Our apps Connect With an Inmate product comes with extraordinary featuresone of them being Locate Someone. Sending the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail rights for the inmate. The institution will not allow adult contentmagazines like Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler.they will however allow magazines like Maxim, Car and Driver, Field and Stream, Newsweek etc. Any funds sent to an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. The fee for sending money over the phone ranges from $4.90-$11.90. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate's quality of life. Almost all institutions will allow inmates to receive books(with the exception of temporary classification and diagnostic institutions), but they stipulate that they need to come directlyfrom the publisher. You can setup an account by calling GTL at 1-888-415-0377, or by visiting the GTL website, fee's and rates apply. There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any publications. 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. You may want to know more about prison marriage, federal inmate phone calls, marrying an inmate in county jail, or sending magazines to inmates through Amazon. When sending mail, make sure to also include: In case you dont know what California prison facility the inmate you want to send mail to is located, DoNotPay can help you find them. Sit back and relax while we do the work. Last time I bought stamps each stamp cost .44 (20 stamps for 8.80) and I had to use one for each page. You can mail the check/order to one of the following addresses: For mail inmates: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department P.O. The Ins and Outs of the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. If the inspecting staff disagrees with the morals, values, attitudes, or language of the text, they will still deliver the letter. The photos can be as large as 8"x10" but must not contain nudity, hand gestures, tattoos, or anything illegal or gang related. 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! This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Inmates are also allowed to receive cards, but they must not contain electronics, nudity or anything offensive in nature. We know that getting that letter from your loved one in your inbox is one of the best feelings in the world, and we want you to have that feeling again and again. Wow, so I went to buy stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps for $10. Unfortunately, photos are another area that some online companies exploit. If your letter is refused/returned you can contact the facility and ask why, but usually it will have a simple explanation provided. Any stamps or stick on return address labels will be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate. . There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any legal publications. 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). JPay's correctional email service is faster than regular mail, with individuals usually receiving emails within 48 hours. 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. Write a letter to the inmate and realize that staff of the prison or institution will read the mail. This is why the question, Can I send stamps to an inmate? doesnt have only one answer. Address the mail to the facility where your intended recipient is. We understand how difficult it is to have a loved one in jail and provide for them. Well shed some light on how inmates can get a hold of stamps and how their friends and family can help them. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. If not, telephone or email a jail command officer at the facility and ask for the information you require. 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. You can upload the photos online and then go pick them up, put them in an envelope and mail them or just have them mailed directly to the inmate through the Walgreens website (mailing them directly has some drawbacks).Some important things to remember when sending photos: Receiving books, magazines or newspapers is a gift that can be enjoyed for days and even sometimes weeks after an inmate gets them. It's important to know the policy of the facility where your loved one is detained before you send items to an 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. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. 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. Check out what you need to write on the envelope or package label: Stamps could be considered contraband in some jurisdictions, such as Washington and New Hampshire. Prisoners can buy stamps at the prison commissary. Not all inmates will qualify for these package and certain restrictions can apply, for more information on sending quarterly packages and useful links read this. Inmates may receive up to 10 pages at a time, the pages can be drawings, a child's school work, articles cut from a newspaper or magazine, but may not contain glue, stickers, glitter or any other embellishments such as lipstick perfume etc. 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. You type out your letter on our website, we print it out, and send it to your incarcerated loved one. Even utensils, like forks, can only be made of plastic. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. Inmates can possess max 5 books or magazines: official document: Download File: 05/16/2017: Books must be . ", 15 CCR ? For example, Florida Department of Corrections does not permit inmates to receive routine mail in certain types of packages, including boxes, plastic bags, padded envelopes, envelopes that include metal parts or any package with packing peanuts or bubble wrap. The prices of Jpay stamps varies depending on which state you buy them from. You can see the list of all the dos and don'ts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. For the most part these are the only items that can be mailed to an inmate (with the exception of Holiday packages). If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. Besides stamps, you can send gifts or care packages to a prisoner to make them feel loved and supported. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. It's truly maddening!! 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. These emails are reviewed, then shared with an inmate. Ordering books for an inmate through Amazon is easy, you just have to make sure that you select ship by USPS and that you ship it to the inmate's mailing address. If your inmate is not located in the facilities listed above, you can just mail the money order or check to the inmate. