RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Section 8 - Mail Procedures

8.1 – Sealed envelopes are not permitted to enter or leave this facility, except for legal mail. Detainees may use envelopes to correspond with rehabilitation centers, halfway houses, probation offices, DHR, government agencies, or law enforcement agencies; however, these are not considered legal mail. Detainees must provide their own envelopes, paper, and postage. All non-legal outgoing mail is subject to inspection prior to leaving the facility.

8.2 – Personal letters and postcards are permitted both in and out of the facility. Detainees may send unlimited correspondence provided they have sufficient funds for postage. Stamped postcards may be purchased through commissary. All outgoing non-legal mail is collected by a floor officer at lockdown only. Legal mail may be sealed. (Revised Pending Approval – Cheaney Recommended)

8.3 – Indigent detainees shall receive one envelope and two sheets of facility stationery per week for legal correspondence with attorneys, courts, legal services, or approved assistance organizations. Indigent status is determined by Administration in accordance with facility policy and may be changed at any time.

8.4 – Non-indigent detainees may purchase stamped envelopes and stationery for legal correspondence through commissary.

8.5 – Legal mail is limited to correspondence with:
 

a. Judges and clerks of federal, state, or local courts
 

b. Licensed attorneys

8.6 – All mail is subject to inspection prior to mailing. Facility staff may inspect outgoing non-legal mail when necessary for security purposes. Incoming postcards may be reviewed for prohibited or security-related content. Legal mail shall not be opened except in the presence of the detainee.

8.7 – No property may be sent to detainees via USPS or parcel services, except paperback books. Unauthorized items will be returned to sender when possible. Mail containing personal letters within packages will result in the entire package being returned. Items that cannot be returned will be held by Administration, and the detainee will be notified in writing. The detainee will have ten (10) days for authorized pickup by an approved representative. After ten (10) days, unclaimed items will be disposed of, and written notice will be provided.

8.8 – Incoming mail shall be distributed within 24 hours of receipt and inspection, excluding weekends and holidays.

8.9 – Detainee-to-detainee mail is strictly prohibited, including correspondence with detainees housed in other facilities.

8.10 – Only first-class mail service is permitted.

8.11 – Return address shall be formatted as follows:

Detainee’s Full Name
Randolph County Detention Center
P.O. Box 347
Wedowee, AL 36278

8.12 – Any detainee found using another detainee’s identity to obtain free or additional postage will be subject to disciplinary action and may face criminal prosecution.