FAQs
Why did my mail get rejected?
When mail is rejected, the DOC Mailroom will apply a white sticker to the outside of the envelope explaining why it was rejected. If the envelope was opened, there will also be a notice inside with further details. If your envelope has only a yellow return-to-sender sticker on the front, and no white label, it was the USPS that returned the mail before it reached DOC.
Questions about Envelopes
Can my envelope have a stamp on it?
Envelopes may contain your return address sticker on it and a postage stamp. DOC Mailrooms may remove these during the drug-inspection process, if necessary. If you need your AIC to have your return address, you should write it by hand on the envelope.
You may not have any other stickers or tape on the envelope besides an address label, a return address label, and a stamp.
Why can't I use colorful envelopes?
Colored envelopes are being used by some to conceal hazerdous drugs. While DOC appreciates the value in holding a piece of colorful mail from a loved one, the current safety risks prohibits their receipt, and they will be refused at delivery.
Where can I find plain, white envelopes?
Envelopes that do not have security features, such as blue or grey printing on the inside can be found at many retailers. Plain, white envelopes are often referred to as “no tint” envelopes. Most "business #10" envelopes are produced with tinting, however, most other sized envelopes, such as greeting/invitation envelopes are not. Envelopes that are "greeting card" sized are allowable and often easier to find in plain white.
Questions about Contents in the Envelope
The mail will be returned to the sender with the contents of the envelope intact, together with the violation notice.
The DOC Mailroom will not “split up” the contents of an envelope; it either all goes in or it is all returned to sender.
White paper that has lines is acceptable, so long as it is commercially manufactures, such as "school notebook paper".
The paper may not have any sort of watermarks.
Yes, the photograph portion of the rule did not change. The same restrictions exist as before, such as “no polaroid-type photos” and the sexually explicit restrictions.
Assuming all other standards are met, color photographs are acceptable, if they are commercially produced.
- Greeting cards are primarily made of cardstock, which is a heavier, laminated paper material
- The layered construction of cardstock creates spaces between the paper layers where hazardous drugs can be concealed
- These concealed substances are extremely difficult to detect through standard mail screening procedures
- Dangerous drugs hidden within cardstock layers pose serious health and safety risks to AICs and facility staff
- DOC currently prohibits all items composed of cardstock, regardless of color or design
- This includes traditional greeting cards, postcards, business cards, and any other cardstock materials
- Letters written on regular paper are acceptable and encouraged
- Photographs on standard photo paper (not cardstock) may be permitted if they are otherwise in compliance with the rule.
Can lined school paper, basic notebook paper, be sent in?
Yes, as long as the paper is white with light blue lines going horizontal across the page. It is the typical paper used most commonly by school children.
If the paper inside the envelope is not white, will it be returned to the sender or destroyed?
Can photographs still be sent in?
Can I order photographs from a third-party vendor (such as Shutterfly)?
DOC is current developing a list of approved photo venders. At this time, it is best for you to send photos yourself, versus directly from a third-party vendor.
How many photographs can be sent in one envelope?
There is no limit to how many photographs can be sent in one envelope. The restriction for any general correspondence (regardless of content) is the envelope and its content cannot exceed 1/4 inch thickness.
Why can't I send greeting cards?
Greeting cards pose a significant security risk due to their construction and potential for concealing contraband.
Security Concerns:
Current Policy:
Alternative Options:
This policy helps protect AICs, staff, and visitors by preventing the introduction of dangerous substances into correctional facilities while still allowing meaningful communication through approved correspondence methods.
Questions about Legal and Official Mail
- Verify that you qualify as a Legal Entity by checking the OAR: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=963
- Special rule exceptions apply to “Legal Mail”.
- “Legal Mail” is not required to be in a white envelope.
- “Legal Mail” is not required to be on white paper.
- “Legal Mail” is allowed to be up to 3 inches thick.
- DOC Mailrooms may contact senders to verify the authenticity of the Legal Mail. Unauthenticated Legal Mail may be held for investigation.
What is “Legal Mail”?
“Legal Mail” is defined by OAR 291-131-0010(15). If you believe you may qualify to be a “Legal Sender”, check the OAR here: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=963
Most personal senders (friends and family) do not qualify as "Legal". This is primarily used for attorneys and courts.
How do I send “Legal Mail”?
What is “Official Mail”?
“Official Mail” is defined by OAR 291-131-0010(15). If you believe you may qualify to be an “Official Sender”, check the OAR here: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=963
Questions about Books
No. All publications must be shipped directly from the publisher or distributer. Publications, including books, may not come from a private seller.
DOC is current developing a list of approved book venders.
- Amazon frequently ships packages without return addresses, making it impossible for DOC staff to verify the sender's identity
- Many packages arrive without invoices or proper documentation, preventing verification of contents and purchase details
- The lack of clear sender information violates standard security protocols for incoming mail and packages
- Amazon's return process requires online access by the original purchaser
- Since AICs cannot access the internet and DOC staff cannot process returns on behalf of AICs, any incorrect, damaged, or prohibited items cannot be returned, nor is any of the original purchaser information provided to DOC, so DOC is unable to notify the original purchaser of any violation.
- This creates administrative burdens and potential security risks with unreturnable items
- Amazon's marketplace allows private individuals to sell through their platform
- DOC cannot distinguish between items shipped by Amazon directly versus those sent by unknown third-party sellers
- This creates a security vulnerability where private individuals could potentially use Amazon as a method to send unauthorized items to AICs
- Correctional facilities require clear documentation of who is sending items and from where
- Amazon's shipping practices often fail to meet these basic verification requirements
Can I mail in a book or magazine?
Why is ordering from Amazon not recommended?
A: Amazon's business model creates several security and administrative challenges that make it unsuitable for correctional facilities:
Package Identification Issues:
Return Policy Complications:
Third-Party Seller Concerns:
Verification Standards:
Purchasers should use approved book distributors and vendors that provide proper documentation, clear return addresses, and transparent shipping practices that meet correctional facility security standards.
How do I know if a book is prohibited?
The list of prohibited publications changes in real-time, on a revolving three-year cycle. You can find a recent list of prohibited publications on the DOC website, here: https://www.oregon.gov/doc/contact-inmate/Pages/Publications.aspx
You may also contact a Mailroom directly to inquire. They will need the ISBN of the book you'd like them to look up.
For general questions about DOC, you can email DOC.Info@doc.oregon.gov.
For questions specific to mail, you can email DOC.Mailroom.Questions@doc.oregon.gov. Please include which facility you are sending mail to and, if possible, attach photographs of the item in question.
Who can I email with more questions about mail?