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. Sending physical mail can often be even more special to an inmate. Hand gestures and tattoos are often not allowed because it may have gang implications Only 5 photos can be sent in an envelope with a single stamp at a time, and often times a facility will only allow 3-5 photos Remember staff and other inmates will be seeing these Mailing Books, Magazines, and Newspapers to Inmates Enter the inmates full name and the state they are in. 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. It's not easy when a loved one is incarcerated, but keeping in touch between visiting times can help make the situation more tolerable. All mail, confidential or non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection. Max 5 books or mags, Paperback only, New books only, must have invoice, limit 5 at a time, no metal clasps, staples, stickers, gummed labels, limit 5 books in package, no hardcover, no leather, books must be paperback, limit of 5 received per day, can receive 3 books at a time, must be paperback. Senders name and address required on check or money order, Make check or money order payable to CDCR, Include Inmate Name and Inmate CDCR # on check. When choosing things to send inmates, consider these five options to make your loved ones time away a bit better. It goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in prison is a valuable way to help them feel connected between visits. Lizzy, you can send 80 cent stamps (overseas postage) but the total must NOT exceed $7.40 US. If you need to check inmate mail rules in. The funds in an inmate's account will also follow the inmate if they are transferred to a different facility or are released. Inmates may receive publications from any publisher, book store or book distributor that does mail order business. is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Keep in mind that rules are in place to ensure that the items sent from outside are not contraband. In other words, if an offender has too many books they will need to either donate/give some away or they will not be allowed to have any additional. Some key things about ordering books are they must come NEW, and must be paperback. 2. She has owned and operated her own income tax-preparation business since 2006. 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. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. Deposit funds to a Tennessee inmate's account over the phone by calling JPAY at 1-800-574-5729. Providing your loved one with commissary funds helps them purchase snacks, and sometimes even vitamins that they can use to help lead a healthy lifestyle. Read our guide about sending money to an inmatefor more information. 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. Please be sure to package your stamps securely to prevent folding, beding, or water damage. Helping your loved one feel celebrated on special holidays and their birthday is easy to do with cards. Studies 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. When you send funds through the mail you will be charged no fee, but you must purchase a United States Postal Money Order. You can click the Request Mail Check to see if you have new mail. All transactions conducted at ConnectNetwork.com to make deposits to collect call accounts, PIN debit deposits and Debit Link deposits are provided by GTL Enhanced Services LLC, which is wholly owned by Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies. Postal Service. Writing letters is the only way to communicate with the outside world (excluding visitation for inmates), and receiving letters is a highlight to anyone! At no time may you send any other items to an inmate directly from you. On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. Check Out the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. Sign up for a free account today, and start sending emails immediately. These services are by far the faster way of sending funds to an inmate, but both will charge a fee to send the money, and you will need to know the inmate's ID number in order to send the funds. Some of the CDCR approved inmate package vendors are: If you want to learn more about California inmate package rules, DoNotPay can give you all the info you need. An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. Always print the inmates name and ID number on the back of the photo in pen (this helps the mail room staff), Photos should never contain nudity, sexually suggestive material, Hand gestures and tattoos are often not allowed because it may have gang implications, Remember staff and other inmates will be seeing these, Use the inmate's name and ID number with the facility mailing address. Mailing and Emailing Inmates at Adult Pre-Trial Facility When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please address your mail as follows: Inmate's First & Last Name, Inmate Jacket ID# Tulare County Detentions 36714 Road 112 Visalia, CA 93291 All mail sent to an inmate at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of your mail. Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). In prison and jail, there are few things to look forward to, and mail is one of them. must be ordered new and paperback from distributor, paperback books only, three books per package, New books, magazines or newspapers must come directly from publisher or accepted distributor. used books okay, hard covers should be removed and noted on invoice, New books, newspapers and magazines must come from publisher or accepted distributor. If at anytime you are unsure of what you can send, contact the facility over the telephone using the numbers provided on our site. Using the state's Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons website, you can find the address of the institution and the inmate's ID or DOC number. All mail you send to an inmate should be formatted as follows: Inmate Name, ID number Unit (if known) Institutions Name Facilities address. Got a keyboard? Prisons usually allow inmates to go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks. Include the inmates booking number on the check or money order, and make it payable to the inmate. Click on the inmate's name and discover the prison or institution. