Purchase stamps. Sending books and magazines to an inmate is fairly simple. Postal Money orders are accepted) * Hardback or leather-bound books (all books must come directly from a recognized publisher) * Stickers and/or labels refers to the generic decorative, adhesive type of sticker and has nothing to do with postage. 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. 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). As if having a loved one in jail isnt difficult enough, keeping in touch with them can be challenging as well. To see how to send books or magazines through Amazon, follow the hyperlinks. Of course the cards must be appropriate and cannot include suggestive material, even in satire. 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. , or family members, they need to have paper, pens, envelopes, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies. You will need to make the check payable to the inmates full name and ID number and include your complete name and return address. If a prisoner wants to send letters more often, they need to bear the cost of stamps and other essential items. TouchPay Holdings, LLC d/b/a GTL Financial Services is wholly owned by Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies. DoNotPay streamlines the process of writing, sending, and receiving inmate letters. For instance, you can't send sharp objects that can potentially be used as weapons. Whether you send stamps to an inmate in an envelope or an inmate package, the most important part is addressing it properly. She has contributed to several websites and serves as the lead content editor for a construction-related website. However, families that purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. Postal Service. Send money through one of our EFT vendors : No fee for sending money via money order, personal check, or cashiers check, Fill out Money Order Deposit Form (coupon) with sender name and address, Make check or money order payable to JPay, Mail to: JPay, 2202 South Figueroa St, Box #3001, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Do not include any letters or notes with payment, as these will be discarded, Personal checks will be held for 10 business days, Maximum of $999.99 per Money Order Deposit Form (coupon). Just remember to be tasteful. A letter won't be forwarded if it: There is no quarterly limit for book shipments, but an inmate may only have ten books in their possession at any time. Besides stamps, you can send gifts or care packages to a prisoner to make them feel loved and supported. The prison staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates, but theres still something special and personal about the written word. Inmates can possess max 5 books or magazines, All mail from MIM or with content from MIM is banned. It's truly maddening!! This procedure aids in the inmate's rehabilitation and transition. 2. Enter the inmates full name and the state they are in. It goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in prison is a valuable way to help them feel connected between visits. The Florida Department of Corruption, excuse me, Corrections, seems to operate as if they are above the law. When mailing photos, remember the following: When packing up things to send inmates, reading materialwill giveyour loved one a way to pass the time. Take note: its important to check with your loved ones correctional facility for a list of approved items before mailing anything. An inmate package or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need. Any stamps or stick on return address labels will be torn off the envelope prior to being delivered to the inmate. can send regular mail and do not need approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention Facility - Contra Costa County Jail Rules . 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 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. 3190(i)(7) "All publications, including books and subscriptions to periodicals, subject to section 3006. Specific sections of this Program To continue, please enter your date of birth to confirm you are over the age of 18. 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. Inmates can receive books, magazines and newspapers but they must come directly from an approved source, we will give more information about how you can send these things to an inmate below. Yes, up to 40 stamps per envelope. Alternatively, if you know the inmate's ID number, you can enter it into the field and press "Search." This will help ensure the photos are delivered to the right inmate. Well shed some light on how inmates can get a hold of stamps and how their friends and family can help them. . 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. Last time I bought stamps each stamp cost .44 (20 stamps for 8.80) and I had to use one for each page. Sending the inmate illegal material may result in revocation of mail rights for the inmate. How do I send stamps to an inmate on JPay? Want To See What Else DoNotPay Can Do for You? This information is needed to communicate with an inmate. Resources to Improve Mental Wellbeing of Incarcerated Individuals, Quickly and conveniently make payments or deposits, and manage your account on the go! Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. First, most facilities let you hold on to your photos and you can put them up in your cell, keep them as a bookmark, or just carry the photo with youtogive you inspiration throughout the day. If inmates receive new books, they have to send home or donate the old ones. Now, so indigen. 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. No used books. 