How Long Does it Take for a Federal Inmate to Get Mail?

All inmate mail is inspected by prison authorities.

Mail sent to inmates at a federal prison in the United States must go through a screening process before it is given to the convict. All mailed correspondence is inspected by prison officers for contraband.

Mail Inspection Process

The length of time it takes mail to reach an inmate is dictated by the number of packages received on any given day. Bureau of Prisons guidelines require each individual letter or package to be marked as either "special" or "general" when it arrives to the correctional institution mail room.

Mail Labels

Envelopes or packages labeled "general" are inspected by prison staff for both contraband and any items which could cause harm or disruption at the prison. Packages or envelopes marked "special" are opened by prison staff in front of the addressed inmate. The mail is checked for physical contraband.

Magazines and Email

Inmates can also receive commercial mail, such as magazine subscriptions and books. Commercial material is inspected and must meet the prison's security and appropriate viewing standards. Email sent to inmates is viewable during the individual's allotted computer time. Only text-based messages are viewable through the system. All messages are subject to monitoring by prison staff.

References

• Federal Bureau of Prisons Policies
• Inmate Information Handbook