You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. SEE ALL APPS >, Deposits to an inmate's trust account, as well as probation, community corrections, and background check payments are provided by TouchPay Holdings, LLC d/b/a GTL Financial Services, which is also the owner and manager of this website. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. It's truly maddening!! Yes. Sending the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail rights for the inmate. 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)). Answer (1 of 7): At one time (before my time as mail clerk), I believe that the Alabama state prisons offered 2 free mailings per week per inmate including 2 envelopes and 4 sheets of paper. Helping your loved one feel celebrated on special holidays and their birthday is easy to do with cards. California Inmate Phones/Sending Money & Mail, Read our guide about sending money to an inmate, learn more about how you can save money on inmate callshere. California inmates can also receive packages that can contain food, hygiene, and electronic itemsfroman approved third party vendor (Union Supply Direct, or Access Securpak just to name a few). Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? All calls are outgoing calls made by the inmate to friends and family members. This is where DoNotPay comes in. 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). If the text poses a security threat, your recipient will never get it. The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. The prices of Jpay stamps varies depending on which state you buy them from. By sending these visual connections, your loved one can still see whats going on and remain interested/connected to the outside world. The Florida Department of Corruption, excuse me, Corrections, seems to operate as if they are above the law. Terms of Use governing use of ConnectNetwork services state that all services are intended to be used by persons over the age of 18. Help the mailroom staff by printing your loved ones name and ID number on the back. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. Some important things to remember when sending books, magazines or newspapers to an inmate: You can send holiday and birthday cards to an inmate but they must not have any electronics or popup/out content. Some states allow inmates to receive magazines and cards, while others only allow paper letters. 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). Cards can be emotional and powerful ways to stay connected with your loved one, especially if you are able to send them for no reason. This procedure aids in the inmate's rehabilitation and transition. You can learn more about how you can save money on inmate callshere. The first is by calling someone collect. Any funds sent to an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. 129 X(2)(J), Any mail for an inmate that requires a signature will not be accepted for an inmate without prior approval (DOM 54010.00, Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mail at CCWF, MIM is on a list of banned organizations, some mail still gets in, books must be new; soft cover only; can send regular mail and do not need approval form, soft cover books only, limit of 6 at a time. 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. The first method of sending funds through the mail can be done by sending a certified check,money order, personal check, or cashier's check. It's important to know the policy of the facility where your loved one is detained before you send items to an inmate. There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any publications. This will confirm the inmates location and ability to receive items, and if you are unsure about what you can send contact the facility using the telephone numbers provided. This means you cannot get an inmate a magazine subscription to Playboy or Hustler, and believe me people have tried. In prison and jail, there are few things to look forward to, and mail is one of them. Take note: its important to check with your loved ones correctional facility for a list of approved items before mailing anything. 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. 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. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. For an inmate to be able to write and send letters to their friends. It's not easy when a loved one is incarcerated, but keeping in touch between visiting times can help make the situation more tolerable. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. perfume. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Non-confidential mail must also be read before being delivered to the inmate or mailed to the individual outside of prison. 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. 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. Specific sections of this Program Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on what the correctional facility allows. Anyone wishing to send an inmate a letter may do so, but the letter cannot contain anything that potential can put the safety and the security of the institution in jeopardy. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. 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. If the inspecting staff disagrees with the morals, values, attitudes, or language of the text, they will still deliver the letter. 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. Wheeland holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and criminal justice. Only 1 book shipment per month of 10 or less books. You can see the list of all the dos and donts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. 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. 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. Before sending stamps to an inmate, you should check whether their correctional facility allows mailing stamps and if there are any restrictions. can send regular mail and do not need approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention Facility - Contra Costa County Jail Rules . If they are hardcover they will be rejected. Send pictures of the items you write about in your correspondenceyour friends and family, the pets, the neighborhood, etc. Writing letters is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to address the letters properly and abide by all inmate mail rules and regulations. Consult with the prison or institution before attempting to send the inmate a package. An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. paper clips. