Transferring Letters Between County Jails and State Prisons: An Inmate's Guide

When incarcerated, the ability to communicate with another inmate from a different correctional facility is a common need. However, due to various policies and regulations, the process can be quite complex and may require creative solutions. In this article, we will explore the methods and challenges involved in transferring letters between county jails and state prisons.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Legal Communication Restrictions:

In the United States, inmates or convicts who are incarcerated are typically not allowed to communicate directly with other inmates in confinement, regardless of whether they are housed in a county jail or a state prison. This policy is in place to prevent organized criminal activities and to maintain order within the correctional facilities. Therefore, direct contact between county jails and prisons is usually prohibited.

Common Methods for Mail Transfer

While direct communication is restricted, there are alternative methods to transfer a letter from one correctional facility to another. These methods often involve using third parties, such as family members or friends, to facilitate the process. Here are some of the common techniques:

Boomerang Method

The boomerang method is a creative workaround that was used in many correctional facilities. Here is the process:

Write the letter to the intended recipient, who is in another correctional facility. Put the letter in an envelope, and write the address of the recipient on the envelope. Create a second envelope. On this envelope, write the address of your family member or friend who is outside the correctional facility. Place the first envelope inside the second envelope and mail it to your family member or friend. The family member or friend will then open the second envelope, place the first envelope inside an envelope addressed to the intended recipient and mail it.

Using this method, the letter can be indirectly transferred to its final destination. It is important to note that this process can be time-consuming and may not always be successful.

Indirect Mail Transfer

Another common method is to use a family member or friend to mail the letter on your behalf. Here are the steps:

Write the letter to the intended recipient. Address the envelope to your family member or friend at their home address. Include the letter in the envelope and mail it to your family member or friend. The family member or friend will then open the envelope and mail the letter directly to the intended recipient.

This method relies on the trust and cooperation of the third party, and it is important to be cautious and follow the guidelines set by your correctional facility to avoid penalties or bans on mail privileges.

Scripted Letters

In some cases, inmates may submit their letters to a family member to write on their behalf. Here are the steps:

Provide your family member or friend with a script or outline of the message you wish to convey. The family member or friend will then write the letter based on the script, addressing it to the intended recipient. The family member or friend will mail the letter to the intended recipient.

This method is useful when direct communication is not allowed, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the guidelines to avoid issues.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When using these methods, it is important to be mindful of legal and ethical considerations. For example, avoid sending compromising or inappropriate materials in your letters. Inmates must always ensure that their communications are appropriate and do not violate the rules set by their correctional facilities.

Additionally, it is crucial to maintain trust and cooperation with the family member or friend who will be helping you with the mail transfer. Any breach of trust or violation of facility guidelines can result in restricted mail privileges or other disciplinary actions.

Remember, the goal of these measures is to maintain order and safety within the correctional facilities. By following the guidelines and exercising caution, inmates can still maintain important connections with loved ones and fellow inmates.