Avoid Prohibited Items: Only send approved items like letters, books, photos, and cards. You can see facility specific information on our facilities pages. Contact the facility at the telephone number we provide for clarification if you are unsure about mailing a certain item.
Mailing Letters
The Power of a Letter: Letters are a lifeline for incarcerated individuals, offering comfort and connection. Mail is delivered daily to inmates, and mail matters: Mail is highly valued by inmates, and receiving it can make all the difference. Lockdowns can temporarily halt mail deliveries.
Follow Mailing Guidelines: Avoid using prohibited items like staples, markers, or excessive decorations. Remember, all mail is inspected. You can learn about what items you can and can't send by visiting the facilities page on our site that has specific mailing information.
Understand Mail Rejection: Reasons for rejection are often noted on returned mail. Some facilities may scan mail for digital records.
Sending Photos
The Power of Pictures: Photos offer visual connections and emotional support to incarcerated individuals. They can be displayed in a cell, used as bookmarks, carried for motivation, and provide a glimpse of what is occurring on the outside.
Tablet Access: Some facilities offer tablets for communication and entertainment. Usually there is a fee associated with use. Photos, videos, messages, music, movies, and games can all be accessed on the tablet.
Photo Guidelines: Follow photo size and content restrictions. Photos are usually not allowed to exceed 4"x6" in size. Clearly label photos with the inmate's name and ID number. Typically you can only send up to five photos at a time. Do not send photos containing nudity, hand gestures (gang signs), or tattoos. Remember staff will review incoming mail and photos.
Sending Publications: Books, magazines, and newspapers can provide entertainment and enrichment. Follow the specific guidelines found on our facility specific pages for sending these items.
Check Facility Rules: Always verify specific regulations before sending any items. Books must typically be new and paperback, and sent directly from a reputable publisher.
Make sure to ship to the inmate's mailing address using only USPS, with their first and last name followed by their ID number on the shipping label. Include the facility name and the correct address for inmate mail, which may differ from the physical address. For example, when sending items to an inmate at Ulster Correctional Facility, it should be addressed as follows:
John Doe, 12345
Ulster Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 800
Napanoch, New York 12458-0800
Additional Mailing Tips: Limit book shipments and avoid hardcover or spiral-bound books (they present a security issue and are prohibited). Magazines and newspapers are allowed at most facilities. Content must not be sexual in nature or pose a threat to the security or well being of the facility.
Send Holiday Greetings: Send cards but avoid electronic/multilayer cards as they are prohibited. Inappropriate content or excessive decorations including glitter, stickers, or any other embellishments will cause a rejection of the card.
Confirm and Plan: Contact the facility or inmate before sending items to confirm their mailing policies. Be mindful of the storage limitations an inmate has.