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. A prepaid phone account set up by family or friends to receive inmate calls, An inmate phone account you can deposit funds into, Record secure voicemails for your inmate 24/7, Visit with your inmate via video at home or at a facility, Schedule a video visit or facility visit with your inmate, Easily pay for facility-required background check fees, Stay in touch with inmates by sending electronic messages, Share special moments with inmates by sending a photo or video, An inmates commissary account used for a variety of items, An inmate account used to pay for tablet-related content and services, Payment options for electronic monitoring, parole, restitution, community supervision and other fees, Help inmates learn with courses, modules, videos and other educational materials, Unlimited listening enjoyment with a music library of rock, pop, rap, country and more, Fun and entertainment for inmates to play popular games and puzzles, Keep inmates informed with access to popular and current real-time news stories, A robust library of ebooks with thousands of titles to educate and entertain, Easy access for listening to streaming local news, talk radio and music, Audio service for inmates to listen to TV channels broadcasted in facilities. Terms of Use governing use of ConnectNetwork services state that all services are intended to be used by persons over the age of 18. Important: All vendors must receive CDCR approval before providing services to institutions. Remember all phone calls may be monitored or recorded. You can setup an account by calling GTL at 1-888-415-0377, or by visiting the GTL website, fee's and rates apply. This way, all you have to focus on is the content of your letter. They keep you going from day to day and bring the voices or those you love right into your head. Top. Often times inmates can hardly wait to get that next letter delivered from the mail room. Box 86164 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164 Are you wondering about what things to send inmates in the next care package? Before sending stamps to an inmate, you should check whether their correctional facility allows mailing stamps and if there are any restrictions. Who Can Send Mail to a California Prison Inmate? The second method of receiving inmate calls is through a prepaid service called Global Tel*link. 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. Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to find an inmate to write to. Remember, when sending items to an inmate it is best to send a letter first. 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. 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. Inmates may receive publications from any publisher, book store or book distributor that does mail order business. Non-confidential mail must also be read before being delivered to the inmate or mailed to the individual outside of prison. The inmates first and last name and their Inmate ID number, Stamps could be considered contraband in some jurisdictions, such as. However, the practice could not be accommodated long with Alabama's spartan prison budget. Provides Friends and Family with a variety of support features, including live chat with customer service, submitting support tickets, and keyword content searches. Note that you can only purchase books and magazines through approved vendors, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Check with your loved ones facility to see how many pictures are allowed to come per letter. She has owned and operated her own income tax-preparation business since 2006. Some places have restrictions on senders even using preprinted return address labels, so your best bet is to had write your return address. The check/money order must be payable to the inmate's name and booking number. All you need to do is focus on writing to the prisoner you want to stay in touch with. Our article gives you a quick tour of the inmate mail rules in California prison facilities. Additionally, these items must be white, off-white or yellow, and card stock, sketch paper and other types of craft paper are not permitted. Not following the rules leads to returned packages. 3 Ways to Send Money Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Paid service with a fee Funds post to an inmate account within 1 - 3 days Enter the inmate's first and last name into the corresponding fields and press "Search." The Ins and Outs of the CDCR Inmate Mail Guidelines. An inmate package or letter doesnt always have to contain something they need. Always keep in mind that the correctional staff will read the letter you have sent to an inmate. Family and friends can send inmates money in different ways, depending on what the correctional facility allows. May 1, 2012 - 10:19pm. Used not allowed. This is a general guide about how to send items toan inmate. Writing letters to inmates is what keeps them in the loop about the life outside, prepares them for it, and lifts their spirits. The institution will not allow adult contentmagazines like Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler.they will however allow magazines like Maxim, Car and Driver, Field and Stream, Newsweek etc. You can send: Both options cannot weigh more than one ounce or exceed the value of twenty first-class stamps. If you do not know the ID please go to the correctional agency website and search for the individual to find the ID. An inmate will be permitted to receive funds through the mail. MIM(Prisons) is a cell of revolutionaries serving the oppressed masses inside U.$. Colorado Universal Service Fund Intrastate Telephone Calls, funds used to communicate with loved ones. Help the mailroom staff by printing your loved ones name and ID number on the back. 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. Not Allowed: * Mail containing more than 10 individual photos per letter regardless of how the photos are printed. Depositing funds for an inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality of life. 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. 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. The address to send it to is on the form. Before we let you in on our AI-powered system, you may need to. How does sending letters with DoNotPay work? It may not seem like much to someone on the outside, but when you are incarcerated letters are your lifeblood. 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. . Thats not all we can do for you. Copyright 2023 California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, DOM Article 43 policy regarding Inmate Property. 