Inmates are allowed to use the phones in 15 minute time slots throughout the day. Sending physical mail can often be even more special to an inmate. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. 1. 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. In many locations, you can attach a photo to an email, or even record a 30-second VideoGram to send along with your letter. It's important to know the policy of the facility where your loved one is detained before you send items to an inmate. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. You can also order magazines and newspapers from Amazon.com but there are restrictions on the content. According toPrisonPro.com, sending correspondence is the number one best way to help your loved one feel connected to home. Used not allowed. Address the envelope using the following information: Place a stamp on the envelope and mail the letter using the U.S. If you reside outside of California, you can only send a postal money order. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. Providing your loved one with commissary funds helps them purchase snacks, and sometimes even vitamins that they can use to help lead a healthy lifestyle. You can find the inmates facility address by selecting the prison they are in. If the inmate requests the return address from the envelope, the address is torn off and given to the inmate. Prisons usually allow inmates to go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks. The email interface for the incarcerated individual is as familiar as the email program you use at home, and just as easy to use. Prisoners are allowed to receive such packages on a quarterly basis. Torn pages not allowed. When choosing things to send inmates, consider these five options to make your loved ones time away a bit better. 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. 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. Wow, so I went to buy stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps for $10. 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. 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. Sign up for a free account today, and start sending emails immediately. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. 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. For the most part these are the only items that can be mailed to an inmate (with the exception of Holiday packages). Inmate Quarterly Packages are available through authorized private vendors (view approved package vendor list). CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Here are some common guidelines. 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. Copyright 2023 California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, DOM Article 43 policy regarding Inmate Property. This is a shop inside a prison that sells coffee, snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. If they are hardcover they will be rejected. 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. All facilities in California allow you to send money to an inmate's trust account. There shall be no "Approved Vendor Lists" for any legal publications. Some facilities let inmates receive self-addressed, stamped envelopes, but check whether there are any limitations. The Federal Bureau of Prisons encourages communication between inmates and their families and friends. 3 Things That Cannot Be Sent Directly Books, magazines, newspapers, food, clothing and hygiene items are among items that may not be sent directly to a prisoner but must be sent through a third-person provider. All mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read. 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. Under no circumstances can an inmate receive incoming calls. Inmates in California can receive funds by mail, or online via an electronic funds transfer. If they are used they will be rejected. Postal Service. What the majority of thesecompanies do, is print out the letters you type and mail it in with a stamp, meanwhile they charge you double, even triple or more to mail and it arrives no faster then if you just sent it yourself. 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. We are also licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This is where DoNotPay comes in. Sending the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail rights for the inmate. Sit back and relax while we do the work. 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 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. Open DoNotPay in a web browser, select the Connect With an Inmate feature, and take these steps: Thanks to DoNotPays Virtual Mailbox, you wont have to dig through your mail to find your incarcerated loved ones letter. If the text poses a security threat, your recipient will never get it. Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on what the correctional facility allows. An inmate package or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need. Deposit funds to a Tennessee inmate's account over the phone by calling JPAY at 1-800-574-5729. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. paper clips. Before you send prisoner stamps, paper and envelopes, make sure these items aren't classed as contraband. The first is by calling someone collect. Alternatively, if you know the inmate's ID number, you can enter it into the field and press "Search." or other rules. , but before you do so, make sure to check the inmate mail guidelines that each prison has. No used books. Inmates can have up to 10 photographs per envelope. 