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Posted on March 13, 2023 in Blog
It may be challenging to have a loved one sentenced to an Arizona prison system but it’s important to stay connected; in fact, it’s essential for their emotional and mental well-being. We understand how much you care for them and want to support them through these difficult times. Here is a guide on how you can stay in touch with your loved ones. With this information, you can ensure that your family member or friend feels supported and connected to you, no matter where you are.
Arizona inmates can receive letters, cards, and photos. but cannot contain electronic devices of any kind. Signed cards are also prohibited.
It’s important to note that any photos sent to Arizona inmates must follow certain restrictions. The photos cannot be larger than 4″ X 6″ and must not contain nudity, sexually suggestive materials, hand gestures (as these can be interpreted as gang symbols), or tattoos of any kind. Furthermore, only up to 5 photos can be mailed at a time using a preprinted stamped envelope; postage stamps are not allowed. These restrictions have zero tolerance and are in place to maintain safety and security within the prison facility.
Remember that all incoming and outgoing mail sent to an Arizona inmate is opened and can be copied for the inmate’s files.
Any personal items should not be included in your sent mail for reasons of safety and security. Additionally, it is important not to send mail to another inmate with the intention of tricking the system as the prison matches incoming addresses with inmates, which can lead to trouble for everyone involved.
It’s essential to include the complete return address and the inmate’s complete address on the envelope.
All mail you send to an inmate should be formatted as follows:
Inmate Name, ID number
Unit (if known)
Institutions Name
Facilities Address
In Arizona, indigent inmates who cannot afford stamps and envelopes are provided with five stamped envelopes per month, and additional envelopes may be provided if the outgoing mail is deemed legal.
If an inmate is transferred or released, any mail received will be forwarded for up to 30 days.
It’s important to note that sending the following items in the mail is prohibited:
These are all ways that drugs and other harmful items have been smuggled into the prison system and, therefore, the system has a zero-tolerance for these items. After all, a safe and secure environment is Arizona’s prison system’s top priority.
A money maker for Arizona prisons is the securepak. Inmates in Arizona can receive holiday and quarterly packages from family and friends through a company called Access Securpak. This company offers items, not on the general commissary list.
The Arizona Department of Corrections allows inmates in state prisons to receive books, magazines, and newspapers, but only directly from the publisher. This means that you cannot send a book, magazine, or newspaper to a loved one simply by yourself through the mail. Instead, you must order it from the publisher and have it shipped directly to the inmate.
Some popular publisher options include Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Magazines.com. Be sure to select the option to have the item shipped directly to the inmate’s address to ensure that the items are properly delivered.
Of course, there are a few restrictions. In general, books must be new and can only be paperback. No spiral-bound or hardcover books are allowed. Similar to photo regulations, books, newspapers, and magazines cannot contain nudity, pornography, or any explicit and sexual content.
In Arizona, only electronic services are accepted for depositing money into inmate accounts. No money orders or checks are allowed. Friends and family of inmates can use online or phone services to transfer funds into their accounts. The companies that process inmate funds in Arizona are:
Although online transfers are the most convenient method, it comes with high transaction fees.
The funds transferred into inmates’ accounts can be used to purchase various items of their choice from the commissary. The commissary offers a wide range of products, including technological gadgets like small televisions and headphones, as well as useful items such as hygiene products, envelopes, paper, snacks, food, and much more. You can explore the full list of the FCC Tucson Complex Commissary List for more information.
To communicate with an inmate over the phone in Arizona, you need to either be an authorized visitor or complete the visiting application form. It’s important to understand that the application process can be quite lengthy, and it may take several weeks to complete the approval process.
When filling out the Arizona visitation form, you can select to have phone privileges only, which means that you will not be allowed to visit the inmate in person and you won’t have to pay the regular $25 fee for visitation privileges.
Once your application is approved, your loved one can now talk to you over the phone. Note that inmates are the only ones authorized to initiate a phone call, you cannot call them.
Hallam Law Group understands these tough times and has provided you with this informational guide to help you support your loved ones in the Arizona prison system.