Mail Rules
Adults in custody are allowed to send and receive mail in order to maintain connection with their separated family, friends, acquaintances, etc. All mail will be thoroughly checked for any violations. Incoming and outgoing mail must be in postcard format, no larger than 5.5” by 8.5” or letters containing not more than ten (10) written pages with no blank pages. Other permitted forms of communication with adults in custody include
phone calls and personal visits.
General Mail Rules
Incoming Mail – mail sent from family, friends, acquaintances, etc. to an adult in custody.
Must be postcard style or letters as defined above.
Post cards must have adult in custody's first and last name and SID #.
See
In Custody Roster or call 503-581-1183 for exact name and SID.
Address the mail as:
(Adult in custody First & Last Name / SID #)
4000 Aumsville Hwy SE
Salem, OR 97317
All incoming mail will be reviewed for violations.
Metered postage is preferred. Postage stamps will be removed before delivery to inmates.
Outgoing Mail – mail sent from an adult in custody to family, friends, acquaintances, etc.
Must be postcard style or letters as defined above.
May be purchased pre-stamped from commissary.
All outgoing mail will be reviewed for violations.
Mail Violations
Please note: Violations will result in the mail being returned to sender or placed in the adult in custody's property bin.
- No SID #
- No adult in custody Name
- Incomplete Return Address - returned to post office as "dead mail"
- Stickers of any kind (includes address labels)
- Rubber Inked Stamps
- Tape / Glue
- Colored Pencils / Crayons
- Paperclips etc.
- Correction Tape / Fluid
- Paint / Watercolors
- Food/Beverage Stains
- Perfume/Cologne
- Lipstick
- Glitter
- Foreign Substances
- Oversized mail/postcards
- More than 10 pages
- Drawings on front or back of envelope
- Published items must come from publisher (see more info below under "frequently asked questions")
Violations include anything that would threaten or be detrimental to the safety, security and orderly operation of the jail. Anything gang related or any sexual conduct will be considered a mail violation and placed in the inmate’s property.
Legal and Professional Mail Rules
Mail must be clearly marked as "LEGAL MAIL" or "OFFICIAL MAIL." Mail must be addressed to the adult in custody using their name as it appears in the in custody roster including the SID#. Contact Jail at 503-581-1183 for SID. Legal or official mail received directly from the source will be authorized up to three (3) inches thick. Legal or official mail in excess of three inches will require prior approval from a lieutenant. Please call 503-581-1183 to contact a lieutenant.
Mail Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions
Incomplete return address
Return address is missing either part of the address or first and last name of sender.
No Adult in Custody Name
Adult in custody’s first and last names are NOT on the incoming mail.
Dead Mailed
There is no return address. In this case the mail is returned to the Post Office as "dead mail."
What happens to the postcard I send to an adult in custody when it arrives at the Jail?
After the mail has been cleared through administration, it is sent to the adult in custody’s unit to be reviewed for mail violations. If a violation is found, the Deputy will complete a Mail Violation Form and the mail will be placed in the individual’s property until their release. The adult in custody will receive a copy of the violation form that will explain the violation and the sender will be notified of the violation as well.
Can I send a care package to an Adult in Custody?
Individuals housed in the Jail cannot receive packages of any kind. However, the Access Securepak program is provided by Keefe Commissary. These gift/care packages may be purchased for adults in custody online at:
www.marioncountypackages.com
Can Adults in Custody have access to Books, Magazines, and Newspapers?
Books: Are available in the Pods and from the librarian.
Purchase of Books
An adult in custody is required to speak with the Law Librarian for approval to receive a book. Once the adult in custody has approval, it is the responsibility of the adult in custody to contact someone on the outside notifying them the request has been approved. The contacted person will need to order the book from a book store, or internet book store and have it MAILED directly from the publisher or supplier to the adult in custody with SID # via U.S. Postal Service ONLY. No hardbound books allowed. Mail violations still apply.
Magazines
Are only accepted from the publisher or supplier and must be MAILED directly from the publisher or supplier to the adult in custody with SID # via U.S. Postal Service ONLY. Mail violations still apply.
Religious Materials
Adults in custody can request a Bible from the Law Librarian. Adults in custody can also attend a religious program and receive religious materials from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer who facilitates that particular program.
How do I appeal a decision regarding mail that was returned to me or confiscated by the Jail?
If you believe that a mail violation is incorrect, you may appeal it by mailing a written letter stating the reason(s) you believe that the mail violation is wrong within 15 days from the date of the confiscated mail notice form. You must include a copy of the confiscated mail notice with your appeal so that we have it available for review. Your appeal must also include your full name and your return address. You are not required to provide a phone number, but it may be useful if we need further clarification. Please mail your written appeal to the address below: Jail Commander Attn: Denied Mail Appeal, Marion County Jail, 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon 97317.