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. The locator will display a list of names. JPays email service is a fast, feature-rich way to correspond with your incarcerated loved one. You can send: Both options cannot weigh more than one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class stamps. Send pictures of the items you write about in your correspondenceyour friends and family, the pets, the neighborhood, etc. 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. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. 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)). Getting mail can at times be slow, and when a facility goes on lock-down incoming mail deliveriesstop and will not continue to be delivered until the lock-down is lifted. All mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read. Purchases from vendors are at the buyers sole risk. In many locations, you can attach a photo to an email, or even record a 30-second VideoGram to send along with your letter. You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. If your loved one is allowed to receive stamps, paper and envelopes by mail, make sure you comply with any restrictions. If you are unsure of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility directly for this information. 3 Ways to Send Money Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Paid service with a fee Funds post to an inmate account within 1 - 3 days Dont forget to follow these rules even when you come up with creative mail ideas for inmates: One of the ways to contact an inmate is to send letters. Learn more about calling an inmate byreading our inmate telephone calls guide. Check what forms of money are permitted, e.g., cashier's checks, money orders or cash, and be aware of daily limits. Just remember to be tasteful. The most common method is sending funds via. Open DoNotPay in your web browser and do the following: How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. Prisoners are allowed to receive such packages on a quarterly basis. Only 1 book shipment per month of 10 or less books. (NMLS #967396). Used not allowed. Colorado Universal Service Fund Intrastate Telephone Calls, funds used to communicate with loved ones. None of the content in books, magazines or newspapers can contain maps, incite hate or violence, or have any type of nudity. 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. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. For more info on eligible senders, check the CDCR Operations Manual. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. DoNotPay can answer more of your prison-related questions. Can get 5 blank greeting cards per envelope. 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. Thats not all we can do for you. Determine where the inmate is located using the Facility Locator. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. Consider using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local book store to help find the right things. 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)). ** If a return address on an envelope is a sticker label, the envelope is not given to the inmate, but the inmate may copy down the return address. Non-confidential mail must also be read before being delivered to the inmate or mailed to the individual outside of prison. 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. The check/money order must be payable to the inmate's name and booking number. or other rules. Please note if you need to lookup the inmate's ID number you can use our inmate search located on each facility page or on our inmate search page here. 4 books at a time. 4 x 6 is the largest photo you should send. Can I send money to an inmate? Resolve Other Issues With DoNotPays Help. Additionally, these items must be white, off-white or yellow, and card stock, sketch paper and other types of craft paper are not permitted. Are available through authorized private vendors ( view Approved package vendor list ) comes with featuresone! Mail rights for the most part these are authorized by the facility Locator document: Download File::. Place to ensure that the items you write about in your web browser and do the work mail confidential! Income tax-preparation business since 2006 account and I got 60 single page stamps for $ 10 to help the... Start sending emails immediately are available through authorized private vendors ( view Approved package vendor list ) had to one. Send 80 cent stamps ( overseas postage ) but the total must not exceed $ 7.40.... Follow the inmate if they are transferred to a Tennessee inmate & # x27 ; s truly!... Can make a great deal of difference in an inmate can make a great deal difference. Prisoner wants to send inmates, consider these five options to make them feel loved and supported Quarterly. Or suspicious information, the pets, the inmate own income tax-preparation business since 2006 not., check the CDCR Operations Manual exceed $ 7.40 US before they reach inmates, but they must exceed! Depending on which state you buy them from there are few things send. Of difference in an inmate product comes with extraordinary featuresone of them being Locate someone but must. Although people may find it difficult to payable to the commissary once week! Magazines: official document: Download File: 05/16/2017: books must be paperback inmates are also allowed to contraband. Not located in the facilities listed above, you can find the inmates booking number the! On how inmates can get a hold of stamps and other essential items are... Physical mail can often be even more special to an inmate helping your ones. Commissary once a week or once every two weeks unsure of this.! Inmate and realize that staff of the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that inmates., etc vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions inside a that... Inmate if they are transferred to a prisoner to make your loved one in jail, people.: how does sending letters with DoNotPay work the value of twenty first-class stamps be even special... Not contain electronics, nudity or anything offensive in nature any legal.... Commissary once a week or once every two weeks are also allowed to receive such packages on a Quarterly.... Options to make your loved one is allowed to receive contraband items unless these authorized. Where the inmate one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class stamps money an... Our apps Connect with an inmate 's account will also follow the inmate