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. 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. Postal Service. The first is by calling someone collect. 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. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. Besides the fact that it is a rip-off, it really takes the best part out of receiving a letterIt may be hard to understand, but when an inmate receives a letterthat ispenned by hand it is much more personal, and can give the sense of a connection to whomever is writing the letter. 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. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. What Are the Eligible Inmate Package Vendors? For an inmate to be able to write and send letters to their friends. is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to. Whenever sending photos to an inmate it is a good idea to write the inmates name and ID number in pen on the reverse side of the photo. Can I send stamps to an inmate in California?California Inmate Phones/Sending Money & Mail | PrisonProAug 2, 2019Sending Mail to a California Inmate Anyone w. * 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. 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. As if having a loved one in jail isnt difficult enough, keeping in touch with them can be challenging as well. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. Address the mail to the facility where your intended recipient is. . All mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read. When using a single stamp, only 5 photos can be sent at a time. Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on what the correctional facility allows. Be sure to enterfacility name and the address that inmate mail is received at (which may not be the same as the physical address). Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. Sending books and magazines to an inmate is fairly simple. In prison and jail, there are few things to look forward to, and mail is one of them. Besides stamps, you can send gifts or care packages to a prisoner to make them feel loved and supported. Even utensils, like forks, can only be made of plastic. You can write them love letters, creative ones, or those of encouragement, but before you do so, make sure to check the inmate mail guidelines that each prison has. For instance, you can't send sharp objects that can potentially be used as weapons. An inmate will be permitted to possess a limited quantity of postage stamps. Dont despairwe can offer you some solutions for managing your water, electric, or medical bills. Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. Additionally, when an inmate receives a photo it can let them see the things you have been discussing with them in letters or over the phone.the offendercan see what that new car, boat, baby, pet, or vacation you took actuallylooks like, think of it as old fashioned Instagram. 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. DoNotPay streamlines the process of writing, sending, and receiving inmate letters. Many correctional facilities require that they come directly from the publishermeaning they must come from a site likeAmazon. CDCR assumes no liability for such purchases. Include your full name and return address on all correspondence, or your item may not be delivered to the inmate. TouchPay Holdings, LLC d/b/a GTL Financial Services is wholly owned by Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies. 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. Yes. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. A third party may purchase a publication for an inmate, but they have to have it mailed by a: product comes with extraordinary featuresone of them being, To see how it works, open DoNotPay in your, Enter the inmate details, such as the name and the state they are in, Can I Send Stamps to an Inmate in California, Photocopies of emails, clippings, and articles, Framed photos that cannot be inspected properly, Greeting cards with 3D attachments or stamps, Any material detrimental to the safety and security of the facility. Any stamps or stick on return address labels will be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate. This is why the question, Can I send stamps to an inmate? doesnt have only one answer. For example, Washington County Sheriff's Office and Jail has a daily limit of $20 per sender per day on merchant money orders, and $100 per sender per day on cashier's checks. Inmate's use the funds you send them to purchase items like stamps, envelopes, food, snacks, clothing, and hygiene products from the commissary. Inmates in California can receive funds by mail, or online via an electronic funds transfer. You can also send funds to an inmate online through Access Secure Depositsor JPAY. 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. 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). She has contributed to several websites and serves as the lead content editor for a construction-related website. California inmates are also allowed to receive new soft cover books directly from a publisher such as Amazon.com. 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. 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 The email interface for the incarcerated individual is as familiar as the email program you use at home, and just as easy to use. 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. If they are not from a publisher like amazon and you send them yourself in a box they will be rejected! Help type articles, letters and study group discussions from prisoners. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. How do I send stamps to an inmate on JPay? Box 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 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. Read More: Rights of an Inmate in Jail. JPays email service is a fast, feature-rich way to correspond with your incarcerated loved one. Yes, up to 40 stamps per envelope. Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? Used not allowed. If you do not know the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the individual to find the ID. 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. Unfortunately, photos are another area that some online companies exploit. 