Inmate Mail RulesOn January 1, 2010, our Office adopted revised Inmate mail rules.
Inmates are allowed to send and receive mail in order to maintain connection with their separated family, friends, acquaintances, etc. All mail will continue to be thoroughly checked for any violations. Incoming and outgoing mail must be in postcard format, no larger than 5.5” by 8.5”. Other permitted forms of communication with inmates include phone calls and personal visits.
Why the change to postcards?
Prior to January 1, 2010 the Marion County Jail spent an average of nine (9) employee hours per day, Monday – Friday sorting and inspecting inmate mail. The process was costing the taxpayers between $55,000 and $60,000 per year in wages. By converting the vast majority of inmate mail from sealed envelopes to postcards we estimate the time spent handling inmate mail will be reduced by 50% for a savings to the taxpayer of nearly $30,000 per year.
In addition, staff safety and security is enhanced by limiting the opportunities for introduction of contraband and/or biological and chemical agents into the jail in sealed envelopes.
The benefits of converting from general enveloped mail to postcards:Saves tax dollars for reinvestment into our community.Enhances work place and public safety.
Incoming Mail – mail sent from family, friends, acquaintances, etc. to an Inmate.
Outgoing Mail – mail sent from an Inmate to family, friends, acquaintances, etc.
· Must be postcard style, no larger than 5.5” by 8.5”
· Post cards must have inmates first and last name and SID #. See Inmate Roster for exact name and for SID #.
· May be purchased pre-stamped from commissary.
· Address the postcard as:(Inmate First & Last Name / SID #)4000 Aumsville Hwy SESalem, OR 97317
· All outgoing mail will be reviewed for any violations.
· All incoming mail will be reviewed for any violations.
MAIL VIOLATIONS:(Will result in the post card(s) being returned to sender)
•No SID # •No Inmate Name•Incomplete Return Address•Stickers of any kind (includes address labels)•Rubber Inked Stamps•Tape •Lipstick•Colored Pencils•Paperclips / Staples etc.•Correction Tape / Fluid•Crayon•Paint•Watercolor•Food/Beverage Stains•Perfume/Cologne
Anything that would threaten or be detrimental to the safety, security and orderly operation of the Jail, anything gang related, or any sexual conduct will be considered a mail violation and placed in the Inmate’s property.
Inmate legal mail and professional mail rules have not changed.
Incomplete return address: Return address is missing either part of the address or first and last name of sender.No Inmate Name: Inmate’s first and last names are NOT on the post card.
Dead Mailed: There is no return address. In this case the postcard is returned to the Post Office.
What happens to the postcard I send to an inmate when it arrives at the Facility?After the post card has been cleared through administration, it is sent to the inmate’s unit to be reviewed for mail violations. If a violation is found, the Deputy will complete a Mail Violation Form and the mail will be placed in the inmate’s property until their release. The inmate will receive a copy of the violation form that will explain the violation.
Can I send a care package to an Inmate?
Can Inmates have access to Books, Magazines, and Newspapers?Books: An Inmate is required to speak with the Law Librarian for approval to receive a book. Once the inmate has approval, it is the responsibility of the inmate to contact someone on the outside notifying them the request has been approved. The contacted person will need to order the book from a book store, or internet book store and have it MAILED directly from the publisher or supplier to the inmate with SID # via U.S. Postal Service ONLY. No hardbound books allowed. Mail violations still apply.
Magazines: Inmates are required to speak with the Law Librarian for approval to receive a magazine. Once the inmate has approval, it is the responsibility of the inmate to contact someone on the outside notifying them the request has been approved. The contacted person will need to order the magazine and have it MAILED to the inmate with SID # via U.S. Postal Service ONLY. Mail violations still apply.
Religious Materials: Inmates can request a Bible from the Law Librarian. Inmates can also attend a religious program and receive religious materials from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer who facilitates that particular program.