$GLOBALS
Join Our Team - Hiring Now

FAQs - Inmate Mail

View in English | Espanol

Questions

  1. What is the mailing address for an inmate?
  2. What type of mail can an inmate receive?
  3. What can I do if mail was withheld from an inmate?

Answers

  1. What is the mailing address for an inmate?

    All incoming mail must be addressed as follows: 

    INMATE NAME & IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

    880 Oklahoma Avenue 
     
    San Luis Obispo, CA. 93405
  2. What type of mail can an inmate receive?

    No More than 5 books.

    Paperback books (no hardback books), magazines, newspapers, and periodicals are permitted if, prepaid, sent directly from the distributor or non-retail outlet and delivered by the U.S Postal Service. Any book or magazine which contains obscenity, nudity including exposed genitalia, buttocks or female breasts, and depictions of sexual acts, items relating to gambling, or material tending to incite violence, racism, riot, arson or any other crime will not be accepted into the jail. 

    The following items are not permitted in the County Jail and will not be accepted if sent through the mail:

    • Letters containing more than 4 pages of printed or photocopies 8 ½ x 11 pages including photographs and internet pages
    • Photographs larger than 4" x 6"
    • Instant (Polaroid) photographs
    • Photos or pictures depicting nudity, including exposed genitalia, buttocks or female breasts, and depictions of sexual acts.
    • Photos or pictures with sticky backings
    • Embossed or raised-surface on letters or envelopes
    • Publications containing or promoting obscenity, murder, arson, riot, racism, violence, or gambling
    • Magazines, books, or periodicals not delivered through the mail from the distributor or non-retail outlet.
    • Hardback books
    • Used books
    • Envelopes larger than 8 ½” x 11 ½”
    • Greeting cards 
    • Heavyweight card stock
    • Books larger than 6" x 10" x 2"
    • Any type of sticker, glitter, glue, tape, whiteout or paint attached to an envelope or its contents, including photo stickers
    • Letters or envelopes with any perceived biohazard, e.g. lipstick, lip impressions, gloss, perfume, etc.
    • Cash, personal checks, money orders not issued by the U.S. Postal Service, two-party checks and Welfare/Social Security checks
    • Postage stamps, blank greeting cards, envelopes or writing paper
    • Packages of any type (without written approval of a correctional sergeant)
    • Food or medication
    • Staples and Paper clips
    • Mail correspondence between inmates of the San Luis Obispo County Jail and inmates from any other correctional institutions

    Inmate mail containing any of the items listed above will result in the entirety of the parcel being withheld regardless if other items are approved.

  3. What can I do if mail was withheld from an inmate?

    You may appeal this decision by submitting a written appeal within ten (10) business days which includes the date the item in question was withheld, your name, and the reason you disagree with the decision. Your appeal must be sent certified mail to: SLO Sheriff's Office Inmate Mail Appeal, 880 Oklahoma, San Luis Obispo, CA. 93405.