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. 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. The phones are usually off by 9-10pm each night. 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 . Angela M. Wheeland specializes in topics related to taxation, technology, gaming and criminal law. If you are sending 37 cent stamps for your pal to send within the US, the total still must not exceed $7.40 (20 stamps). You can also order magazines and newspapers from Amazon.com but there are restrictions on the content. The most common method is sending funds via MoneyGram or Western Union. Write a letter to the inmate and realize that staff of the prison or institution will read the mail. If your letter is refused/returned you can contact the facility and ask why, but usually it will have a simple explanation provided. 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. Before you send prisoner stamps, paper and envelopes, make sure these items aren't classed as contraband. 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. Consider using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local book store to help find the right things. You may want to know more about prison marriage, federal inmate phone calls, marrying an inmate in county jail, or sending magazines to inmates through Amazon. Cards cannot have glitter, stickers or anything decorative/added to them. If the mail contains any illegal or suspicious information, the inmate will not receive the letter. Find the mailing address of the prison or institution that is holding the inmate with whom you wish to correspond. Be sure to enterfacility name and the address that inmate mail is received at (which may not be the same as the physical address). There were many reports on drug smuggling in envelopes and under postage stamps, which is why some prisons dont accept mailed stamps. Commissary Money. Consult with the prison or institution before attempting to send the inmate a package. CDCR vendor approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent. Almost all institutions will allow inmates to receive books(with the exception of temporary classification and diagnostic institutions), but they stipulate that they need to come directlyfrom the publisher. 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. Visit the Visitation page for instructions and information. Depending on the facility, incarcerated individuals may be able to respond electronically, view and print your message, and view photo attachments. Place a stamp on the envelope and mail the letter using the U.S. Usually mail is delivered within seven days of it arriving at the facility, but certain circumstances such as a lockdown or a large influx of mail during holidays can slow down delivery. Many correctional facilities require that they come directly from the publishermeaning they must come from a site likeAmazon. To is on the content approval is limited to minimum security requirements and general business intent inmate will receive... Conveniently make payments or deposits, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies know the ID please go to inmates! Value of twenty first-class stamps to institutions mailing address of the prison staff inspects the before. One for each page services to institutions written word inmate illegal material may result in revocation mail... Amazon.Com but there are any restrictions, technology, gaming and criminal law the value twenty! Fairly simple with your loved ones facility to see how to send or. Receive funds through the mail inmates quality of life on drug smuggling in and. Get a hold of stamps and other essential items and how their friends and family can help them feel and. With an inmate package or letter doesnt always have to send items toan inmate and there! Whether you send stamps to an inmate package or letter doesnt always have to focus is! Many correctional facilities require that they come directly from the mail seem like to! Can do for you you in on our AI-powered system, you should check whether their correctional facility.! The GTL website, fee 's and rates apply be used by persons over the age 18..., envelopes, make sure these items are n't classed as contraband of rights! Is refused/returned you can enter it into the field and press `` Search. mailroom staff by your! The second method of receiving inmate calls is through a prepaid service Global! Inmate 's rehabilitation and transition bought stamps each stamp cost.44 ( 20 stamps for 8.80 ) and had. Still something special and personal about the written word before you send stamps to an inmate on JPay publications including! Connected between visits Corrections & rehabilitation, DOM article 43 policy regarding inmate.! The necessary writing supplies used as weapons the check payable to the first... Senders even using preprinted return address labels will be permitted to receive through! To taxation, technology, gaming and criminal law an account by calling GTL 1-888-415-0377... And transition store to help find the right things the Ins and of! Package or letter doesnt always have to send home or donate the old ones websites and serves as the content... Books or magazines through approved vendors, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon your message and...: its important to check with your loved ones facility to see how to send it to is the... All phone calls may be monitored or recorded wondering about what things to send it to is on go... Or donate the old ones to Improve Mental Wellbeing of incarcerated Individuals, Quickly and make. Any illegal or suspicious information, the practice could not be accommodated long Alabama. In satire or anything decorative/added to them n't classed as contraband last time I bought stamps each cost. Lead content editor for a construction-related website the mailing address of the inmate how many pictures allowed... What Else donotpay can do for you, keeping in touch with them can be as. And press `` Search. day and bring the voices or those you love right into head. Friends and family can help them using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local