Mail Rejection
Mail rejection occurs when incoming mail to an inmate is refused by the facility and returned to the sender. Common reasons for mail rejection include prohibited content, failure to include required information such as the inmate ID number, sending from an unapproved vendor, using prohibited materials such as glitter or stickers, or sending mail directly to a facility that uses a mail processing center. Rejected mail is typically returned to the sender without the inmate receiving it.
What Is Mail Rejection?
Facilities have detailed mail rules that must be followed precisely to avoid rejection. Common rejection triggers include sending books from unapproved vendors, including glitter, stickers, or staples in the envelope, sending photos that do not meet the facility's photo policy, and failing to include the inmate's full name and ID number on the envelope.
When mail is rejected, the inmate is typically notified but the family may not be. The sender may or may not receive the item back depending on facility policy. Using approved vendors and following the specific facility's mail rules carefully avoids preventable rejections.
Related Terms
Explore other glossary terms that are closely connected to this topic.
Contraband
Contraband is any item that is prohibited inside a correctional facility.
AdministrationApproved Vendor
An approved vendor is a company or retailer that a correctional facility has specifically authorized to send publications, packages, or other items to inmates. Facilities typically require that books, magazines, and packages come only from an approved vendor list to prevent contraband from entering through mail. Common approved vendors for books include Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.
CommunicationMail Scanning
Mail scanning is a system where incoming physical mail is intercepted at a central processing facility, scanned digitally, and delivered to the inmate electronically or as a photocopy rather than as the original physical letter.
CommunicationDigital Mail
Digital mail is the electronic delivery of letters and photos to inmates through approved platforms, either by family uploading content directly through a service like JPay or Pigeonly, or through a mail scanning system that converts physical mail into digital format.
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Contraband?
Contraband is any item that is prohibited inside a correctional facility.
Read full definitionWhat is Approved Vendor?
An approved vendor is a company or retailer that a correctional facility has specifically authorized to send publications, packages, or other items to inmates. Facilities typically require that books, magazines, and packages come only from an approved vendor list to prevent contraband from entering through mail. Common approved vendors for books include Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.
Read full definitionWhat is Mail Scanning?
Mail scanning is a system where incoming physical mail is intercepted at a central processing facility, scanned digitally, and delivered to the inmate electronically or as a photocopy rather than as the original physical letter.
Read full definitionWhat is Digital Mail?
Digital mail is the electronic delivery of letters and photos to inmates through approved platforms, either by family uploading content directly through a service like JPay or Pigeonly, or through a mail scanning system that converts physical mail into digital format.
Read full definitionReady to Get Started?
Now that you understand Mail Rejection, explore the provider directory, compare your options, or browse all facilities to find the right fit for your situation.