Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life. Consult with the prison or institution before attempting to send the inmate a package. This will help ensure the photos are delivered to the right inmate. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. While inmates dont have direct access to the internet or internet messaging services, many correctional facilities now offer internet-based services loved ones can use to send communication. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. Read our guide about sending money to an inmatefor more information. 1. * 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. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Include the inmates booking number on the check or money order, and make it payable to the inmate. You can setup an account by calling GTL at 1-888-415-0377, or by visiting the GTL website, fee's and rates apply. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. 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. You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. prisons, guided by the communist ideology of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. Charging prisoners to return MIM lit to sender, Books must be softback, 5 books at a time, hardcovers can be removed before shipping. 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. will result in refusal, Never writeanything in the letters that you wouldn't want a third party to read (all mail is inspected and read by staff). 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 Help type articles, letters and study group discussions from prisoners. 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. This would include letters that talk about escape, planning a criminal act, coded messages, hand drawn or printed maps, gang communications, or photos of a nude/sexual nature. Check Out the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Yes, up to 40 stamps per envelope. For example, Florida Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive U.S. postage stamps only up to the value of 20 (1 ounce) first class stamps, and up to 10 items of stationery, blank greeting cards or blank paper items. 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. Enter the inmate's first and last name into the corresponding fields and press "Search." 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. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. paper clips. If your loved one cannot receive stamps, paper and envelopes by mail, an alternative is to send her money to buy these items from the prison commissary. Visit the Visitation page for instructions and information. Be sure to enterfacility name and the address that inmate mail is received at (which may not be the same as the physical address). 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). 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. Read More: How to Contact an Inmate. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. It's best that you follow the rules and do not include items or text that may pose a security threat. There are two methods inmates can make calls. The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. Learn more about calling an inmate byreading our inmate telephone calls guide. 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. An inmate will be permitted to receive funds through the mail. Writing letters to inmates is what keeps them in the loop about the life outside, prepares them for it, and lifts their spirits. You can see the list of all the dos and donts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. Prisons usually allow inmates to go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks. is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to. If they are used they will be rejected. When mailing photos, remember the following: When packing up things to send inmates, reading materialwill giveyour loved one a way to pass the time. . The Federal Bureau of Prisons encourages communication between inmates and their families and friends. Photos are great to receive when your incarcerated for many reasons. 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. 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. In case you dont know what California prison facility the inmate you want to send mail to is located, DoNotPay can. 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. Sit back and relax while we do the work. If at anytime you are unsure of what you can send, contact the facility over the telephone using the numbers provided on our site. can send regular mail and do not need approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention Facility - Contra Costa County Jail Rules . Postal Service. Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). Purchases from vendors are at the buyers sole risk. The most common method is sending funds via. What does that mean 'from the publisher'? If your inmate is not located in the facilities listed above, you can just mail the money order or check to the inmate. Open DoNotPay in your web browser and do the following: How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? 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. 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. State laws differ regarding the materials inmates can receive through the mail. Though the provisions from each facility are different, most inmates are given three meals a . 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. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. Find the mailing address of the prison or institution that is holding the inmate with whom you wish to correspond. 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. 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. Claire is a qualified lawyer and specialized in family law before becoming a full-time writer. Sending books and magazines to an inmate is fairly simple. Inmates may receive publications from any publisher, book store or book distributor that does mail order business. Inmates in California can receive funds by mail, or online via an electronic funds transfer. 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