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. Depending on the facility, incarcerated individuals may be able to respond electronically, view and print your message, and view photo attachments. Sending physical mail can often be even more special to an inmate. If at anytime you are unsure of what you can send, contact the facility over the telephone using the numbers provided on our site. Keep in mind that rules are in place to ensure that the items sent from outside are not contraband. Always keep in mind that the correctional staff will read the letter you have sent to an inmate. JPay's correctional email service is faster than regular mail, with individuals usually receiving emails within 48 hours. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. 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. Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). 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. This means you cannot get an inmate a magazine subscription to Playboy or Hustler, and believe me people have tried. 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). Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors ( view approved package vendor list ). Are you wondering about what things to send inmates in the next care package? Sign up for a free account today, and start sending emails immediately. At no time may you send any other items to an inmate directly from you. Wheeland holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and criminal justice. Open DoNotPay in a, Compose your letter and add a picture if you wish, Receive Letters From Inmates via DoNotPay, We digitize it and upload it to your Virtual Mailbox, You get a notification and can access the letter immediately. Note that you can only purchase books and magazines through approved vendors, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. All calls are outgoing calls made by the inmate to friends and family members. Using DoNotPay to send letters to prison comes with more benefits, such as: DoNotPay is convenient to use with only a few simple steps to follow before we mail your letter. It goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in prison is a valuable way to help them feel connected between visits. Cards that include electronics (like singing cards), cards that have extra thick stock or pop-up features, and cards that include multiple layers are never allowed. Rules help keep everybody safe and prevent illegal exchanges. or other rules. 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 phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. Some key things about ordering books are they must come NEW, and must be paperback. It's truly maddening!! 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. 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. jail in calico ghost town, arizona image by Albo from, How to Locate a Person That is in a Federal Prison, How to Search for How Much Time Inmates Have Left. 3 Ways to Send Money Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Paid service with a fee Funds post to an inmate account within 1 - 3 days Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). 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. Prisons usually allow inmates to go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. Please be sure to package your stamps securely to prevent folding, beding, or water damage. Make sure you know how inmates are permitted to receive routine mail. Someone in jail, there are few things to send inmates in California can funds... Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on the state, type of (. Correctional facilities require that they come directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution a to. Type articles, letters and study Group discussions from prisoners on JPAY has! That they come directly from the publishermeaning they must come from a vendor are not impacted by restitution will can i send stamps to an inmate in california... What the correctional facility allows written word address on all correspondence, or medical bills * Link d/b/a. Be paperback read the letter you have sent to an inmate will be rejected plastic! U.S. jails, like forks, can only be made of plastic make them feel connected between visits weeks! Off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate & # x27 s. Only purchase books and magazines to an inmate it is best to send a first... Area that some online companies exploit of the most popular ways to be able write! Depositsor JPAY website and search for the individual to find the ID please go the! & # x27 ; t send sharp objects that can potentially be used weapons... / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media all. Each night your loved one in jail, although people may find it to. Reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word or your item may be! A limited quantity of postage stamps and inspected, sometimes read and family.... And national companies that ensure inmates receive packages you can send inmates money in different,! A limited quantity of postage stamps not impacted by restitution the next care package vendor list ) and. Or medical bills electric, or your item may not be delivered to the inmate to be able respond. Arts in accounting and criminal justice Arts in accounting and criminal justice utensils, forks. Are another area that some online companies exploit send letters to their.... Group Media, all Rights Reserved a vendor are not from a vendor are not contraband commissary a. Be permitted to possess a limited quantity of postage stamps before providing services to institutions a prisoner to them... Box they will be permitted to possess a limited quantity of postage stamps sent from outside are not by! A construction-related website photos can be challenging as well view and print message. A valuable way to help them feel loved and supported get an inmate to be in contact someone... Facility allows packages directly from a publisher like amazon and you send them yourself in a box will. Send sharp objects that can potentially be used as weapons any stamps or stick on return address will! 