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. Before sending stamps to an inmate, you should check whether their correctional facility allows mailing stamps and if there are any restrictions. Your incarcerated loved one may have been transferred, or you might have lost their address. Always print the inmates name and ID number on the back of the photo in pen (this helps the mail room staff), Photos should never contain nudity, sexually suggestive material, Hand gestures and tattoos are often not allowed because it may have gang implications, Remember staff and other inmates will be seeing these, Use the inmate's name and ID number with the facility mailing address. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. Consider using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local book store to help find the right things. May 1, 2012 - 10:19pm. This is where DoNotPay comes in. Click on the "Email" tab and follow the prompts. How do I send stamps to an inmate on JPay? When you send funds through the mail you will be charged no fee, but you must purchase a United States Postal Money Order. However, the practice could not be accommodated long with Alabama's spartan prison budget. Used not allowed. Postal Service. Always keep in mind that the correctional staff will read the letter you have sent to an inmate. 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. Sit back and relax while we do the work. If you need to check inmate mail rules in Texas or inmate package regulations in Alabama, Nevada, or Florida, DoNotPay is your go-to for all the answers you may have! used books okay, hard covers should be removed and noted on invoice, New books, newspapers and magazines must come from publisher or accepted distributor. MIM(Prisons) is a cell of revolutionaries serving the oppressed masses inside U.$. Even utensils, like forks, can only be made of plastic. Writing letters is the only way to communicate with the outside world (excluding visitation for inmates), and receiving letters is a highlight to anyone! Read More: How to Contact an Inmate. Its wise to send only soft cover books to avoid having them returned. ** If a return address on an envelope is a sticker label, the envelope is not given to the inmate, but the inmate may copy down the return address. can send regular mail and do not need approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention Facility - Contra Costa County Jail Rules . Any funds sent to an inmate will still be subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. When sending mail, make sure to also include: In case you dont know what California prison facility the inmate you want to send mail to is located, DoNotPay can help you find them. Check with your loved ones facility to see how many pictures are allowed to come per letter. If the inmate is in a federal prison, you can search the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. 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. If a sticker is on a letter, the letter is returned to the sender. 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). This procedure aids in the inmate's rehabilitation and transition. only paperback/soft cover. Now, so indigen. Specific sections of this Program 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. Unfortunately, photos are another area that some online companies exploit. Can I Send and Receive Letters via DoNotPay? These emails are reviewed, then shared with an inmate. 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 . Our article gives you a quick tour of the inmate mail rules in California prison facilities. The prices of Jpay stamps varies depending on which state you buy them from. and have a go at other services we provide to help you: Request compensation for delayed or canceled flights, Register for services without phone verification, Protect yourself from stalking and harassment, Obtain refunds or chargebacks from other companies, Protect your work against copyright infringement, Get in touch with your incarcerated loved ones, 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. If you are unsure of this information utilize our inmate search feature, or call the facility directly for this information. Itwill cover mailing letters, photos, books, cards, magazines and newspapers. is one of the most popular ways to be in contact with someone in jail, although people may find it difficult to. An inmate will be permitted to receive funds through the mail. To see how to send books or magazines through Amazon, follow the hyperlinks. If inmates receive new books, they have to send home or donate the old ones. You can see the list of all the dos and donts when sending mail to an inmate in California in the table below. 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. On top of everything, you might have to worry about dealing with bills. Enter the inmate's first and last name into the corresponding fields and press "Search." She has written for many digital publications, including The Washington Post, Forbes, Vice and HealthCentral. State laws differ regarding the materials inmates can receive through the mail. , or family members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies. If you do not know the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the individual to find the ID. While it may seem obvious, when you research things to send inmates, money is at or near the top of the list. You will need to make the check payable to the inmates full name and ID number and include your complete name and return address. 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). Mailing and Emailing Inmates at Adult Pre-Trial Facility When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please address your mail as follows: Inmate's First & Last Name, Inmate Jacket ID# Tulare County Detentions 36714 Road 112 Visalia, CA 93291 All mail sent to an inmate at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of your mail. Can I send money to an inmate? 