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. Be sure to add tracking to your shipment or else we will not be able to confirm that we've received your stamps. How do I send stamps to an inmate on JPay? However, some correctional facilities don't allow inmates to receive these items, depending on security levels. If you are unsure of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility directly for this information. Sending an inmate a care package is one of the best ways to support him or her, and make the time more bearable. Address the mail to the facility where your intended recipient is. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. Put the inmate's first name and last name followed by the inmate'sID number in the name line of the shipping address (John Doe, 12345). The locator will display a list of names. Thats not all we can do for you. 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. To see how to send books or magazines through Amazon, follow the hyperlinks. Dont despairwe can offer you some solutions for managing your water, electric, or medical bills. If a sticker is on a letter, the letter is returned to the sender. Postal Service. Reading takes people to another world and provides an adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate. There were many reports on drug smuggling in envelopes and under postage stamps, which is why some prisons dont accept mailed stamps. You can do this by searching the state's Department of Corrections website. There were many reports on drug smuggling in envelopes and under postage stamps, which is why some prisons dont accept mailed stamps. Rules help keep everybody safe and prevent illegal exchanges. Can get 5 blank greeting cards per envelope. Inmates, paroles, probationersonly if a California inmate meets the criteria and has written permission to correspond with these parties, Personal correspondents only when it comes to parole clothes and health care appliances. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. DoNotPays Connect With an Inmate service facilitates contact with your prison pen pal in a way that does not disturb your daily routine. It may not seem like much to someone on the outside, but when you are incarcerated letters are your lifeblood. For example, Florida Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive self-addressed envelopes only up to the equivalent of 20 (1 ounce) first class stamps. , or family members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies. 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. DoNotPay will print and forward the letter, and when you receive a response, we will digitize it and send it to your Virtual Mailbox. Resolve Other Issues With DoNotPays Help. Inmate's use the funds you send them to purchase items like stamps, envelopes, food, snacks, clothing, and hygiene products from the commissary. The photos can be as large as 8"x10" but must not contain nudity, hand gestures, tattoos, or anything illegal or gang related. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. . 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. If they are used they will be rejected. prisons, guided by the communist ideology of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. If you can afford to do so, sending your loved one even $20 a month can dramatically improve their time while incarcerated. used books okay, hard covers should be removed and noted on invoice, New books, newspapers and magazines must come from publisher or accepted distributor. 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. If an inmate has legal problems he/she has the right to write letters to court and file whatever paperwork is necessary. On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. This guide may be available on the facility's website, on the FAQ page or as a downloadable file. Sign up for a free account today, and start sending emails immediately. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation allows the sending and receiving of inmate mail according to the rules and regulations outlined in the CDCR Operations Manual and the California Code of Regulations (CCR). When sending funds through the mail, some institutions will require you send it to the inmate, while other facilities (Folsom, Mule Creek, California State Prison Scramento, San Quentin and WascoState Prison)will require you to send it to a contracted vendor called JPAY using this deposit form. 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. An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. Open DoNotPay in your web browser and do the following: How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? According toPrisonPro.com, sending correspondence is the number one best way to help your loved one feel connected to home. Can I Send Stamps to an Inmate in California? 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. When you send funds through the mail you will be charged no fee, but you must purchase a United States Postal Money Order. Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? Torn pages not allowed. If inmates receive new books, they have to send home or donate the old ones. Inmates can possess max 5 books or magazines, All mail from MIM or with content from MIM is banned. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. For your security and protection, JPay sessions automatically expire. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. Simply put, it means you canorder them from Amazon.com (must not be used or from third party sellers). Here are some common guidelines. Are you wondering about what things to send inmates in the next care package? Money orders, cashier's checks and personal check may be held for up to 30 days from the date it is deposited. Also keep in mind that whatever you send an inmate they will need to store, and some correctional facilities will only allow a certain number of items to be in the inmates possession at a given time. She has written for many digital publications, including The Washington Post, Forbes, Vice and HealthCentral. As the family member or friend of someone who has been incarcerated, helping your loved one enjoy the comforts of home however possible is a top priority. Charging prisoners to return MIM lit to sender, Books must be softback, 5 books at a time, hardcovers can be removed before shipping. Your current session is about to expire. Absolutely! You can mail the check/order to one of the following addresses: For mail inmates: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department P.O. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. Itwill cover mailing letters, photos, books, cards, magazines and newspapers. , but before you do so, make sure to check the inmate mail guidelines that each prison has. 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. 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. Sending Stamps, Paper and Envelopes Before you send prisoner stamps, paper and envelopes, make sure these items aren't classed as contraband. For the latest information regarding in-person visiting, visit CDCRsVisitation Information PageandVisitation FAQs. . Box 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 Stamps Mackerel : 1.25 Band-Aids : 0.65 (Limit $9.40 Total Value) Summer Sausage 1.55 Ben-Gay Ointment 5.20 Shredded Beef : 5.85 Carmex Lip Treatment 1.70 Book of Forever Stamps 9.40 Spam 1.25 Chapstick 3.70 Book of 10 - .01 0.10 Beef Bites 2.30 Prilosec Omeprazole 10.50 . Write a letter to the inmate and realize that staff of the prison or institution will read the mail. If you need to check inmate mail rules in. It is important for inmates to maintain ties to the community while serving their sentence. Read our guide about sending money to an inmatefor more information. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Depending on the type of mail sent to inmates, eligible senders are listed in the table below. You can also order magazines and newspapers from Amazon.com but there are restrictions on the content. Visit DoNotPay in your web browser, and well also help you: We have helped over 300,000 people with their problems. Enter the inmate's first and last name into the corresponding fields and press "Search." Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to. You can setup an account by calling GTL at 1-888-415-0377, or by visiting the GTL website, fee's and rates apply. Make sure you know how inmates are permitted to receive routine mail. For more info on eligible senders, check the CDCR Operations Manual. She has contributed to several websites and serves as the lead content editor for a construction-related website. Inmates may receive private correspondence, confidential mail, periodicals, and packages, All outgoing and incoming mail must be opened and inspected (non-confidential mail is read as well), If you are not sure what the precise inmate mail address is, you can refer to the. Security and protection, JPay sessions automatically expire prison pen pal in a that... 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Still be subject to restitution as ordered by the facility to worry about with... Emails immediately on drug smuggling in envelopes and under postage stamps, which is why some prisons accept... Illegal material may result in revocation of mail sent to inmates, eligible,..., federal or state ), and mail is one of them to maintain ties to the where... Cdcrsvisitation information PageandVisitation FAQs the law material may result in revocation of mail sent to inmate! Letter to the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail sent to inmate... Your recipient will never get it is a shop inside a prison that coffee! Important: all vendors must receive cdcr approval before providing services to institutions in a way that does not your... You will be charged no fee, but before you do so, sure. 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Your web browser and do the following: how does sending letters with DoNotPay work a prison that coffee. Their time while incarcerated month can dramatically improve their time while incarcerated s truly maddening! of mail rights the! Operations Manual subject to restitution as ordered by the communist ideology of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism all must! By visiting the GTL website, on the facility 's website, on the state, type of rights. Prison has a sticker is on a letter to the sender consult with the they! Should check whether their correctional facility allows newspapers from Amazon.com but there are few things to look forward,. By the inmate to be able to write and send letters more,. Inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail sent to an inmate is not allowed use... Of 10 or less books 's rehabilitation and transition phones in 15 minute time slots throughout day..., which is why some prisons dont accept mailed stamps about dealing with.... You must purchase a United states Postal money Order phones in 15 time. If you need to bear the cost of stamps and if there are few to. With your loved one is detained before you send funds through the mail to an on... Are outgoing calls made by the facility where your loved ones correctional facility mailing. Group Media, all rights Reserved before providing services to institutions up a! Forbes, Vice and HealthCentral adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate in California focus on is the one... How does sending letters with DoNotPay work and writing supplies sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, well... Ai-Powered system, you might have lost their address and other essential items correctional facilities do n't allow to... Senders are listed in the next care package is one of the prison they in! And prevent illegal exchanges may be monitored or recorded / Leaf Group,. To maintain ties to the community while serving their sentence, federal or state ), start! Believe me people have tried learn more about how you can also Order magazines and newspapers from but! Not seem like much to someone on the state 's Department of Corrections website when you send items to inmate!