Electronic Inmate Mail FAQ

 Electronic Inmate Mail - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where & how should the mail be addressed?
A: The envelope must include the full facility name and the state the facility is in, as well as the inmate’s full name and unique identifier.  

Please note the new mailing address is:

Facility Name, State                                                               Rock Island County Jail - Illinois
Inmate Name, Inmate Identifier                                          John Doe #111111
P.O. Box 247                                                                           P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131                                                               Phoenix, MD 21131

The envelope must have the sender’s full name and physical address clearly written on the top left corner of the envelope.

Q: What content is allowed in the scanned mail?
A: Only direct communication will be scanned. Any boxes, packages, catalogs, etc. will be returned to sender.

Q: What about our legal mail?
A: Legal Mail should NOT be sent to this new address. Legal Mail should still be sent directly to the facility. Any Legal Mail that is sent to the new address will be returned to Sender and WILL NOT be forwarded to the facility. 

Q: Will pictures be scanned and included in the mail?
A: Yes, pictures will be scanned, however, they are subject to facility approval and your mail could be denied due to nude or inappropriate photos. (See question referencing:  “Who reviews and approves the scanned electronic mail?”)

Q: Will cards be scanned?
A: Yes, cards will be scanned along with content within the card. Family & Friends can also utilize the e-Card selection through the GettingOut Messaging App.

Q: How long does the mail take to be delivered to me?
A: It depends mainly on how long it takes for the mail to get delivered to the P.O. Box, but once received at the P.O. Box, the mail can be delivered within 1-2 business days.

Q: Who reviews and approves the scanned electronic mail?
A: The facility staff reviews scanned mail. 

Q: How do I view my scanned mail?
A: Once approved, the scanned mail is delivered to the inmate as an attachment that can be read for free in the Facility Message app.   

Q: What happens with the physical copy of my mail?
A: The physical copy of the mail will is shredded and destroyed after 30-days of being onsite at the P.O. Box. The inmate will be able to see the electronic version of the mail for the duration of his/her incarceration. 

If an inmate requests a copy of the physical mail, facility staff must approve the request. Facility Staff must approve and submit the request within 21-days of electronic mail delivery.

Q: How can my Family & Friends get support?
A: To report any mail delivery issues, Family & Friends can contact TextBehind support directly at info@TextBehind.com.