Special Mail

Incoming special mail will be logged with the name of the inmate, the name of the sender, and the date received.

Special mail will be opened only in the presence of the inmate.

Special mail which is opened in error will not be read, but will be immediately resealed. The staff opening the mail must mark the mail opened in error, sign, and date the envelope. The error will be documented in the mail room log.

Every effort will be made to identify the recipient of mis-addressed special mail and have it delivered.

• If the inmate cannot be properly identified, the special mail may be returned to the sender.
• Incoming mail with stickers, stamps (other than canceled postage or international stickers from postal authorities), or other articles affixed that can be used to conceal contraband. Return address labels are authorized.
• The stickers, stamps, or affixed items will be removed (if possible) and the mail delivered;
• the envelope will be photocopied, and the photocopy and the contents of the envelope delivered to the inmate.

The above procedure will be used if the contents of the envelope have items affixed.

Incoming special mail must have the return address on the front of the envelope, which must clearly indicate that it is from one of the sources identified in section 1 of this definition. The front of the envelope must be clearly marked "Special Mail" or "Legal Mail."