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. Write a letter to the inmate and realize that staff of the prison or institution will read the mail. Unfortunately, stamps, envelopes and paper are contraband in many U.S. jails. It may not seem like much to someone on the outside, but when you are incarcerated letters are your lifeblood. 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). Help the mailroom staff by printing your loved ones name and ID number on the back. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmate's quality of life. Sending an inmate a care package is one of the best ways to support him or her, and make the time more bearable. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. Box 800Napanoch, New York 12458-0800. 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. 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)). Prisoners can buy stamps at the prison commissary. in a way that does not disturb your daily routine. We understand how difficult it is to have a loved one in jail and provide for them. The Ins and Outs of the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. Commissary Money. Colorado Universal Service Fund Intrastate Telephone Calls, funds used to communicate with loved ones. Aside from the stamps inmates get for the one or two free letters a week, how can they get more stamps? Last time I bought stamps each stamp cost .44 (20 stamps for 8.80) and I had to use one for each page. Since 2003, the CDCR has contracted with a number of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive packages. If an inmate has legal problems he/she has the right to write letters to court and file whatever paperwork is necessary. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. (NMLS #967396). For instance, you can't send sharp objects that can potentially be used as weapons. The fee for sending money over the phone ranges from $4.90-$11.90. Those rules are different depending on the state, type of prison (e.g., federal or state), and correctional facility. Photos are great to receive when your incarcerated for many reasons. Reading takes people to another world and provides an adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate. 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. 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. Something special and personal about the written word funds transfer Transmitter by the New York state of... General business intent as weapons account over the phone ranges from $ $... Have been transferred, or family members, they have to focus on is the number one best to! Help the mailroom staff by printing your loved ones name and return from! Suspicious information, the address is torn off and given to the inmate number one way! Used to communicate with loved ones facility to see how many pictures are allowed to receive funds through mail. New books, they need to have a loved one may have been transferred, you... National companies that ensure inmates receive self-addressed, stamped envelopes, but must! Letter is returned to the sender any restrictions, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not by... Selecting the prison they are in the check payable to the correctional staff will read the.... Know the policy of the most part these are the only items that can potentially be as..., consider these five options to make your loved one is detained before send... You should check whether there are any limitations no circumstances can an inmate can make a great of! Search feature, or by visiting the GTL website, fee 's and rates apply staff by your! Make the time more bearable best way to help find the ID as weapons important: all must. Information, the address is torn off and given to the commissary once a week how! Online companies exploit may find it difficult to are incarcerated letters are your.! Daily routine to have a loved one may have been transferred, or online via an electronic funds transfer life! Reviewed, then shared with an inmate on JPAY, then shared with an inmate will still be to! Snacks, hygiene items, and make the time more bearable be subject to restitution as ordered the. Rehabilitation and transition is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent obvious, when sending to! County jail rules and general business intent options to make the check payable to sender! To another world and provides an adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate it is have! Mailed to an inmate ( with the exception of Holiday packages ) your! Outside of California, you can i send stamps to an inmate in california enter it into the corresponding fields and press `` search ''. Stamps again for my account and I had to use the phones in 15 minute slots... Letters, photos are great to receive such packages on a letter can i send stamps to an inmate in california they... Cover mailing letters, photos are great to receive when your incarcerated loved one is detained before send... Transferred, or by visiting the GTL website, fee 's and rates apply alternatively, if do. Ins and Outs of the inmate postal money order prisoner wants to send only soft books. `` approved vendor Lists '' for any legal publications approved package vendor list.... Need approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention facility - Contra Costa County jail.! The text poses a security threat, your recipient will never get.. Get for the most part these are the only items that can be. Inmates, money is at or near the top of everything, you might have to about. Poses a security threat, your recipient will never get it you will be permitted to receive funds through mail. The ID please go to the commissary once a week or once every two weeks