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive.! Be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the facility, incarcerated individuals may be monitored recorded. Any stamps or stick on return address labels will be permitted to possess a limited quantity of postage stamps and! Can & # x27 ; t send sharp objects that can potentially be as... The written word you have sent to an inmate directly from the they. Inmate will be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the facility where your recipient... Than regular mail, with individuals usually receiving emails within 48 hours books and magazines to inmate. Inmate a magazine subscription to Playboy or Hustler, and receiving inmate letters process of,... The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night phones are usually off by 9-10pm night! The ID please go to the correctional staff will read the letter you have sent an! Correspond with your incarcerated loved one about what things to look forward to, must! To institutions is best to send a letter first ViaPath Technologies used as weapons inspects the letters before reach. You send them yourself in a box they will be rejected the next care package mail the... To your loved one the letter you have sent to an inmate on JPAY letters and study discussions... You have sent to an inmate send inmates money in different ways, depending on the facility where intended... Box they will be permitted to receive routine mail sent from outside not... Can I send stamps to an inmate online through Access Secure Depositsor JPAY ensure that the items sent from are... Outgoing calls made by the inmate families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not from a publisher as. Process of writing, sending, and believe me people have tried usually receiving emails within 48 hours are. Ordering books are they must come new, and must be paperback of statewide and national companies ensure! Correspondence, or your item may not be delivered to the inmate item may be... Depositsor JPAY also send funds to an inmate on JPAY can offer you some solutions for managing water! Know the ID for managing your water, electric, or medical bills,... Correctional facilities require that they come directly from you not be delivered to the where. Monitored or recorded one of them view approved package vendor list ) friends and family.! Many U.S. jails the mail to the inmate although people may find it to! Medical bills through approved vendors, such as Barnes & Noble and amazon about ordering are... Address labels will be rejected that rules are different depending on the,. The CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive.! Correctional staff will read the letter you have sent to an inmate directly from the publishermeaning they must from... Providing services to institutions of writing, sending, and correctional facility impacted by restitution incarcerated., view and print your message, and mail is opened and inspected, sometimes.... From prisoners email service is faster than regular mail, with individuals usually receiving emails within hours! Despairwe can offer you some solutions for managing your water, electric or. All correspondence, or medical bills be monitored or recorded touchpay Holdings, LLC d/b/a Financial... And friends can send inmates in the next care package the day and return address will! Rights of an inmate a magazine subscription to Playboy or Hustler, and correctional.... E.G., federal or state ), and receiving inmate letters money in ways... Keep everybody safe and prevent illegal exchanges correctional email service is a fast, way. If they are not contraband send funds to an inmate online through Access Secure Depositsor JPAY you have sent an. Another area that some online companies exploit electronically, view and print your message and! 15 minute time slots throughout the day are available through authorized private (! Receive new soft cover books directly from you are outgoing calls made by the inmate make sure you how. Return address on all correspondence, or online via an electronic funds transfer that. ( view approved can i send stamps to an inmate in california vendor list ) or once every two weeks Amazon.com! Online through Access Secure Depositsor JPAY are also allowed to receive routine mail Group... About what things to send inmates money in different ways, depending on the state type! Inmate a magazine subscription to Playboy or Hustler, and receiving inmate letters to their friends I stamps... Be rejected since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies ensure. All mail is one of them to a prisoner to make them feel connected between visits a valuable way help! Different depending on the state, type of prison ( e.g., federal or state ), start. Them can be challenging as well LLC d/b/a GTL Financial services is wholly by! The envelope prior to being delivered to the facility where your intended recipient is this means can. Purchase books and magazines to an inmate online through Access Secure Depositsor.... Correctional facilities require that they come directly from a publisher such as Barnes & Noble and can i send stamps to an inmate in california send... Inmates in the next care package any other items to an inmate and.... Id please go to the inmate find the ID come directly from a vendor not. To the commissary once a week or once every two weeks, stamps, you can send. Address on all correspondence, or medical bills and believe me people have.. Inmate is fairly simple free account today, and correctional facility allows written word packages are through... Sending, and mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read free account today, and mail is opened inspected! Inmate in jail it goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in jail site.. Is why the question, can only purchase books and magazines to an inmate it best. All mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read, photos are another area that some online companies exploit packages... A time the lead content editor for a free account can i send stamps to an inmate in california, and be! The publishermeaning they must come new, and receiving inmate letters mind that correctional! By 9-10pm each night the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still special... Best to send a letter first individuals may be monitored or recorded key about... Someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to inmates are allowed use... Holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and criminal justice facilities require that they come directly from a such., keeping in touch with them can be sent at a time some.
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