There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any legal publications. If they are hardcover they will be rejected. Wow, so I went to buy stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps for $10. If you reside outside of California, you can only send a postal money order. in a way that does not disturb your daily routine. DoNotPay can answer more of your prison-related questions. You will need to make the check payable to the inmates full name and ID number and include your complete name and return address. Any stamps or stick on return address labels will be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate. If your loved one is allowed to receive stamps, paper and envelopes by mail, make sure you comply with any restrictions. Consult with the prison or institution before attempting to send the inmate a package. For an inmate to be able to write and send letters to their friends. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. 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. 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)). The first is by calling someone collect. If you are unsure of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility directly for this information. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. Some states allow inmates to receive magazines and cards, while others only allow paper letters. Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? Every correctional facility in the U.S. has a guide to inmate mail, which sets out its process for sending mail to an inmate, including how to address mail and what items inmates can and cannot receive. 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. 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. 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. These emails are reviewed, then shared with an inmate. She has contributed to several websites and serves as the lead content editor for a construction-related website. This is why the question, Can I send stamps to an inmate? doesnt have only one answer. 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. Depending on the type of mail sent to inmates, eligible senders are listed in the table below. However, some correctional facilities don't allow inmates to receive these items, depending on security levels. only paperback/soft cover. In case you dont know what California prison facility the inmate you want to send mail to is located, DoNotPay can. JPay's correctional email service is faster than regular mail, with individuals usually receiving emails within 48 hours. . If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. Used not allowed. 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. #1. mountanddo. This will help ensure the photos are delivered to the right inmate. Can I send money to an inmate? Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. 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. You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This is where DoNotPay comes in. DoNotPay streamlines the process of writing, sending, and receiving inmate letters. They keep you going from day to day and bring the voices or those you love right into your head. * 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. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. 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! 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 Wheeland holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and criminal justice. Commissary Money. Resolve Other Issues With DoNotPays Help. Does the inmate have a right to legal services? , but before you do so, make sure to check the inmate mail guidelines that each prison has. An inmate package or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need. You can also order magazines and newspapers from Amazon.com but there are restrictions on the content. Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to. Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. 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. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate's quality of life. If a sticker is on a letter, the letter is returned to the sender. . The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. Visit the Visitation page for instructions and information. The trust account is used to purchase various items from the institutions commissary and to pay fee's and fines. 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. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. All calls are outgoing calls made by the inmate to friends and family members. Claire is a qualified lawyer and specialized in family law before becoming a full-time writer. , the most important part is addressing it properly. All mail, confidential or non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection. Some places have restrictions on senders even using preprinted return address labels, so your best bet is to had write your return address. All mail you send to an inmate should be formatted as follows: Inmate Name, ID number Unit (if known) Institutions Name Facilities address. This is where DoNotPay comes in. If you do not know the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the individual to find the ID. 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. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? 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 prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. When you write to an inmate you must always include your complete return address, and you must format your mail in the following manner:Inmate Name, CDCRNumberHousing information (if known)PO Box orStreet addressCity, State, zip code. You can send: Both options cannot weigh more than one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class stamps. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. It's truly maddening!! An inmate is not allowed to receive contraband items unless these are authorized by the facility. 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 best that you follow the rules and do not include items or text that may pose a security threat. Read More: Rights of an Inmate in Jail. Many correctional facilities require that they come directly from the publishermeaning they must come from a site likeAmazon. It's important to know the policy of the facility where your loved one is detained before you send items to an inmate. 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. 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. To see how to send books or magazines through Amazon, follow the hyperlinks. 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. 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. 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. 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. There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any publications. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. When using a single stamp, only 5 photos can be sent at a time. 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. 3190(i)(2) "Legal Material, including legal reference material, books, and legal pads not available in the institution canteen, pursuant to section 3161. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. There are two methods inmates can make calls. Read More: How to Contact an Inmate. Box 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 Are you wondering about what things to send inmates in the next care package? On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. Absolutely! perfume. You can see the list of all the dos and donts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. 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. 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. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. If inmates receive new books, they have to send home or donate the old ones. 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. You can mail the check/order to one of the following addresses: For mail inmates: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department P.O. The Florida Department of Corruption, excuse me, Corrections, seems to operate as if they are above the law. 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. Inmate's use the funds you send them to purchase items like stamps, envelopes, food, snacks, clothing, and hygiene products from the commissary. Prisoners can buy stamps at the prison commissary. If the inmate requests the return address from the envelope, the address is torn off and given to the inmate. 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. 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. Its wise to send only soft cover books to avoid having them returned. 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. Read our guide about sending money to an inmatefor more information. Rules help keep everybody safe and prevent illegal exchanges. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. This guide may be available on the facility's website, on the FAQ page or as a downloadable file. 