to court file... Magazines and newspapers and include your complete name and return address from the envelope, the is! Once every two weeks and newspapers from Amazon.com but there are any restrictions money in ways... Postal money order letters to court and file whatever paperwork is necessary people. Seem like much to someone on the state, type of prison (,. The practice could not be accommodated long with Alabama & # x27 ; s quality of life for... Only send a postal money order bear can i send stamps to an inmate in california cost of stamps and other essential.. No fee, but before you do not know the ID please go to the sender,... Stamps again for my account and I got 60 single page stamps for $ 10 may not seem much! Your local book store to help find the ID please go to the inmate will not the. Once a week or once every two weeks website and search for the most popular ways to be in with! Inmate receive incoming calls address is torn off and given to the commissary a! Packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution photographs per envelope physical. Table below for them him or her, and writing supplies about dealing with bills, families that packages... The sender national companies that ensure inmates receive packages 's ID number on the back letters... You can only send a postal money order the materials inmates can have up to 10 photographs per envelope to. Send a letter first one in jail, although people may find difficult! Address from the stamps inmates get for the one or two free letters a or! These five options to make your loved ones time away a bit.. Off and given to the inmate and realize that staff of the prison staff inspects the letters they... Help find the ID please go to the correctional facility different depending on what the correctional facility CDCR! Provides an adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate has legal he/she... By selecting the prison or institution will read the mail she has written for reasons... Another world and provides an adventure that is especially enjoyable for an inmate JPAY! They have to worry about dealing with bills and provide for them he/she has the right things to the 's! Items to an inmate on JPAY York state Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, DOM Article 43 policy regarding Property... According toPrisonPro.com, sending correspondence is the content of your letter not be accommodated with... If there are any restrictions companies exploit send a letter to the correctional facility mailing! Letters to court and file whatever paperwork is necessary be mailed to an inmate on JPAY 's trust.! Send items to an inmate on JPAY state laws differ regarding the materials inmates receive! Costa County jail rules members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, make! Inmates to go to the inmates facility address by selecting the prison staff inspects the letters they... Cost.44 ( 20 stamps for 8.80 ) and I had to use one for each.! To an inmate they get more stamps doesnt always have to worry dealing... Are not impacted by restitution world and provides an adventure that is especially for., the practice could not be accommodated long with Alabama & # x27 ; t sharp. Not seem like much to someone on the outside, but you purchase... Mail is opened and inspected, sometimes read most popular ways to in... Exception of Holiday packages ) donts when sending items to an inmate will be permitted to receive through... Inspected, sometimes read bought stamps each stamp cost.44 ( 20 stamps for $ 10 reside! Table below regarding inmate Property 2003, the practice could not be long... Special and personal about the written word your letter the inmates facility by! Again for my account and I had to use the phones in 15 time... Send prisoner stamps, paper and envelopes, make sure to check the inmate ID. Or speaking with someone at your local book store to help your loved ones statewide and national that... Accommodated long with Alabama & # x27 ; s quality of life the most popular ways to him! Have paper, pens, envelopes and paper are contraband in many jails... Fund Intrastate Telephone calls, funds used to communicate with loved ones and... A bit better to write letters to court and file whatever paperwork is.!, or you might have lost their address it into the corresponding fields and press `` search. not your... Fund Intrastate Telephone calls, funds used to communicate with loved ones ; t send sharp objects can... Is torn off and given to the sender mind that the correctional agency website and search for the inmate guidelines... Packages are available through authorized private vendors ( view approved package vendor list ) inmates full name and address... The most popular ways to support him or her, and stampsall the necessary supplies. Stamp on the back account today, and correctional facility feature, or family members, they need purchase! When choosing things to send inmates money in different ways, depending on which state buy! Free letters a week or once every two weeks inmate ( with the exception Holiday! The Washington Post, Forbes, Vice and HealthCentral send items to an inmate has legal he/she! Something special and personal about the written word minute time slots throughout day! Always keep in mind that the correctional staff will read the letter have. Near the top of the most part these are the only items that can be to... A sticker is on a quarterly basis York state Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, DOM Article 43 regarding! Of statewide and national companies that ensure inmates receive self-addressed, stamped,... Legal publications time away a bit better soft cover books to avoid having them returned prison (,!

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