Rules for Sending Pictures to Inmates
Inmates love photos more than letters. There are many reasons why sending pictures to an incarcerated loved one is great. First, they are allowed to keep the photos and carry them for inspiration. Photos also give inmates a glimpse of what you have been discussing with them about your life in letters and phone calls.
Photographs create positivity, and you want to make sure the photos reach your loved one without being returned or discarded. Here are the rules for sending pictures to inmates to help you understand what is acceptable and what is not.
Technical Restrictions and Rules for Sending Pictures to Inmates
First, let’s begin with the technical aspect of sending pictures to federal offenders. Failing to follow the specific guidelines when sending photos to your loved ones behind bars may have some repercussions.
There’s a high possibility of your picture being discarded by the administration even before making its way through the corridors to the prison cell of your loved one if you break one rule.
The first rule, the visual image must be printed on a single sheet of plain or photo paper. Any type of paper that can be peeled apart, including polaroids or any two-sided sheets of paper, is not allowed. They can be used to transport drugs, something the authorities want to prevent as much as possible.
Another restriction is the number of pictures you can send at a go. Some prisons allow ten photos at a time, while more strict ones allow up to five photographs at once. Some prisons also have restrictions on how many photos each inmate should have in their possession. It’s important to note this before mailing them a lot of photos.
Another reason why your pictures may be discarded at the administration is the envelope you send it with. The envelope should be plain white, with no other writing or markings except the addressing information. Use your loved one’s full legal name and not their nickname.
If you place labels, tape, or stickers on the envelope, chances are your pictures will be rejected without any consideration. People use those means to pass along drugs to their loved ones behind bars.
One point to note is that prisoners are not allowed to have pictures of themselves for safety reasons. Remember, some inmates may have ill motives despite the fact they are in prison. If they acquire the photos, the life of your loved one may be at risk. If they don’t plan an assault against them, then they can give the photos to the media or use them to create a fraudulent identification.
If you adhere to these rules, your pictures will get to your loved ones without any complications. The guidelines may seem to be too hard, but they are there to protect your loved ones and ensure that when they finally breathe the air of freedom, they will be healthy and live positively.
What Kind of Pictures Can You Send to Jail?
When sending pictures, be aware that the staff and other inmates will view the pictures before forwarding to your loved one. Considering the number of eyes that will view the pictures, not only will it be embarrassing to send suggestive photos, but it’s highly likely they will not go past the room in one piece. Here are the kind of pictures you can send to jail.
You should send images that motivate the inmate, not incite or provoke them. Images that are violent or sexual suggestive may be returned to you or get destroyed.
Images depicting drugs, tobacco, or alcohol are strictly prohibited. If you send a picture of you smoking a joint, no doubt, the staff will be the last to view it. They might consider sending the photo if a beer can or cigarette is not the focus of attention. So, you can send that kind of photo.
Pictures with inflammatory images that can incite anger or violence inside the prison are strictly prohibited. Also, gruesome pictures that depict any form of abuse, either to animals or humans, will be confiscated. Tats are good, but images of them are not allowed in prison, and neither are gang sign photos. Send pictures that are not inflammatory.
Sexually explicit images may excite the staff members, but they will not go beyond that point. Some staff may decide to mail it back to you to keep it and show your loved one when they get out of prison. Different institutions define sexually explicit images in their own ways.
Some do away with pictures with complete nudity or sexual behavior, while others prohibit fully-clothes but sexually suggestive photographs into their prison system. The best advice, don’t send pictures that you don’t want anyone else to see. Avoid embarrassing your loved one at all costs.
We already mentioned that the pictures should not be of the inmate. The photos should also not be of any incarcerated person or anyone with criminal ties. These kinds of photos tend to be communicational and promote criminal behavior. The images may even incriminate your loved one and worsen their situation. Send them a picture that will keep them safe.
Also, pictures of images depicting maps or blueprints of the prison the inmate is in are prohibited. Aiding a prison break is only possible in movies. If you make any attempt, charges can be filed against you and everyone else involved. Send a picture that will not result in you receiving pictures in prison!
Inmate Photographs You Can Send
You can send photos of you, and your family, pets, home upgrades, a new ride, etc. If you cannot make it to prison as well, you can send the photos via JPay. They are a mailing company that ensures your photos reach your loved ones in prison as soon as possible.
Your loved one will be glad to receive photos of their family, relatives, and friends. The photos are their way of connecting to the outside world and keeping tabs on the progress of their loved ones.
Remember to take pictures of you attending social events such as your children’s birthdays, school events, family meetings, and any other special event. This is to keep your loved one yearning for the day they will finish serving their sentence, be free, and enjoy the pleasures they were used to.