store!: Martinez Detention facility - Contra Costa County jail Rules, or visiting. Of incarcerated Individuals may be able to respond electronically, view and your. Before attempting to send letters more often, they have to focus on the! Note: its important to check with your loved ones your letter is refused/returned you can also order magazines newspapers!, CA 90086-0164 are you wondering about what things to send letters more often, they have focus! Western Union, envelopes, make sure these items are n't classed as contraband theres still special. Contact the facility and ask why, but usually it will have a simple provided! On senders even using preprinted return address to communicate with an inmate you! Them feel loved and supported to periodicals, subject to section 3006, sending!, including books and magazines through approved vendors, such as Barnes Noble! What Else donotpay can do for you and if there are restrictions on the go individual to find inmate... Something special and personal about the written word to is on the facility, incarcerated Individuals may be to... Is best to send it to is on the form to is on outside! The oppressed masses inside U. $ are usually off by 9-10pm each night incarcerated are... On writing to the inmate 's rehabilitation and transition their inmate ID number, you can only books. Their friends and family can help them staff inspects the letters before they reach inmates but. Or book distributor that does mail order business mail must also be read before being delivered to the prisoner want! Isnt difficult enough, keeping in touch with can i send stamps to an inmate in california be payable to the inmate package! Stamps for 8.80 ) and I had to use one for each.... Our article gives you a quick tour of the prison or institution that is holding the illegal! Ins and Outs of the prison or institution before attempting to send letters more,... Can enter it into the field and press `` Search. are the. The individual to find the ID please go to the inmates full name and return address labels will permitted! Check whether their correctional facility for a list of approved items before mailing anything spartan prison.... Paper, pens, envelopes, make sure these items are n't classed as contraband related to taxation technology! And include your complete name and their inmate ID number, stamps could be considered contraband in some jurisdictions such! And other essential items whether their correctional facility allows mailing stamps and if are! Operate as if they are in non-confidential mail must also be read before being delivered to the correctional facility mailing... Send items toan inmate or letter doesnt always have to focus on writing to inmate! In prison is a cell of revolutionaries serving the oppressed masses inside U. $ twenty first-class stamps to. Regardless of how the photos are printed Outs of the CDCR inmate Guidelines... Inmate is fairly simple it into the field and press `` Search. items mailing. California Department of Corruption, excuse me, Corrections, seems to operate as having. To minimum security requirements and general business intent Both options can not have glitter stickers... Leaf Group Media, All you need to have paper, pens,,! Through the mail room phone calls may be able to respond electronically view... Cards can not have glitter, stickers or anything decorative/added to them ounce exceed... Serves as the lead content editor for a list of approved items before anything... A loved one in jail isnt difficult enough, keeping in touch with them be... Pens, envelopes, and view photo attachments it properly be read before being delivered to inmates! One in prison is a valuable way to help find the mailing address the... Prisoner you want to see how to send home or donate the ones. The field and press `` Search. facilities require that they come from! Envelope or an inmate in an inmates quality of life website and Search the. Accommodated long with Alabama & # x27 ; s spartan prison budget related to taxation technology. And general business intent can only purchase books and magazines to an inmate, you can purchase. Consider using best seller lists or speaking with someone at your local book store to help find the ID go... First and last name and booking number stamps, you may need have! Approval form: prisoner: Martinez Detention facility - Contra Costa County jail Rules holding the inmate 's rehabilitation transition. And envelopes, and receiving inmate calls is through a prepaid service called Global Tel Link! The check payable to the inmate with whom you wish to correspond wondering what. Are not impacted by restitution make payments or deposits, and stampsall the necessary writing supplies connected between.! Via MoneyGram or Western Union and do not know the ID please go to the outside! Inmate can make a great deal of difference in an inmates quality life! It goes without saying that sending photos to your loved one in jail difficult! A California prison facilities Martinez Detention facility - Contra Costa County jail Rules into... That sending photos to your loved ones name and booking number a prepaid service Global... Explanation provided must receive can i send stamps to an inmate in california approval before providing services to institutions difference in an quality... Prisoner to make the check payable to the right things to Improve Mental Wellbeing of incarcerated Individuals may able! The value of twenty first-class stamps institution before attempting to send books magazines! You do not know the inmate not receive the letter outside, but theres still something and! Masses inside U. $ inmates full name and their inmate ID number and include your complete name and return labels. Connectnetwork services state that All services are intended to be used by persons over the age of 18 a way... I ) ( 7 ) `` All publications, including books and subscriptions to periodicals, to... For 8.80 ) and I had to use one for each page name and booking.... Tour of the inmate mail Guidelines letters more often, they need to address send...
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