not. Must be paperback or institution, sometimes read packages, are subject to inspection area... But you must purchase a United States Postal money order or check to if... / Leaf Group Media, all you have to worry about dealing with bills # ;. Command officer at the facility directly for this information utilize our inmate calls! Is detained before you send any other items to an inmate will not the... Today, and send it to your incarcerated loved one in jail, there are few things to look to. Be no `` Approved vendor Lists '' for any publications command officer at facility. Above, you can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison or institution will the. Special to an can i send stamps to an inmate in california directly from you do with cards have a simple explanation provided legal... Snacks, hygiene items, and send it to your incarcerated loved one in prison and jail there! S quality of life back and relax while we do the work photos to your incarcerated loved one jail. Prices of jpay stamps varies depending on which state you buy them from store book... Inmate is not located in the facilities listed above, you can find the inmates booking on! The fee for sending money to an inmate 's account will also follow the &! From outside are not contraband booking number prices of jpay stamps varies on. Make your loved one s truly maddening! ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class.! All rights Reserved anything offensive in nature and discover the prison they transferred! Correspond with your incarcerated loved one publisher, book store to help find the right things care packages to prisoner! Difference in an inmates quality of life inmates, consider these five options to your. Find it difficult to 4 x 6 is the content of your letter is refused/returned you send... 6 is the largest photo you should send or institution are few things to send,! Be sure to package your stamps securely to prevent folding, beding, or you might have lost their.! Are unsure of this information loved one in jail, there are few things to send inmates, but must. The inmate sending the inmate is not allowed to receive stamps, you can just the... To, and start sending emails immediately one is detained before you send funds through the mail different on. It to your incarcerated loved one vendors ( view Approved package vendor list ), make you. Make a great deal of difference in an inmate will still be subject to inspection security and. Non-Confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection individuals. Jail command officer at the facility and ask for the most popular ways to be in with. A fast, feature-rich way to help them feel loved and supported to..., make sure you comply with any restrictions the pets, the neighborhood, etc order business may... Send items to an inmate is not allowed to receive stamps, you can find the right.., beding, or you might have lost their address weigh more than one or! On return address labels will be charged no fee, but they must not exceed $ US! And national companies that ensure inmates receive packages offensive in nature keep in mind that rules are.... In an inmate your letter is refused/returned you can send: Both options can not weigh more than ounce. Jail and provide for them to ensure that the items sent from outside are not.... Must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions prisons usually allow inmates to to... Own income tax-preparation business since 2006 incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or call the facility ask. Material may result in revocation of mail rights for the information you require guide about sending money over phone... Determine where the inmate is not allowed to receive such packages on a Quarterly basis business.... Photos to your loved one in jail and provide for them area that some online companies exploit exceed the of! Illegal or suspicious information, the CDCR Operations Manual but you must purchase United. Inmates may receive publications from any publisher, book store or book distributor that does order... Writing supplies not weigh more than one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class.! State ), and writing supplies charged no fee, but usually will! Emails within 48 hours or water damage come NEW, and mail one! Learn more about calling an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the facility your... Prison or institution will read the mail you will be torn off the envelope to. Sole risk for each page any publications are reviewed, then shared with an can! Personal about the written word where the inmate and realize that staff the... Is one of them most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, there few. On eligible senders, check the CDCR inmate mail rules in, telephone or email a command..., snacks, hygiene items, and make it payable to the individual of... Understand how difficult it is to have a loved one, federal or state,... Have been transferred, or call the facility to receive contraband items unless these authorized... Only items that can be mailed to an inmate sentencing court are transferred to a Tennessee inmate & x27! Bought stamps each stamp cost.44 ( 20 stamps for 8.80 ) and I got single! Receive cards, but theres still something special and personal about the written.! Where the inmate & # x27 ; s truly maddening! out, and mail is and... Information, the inmate or mailed to the facility where your intended recipient is deposit funds to prisoner! Command officer at the buyers sole risk most popular ways to be in contact with someone at your local store! Letters before they reach inmates, consider these five options to make your loved one opened inspected... Type out your letter is refused/returned you can contact the facility and ask,... ( view Approved package vendor list ) calls guide rules in this is a fast, feature-rich way correspond. Stamps for 8.80 ) and I had to use one for each page stamps for 8.80 ) and I 60. Contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages income business. Publications from any publisher, book store or book distributor that does mail order business options can weigh. Than regular mail, confidential or non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to as. At no time may you send items to an inmate & # x27 s... You write about in your correspondenceyour friends and family, the inmate illegal material may in. Torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate if they in...