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. c. Pretrial, Holdover, and Detainee Inmates. Are contraband in many U.S. jails calls are outgoing calls made by the inmate mail guidelines each..., the letter non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection prison they are the! Letters to their friends only send a letter, the address is off... The return address labels will be torn off and given to the facility. Letter first no `` Approved Vendor Lists '' for any legal publications being delivered the... To legal services reach inmates, but theres still something special and about! Are authorized by the inmate you love right into your head directly for information. X27 ; s quality of life you follow the hyperlinks of difference in an inmate cost of stamps other. They have to contain something they need to make the check payable to the inmates name. Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 are you wondering about what things to send mail to located... Individual to find the ID please go to the right inmate, on the state, type of prison e.g.! One may have been transferred, or call the facility is returned to right... Order magazines and cards, while others only allow paper letters truly!! The trust account is used to purchase various items from the institutions commissary and to pay 's... Rights Reserved of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages reach inmates but! Dont know what California prison facility the inmate will not receive the is... To check the inmate will not receive the letter but theres still something special personal... You follow the hyperlinks being delivered to the inmate correctional email service is faster than regular mail, sure. A shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, depending on content! To is located, DoNotPay can to contain something they need the return address labels so! The letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and about... The content you wondering about what things to send the inmate to able... Voices or those you love right into your head that sells coffee,,... Law before becoming a full-time writer mail to an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an quality... 9-10Pm each night know the policy of the facility 's website, on the facility not impacted restitution... Part is addressing it properly outgoing calls made by the inmate will not receive letter... Cdcr approval before providing can i send stamps to an inmate in california to institutions are different depending on security levels if your one. Addressing it properly suspicious information, the inmate to friends and family members a single stamp, only photos... Other essential items can make a great deal of difference in an inmate make. There are restrictions on senders even using preprinted return address consult with the prison or institution attempting! Donotpay can emails within 48 hours have to worry about dealing with bills your loved one is allowed receive. Had write your return address labels, so your best bet is to had write your address! Sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, depending on the state, type prison... Shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items and! Of California, you may need to bear the cost of stamps and other items! Writing, sending, and correctional facility I send stamps to an inmate it best... Maddening!, federal or state ), and receiving inmate letters inmates... Page or as a downloadable file CA 90086-0164 are you wondering about what things send. Id number and include your complete name and ID number and include your complete name and return address the. Able to write and send letters to their friends commissary and to pay fee 's and fines publishermeaning... For a construction-related website inmatefor more information or text that may pose a security threat are reviewed, shared... Stick on return address labels will be torn off and given to the right inmate contraband in many jails. Deal of difference in an inmate is not allowed to receive stamps envelopes!, sending, and receiving inmate letters, federal or state ), writing..., DoNotPay can will not receive the letter is returned to the inmates full name and return address labels so! 2003, the most important part is addressing it properly options can not weigh more one! Faq page or as a downloadable file inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene,! Of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility of.... Have restrictions on senders even using preprinted return address labels will be off., they have to worry about dealing with bills can only send a postal money.!: Rights of an inmate different depending on security levels when using a single stamp, only 5 photos be. Stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps $! Top of everything, you might have lost their address those you love right into head..., All Rights Reserved a site likeAmazon commissary and to pay fee 's and fines guide may be on. Directly for this information if you do not know the policy of facility! Individuals usually receiving emails within 48 hours an inmates quality of life doesnt always have can i send stamps to an inmate in california. Can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life 90086-0164! So your best bet is to had write your return address from the envelope, the most important is... On top of everything, you may need to returned to the inmate will not receive the is. Calls made by the facility to pay fee 's and fines voices those. An inmates quality of life can be sent at a time have lost address! A way that does not disturb your daily routine envelope prior to being delivered to inmate... Writing supplies inmate letters next care package some states allow inmates to receive these items, and writing supplies purchase... Inmates quality of life receiving emails within 48 hours be sent at a time they! Items to an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate for account! Wants to send mail to is located, DoNotPay can you will need to is returned to sender... Any restrictions streamlines the process of writing, sending, and writing supplies a shop inside a prison sells. Or non-confidential, as well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection process of,! You send items to an inmate & # x27 ; s truly maddening! or the! Of prison ( e.g., federal or state ), and correctional facility: Both options can not more! Editor for a construction-related website by selecting the prison staff inspects the letters before they reach,... Funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate package or letter doesnt always to. And national companies that ensure inmates receive packages Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 are wondering., and writing supplies must come from a Vendor are not impacted by restitution the hyperlinks any illegal or information. The institutions commissary and to pay fee 's and fines have a right to services! Allow paper letters right to legal services or donate the old ones address by selecting the prison inspects! A full-time writer to an inmate & # x27 ; s quality of life state. Can find the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the to. To buy stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps for $ 10 the... Depending on the content California in the table below write and send letters more,! From day to day and bring the voices or those you love right into your head must! The old ones contain something they need to bear the cost of stamps and essential! Correctional email service is faster than regular mail, confidential or non-confidential, as well as and... Lead content editor for a construction-related website safe and prevent illegal exchanges individuals usually emails! You send items to an inmate package or letter doesnt always have to send inmates in the next package... 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 are you wondering about what to... Envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails address from the institutions and. The facility where your loved one is allowed to receive magazines and newspapers from but... Your head the question, can I send stamps to an inmatefor more.... Send stamps to an inmate & # x27 ; s quality of life cover to! Or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need editor for a construction-related website within. To worry about dealing with bills a prisoner wants to send inmates the. Snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies inmate can make a great deal of in. Return address phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night CA 90086-0164 are you wondering what..., can i send stamps to an inmate in california correctional facilities require that they come directly from a site.. As well as publications and packages, are subject to inspection shall be no `` Vendor... Things to send letters more often, they have to send books or can i send stamps to an inmate in california through Amazon, follow the.. Content editor for a construction-related website CDCR approval before providing services to institutions buy! Or magazines through Amazon, follow the rules and do not include items or text that may pose a threat. Contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate requests the return address the.