered a weapon.
• **Alcohol** or anything that can catch fire.
• **Cell phones** or other gadgets.
• **Tobacco** Products made from tobacco (in various facilities).
• **Cash** (Unless in the form of a money order.)

1. **Items That Can Be Used for Escape**:

• Maps, tools, ropes, and other materials that could be used for **escape** are absolutely forbidden.

1. **Nude or Inappropriate Images**:

• Sexually explicit content or **naked pictures** are prohibited. Additionally, a lot of facilities forbid any writing or imagery that can be interpreted as suggestive or offensive.
• The majority of places prohibit **Gang-related pictures or materials** (such as tattoos, insignia, or books endorsing gangs).

1. **Personal Items**:

• **Personal items** such as food, medicine, or hygiene supplies cannot be given to inmates unless the institution has given its express approval.
• Certain establishments do not accept personal gifts (such as blankets, plush animals, etc.) or **gift packages**.

1. **Electronic Items**:

• Unless unless authorized, **MP3 players**, **tablets**, and other **personal electronics** are often prohibited.
• Generally, it is forbidden to view **CDs**, **DVDs**, or anything that requires an electronic device.

1. **Pornographic Material**:

• Anything sexually explicit, including magazines, is prohibited, including pornography. Adult periodicals, DVDs, and other deemed pornographic products fall under this category.

1. **Food or Perishable Items**:

• Because of health and safety considerations, **Food**, such as snacks, prepared dinners, or perishables, is nearly never permitted.
• Fruit, vegetables, and any other item that needs to be refrigerated are not allowed.

1. **Books or Publications with Violent or Extremist Content**:

• In general, books or publications that advocate **violence**, **extremist views**, or content that may be construed as **hate literature** are forbidden.
• **Gambling** Books or other materials that encourage gambling may be prohibited.

Other Important Guidelines:

• **Packaging limitations**: The way that goods are wrapped is subject to limitations in many jails and prisons. For instance, books would need to be in a box that is easy to scan, while letters could need to be sent in a basic envelope with no frills.
• **Mailing Guidelines**: When mailing products, always use the proper **address format**. Make sure to include the inmate’s full name, identification number, and the right facility address in any correspondence or packages you send to them.
• **Mail Screening**: Generally, all mail is screened, and if not authorized, certain goods, including food or medication, may be seized.

Each institution may have its own set of restrictions and exclusions, so it’s important to verify with the particular facility for their requirements before sending anything.

You may make sure that your correspondence with the offender is received without any problems and stays within the parameters of the prison or jail by following the aforementioned recommendations.

Official guidance

• Federal Bureau of Prisons: Communication with people in custody
• Federal Bureau of Prisons: Facility directory
• For state and local facilities, use the correctional agency’s official website and the facility’s current instructions.

This article is general information, not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.