Mail Services
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has established procedures governing mail to and from incarcerated individuals that maintain safety and security.
Every offender has the right to send and receive mail. DOC may prohibit an incarcerated individual from; writing to a particular person at the request of the person(s); receiving your mail or at the request of the parent or guardian if the person is a minor. Letters will not be censored because of opinions that may be critical of DOC or its employees. All incoming and outgoing mail may be inspected. Mail will be inspected to prevent contraband from coming into the prison or to prevent criminal activity. Incarcerated individuals will be notified in writing (by DOC form 05-525 Mail Restriction Notice) if anything is removed from their mail. The incarcerated individual has the right to appeal any incoming mail restrictions. All incoming and outgoing mail must be properly addressed and include your full committed name, DOC number , and complete facility mailing address.
Resources
Policies
Below are Department of Corrections (DOC) policies that apply to mail services.
- DOC 200.000 Trust Accounts for Offenders
- DOC 200.200 Offender Betterment Fund (OBF)
- DOC 320.255 Restrictive Housing
- DOC 320.260 Secured Housing Units in Stand Alone Minimum Security Facilities
- DOC 440.000 Personal Property for Offenders
- DOC 450.050 Prohibited Contact
- DOC 450.100 Mail for Individuals in Prison
- DOC 450.120 Packages for Offenders
- DOC 590.500 Legal Access for Offenders
Laws & Regulations
Below are state laws (RCWs) and regulations (WACs) that apply to and/or relate to mail services.
Resource Links
- State Offender Orientation Handbook (Incarcerated individuals are given one when they arrive at DOC)