Department of Corrections
Inmate Mail
Mailing Address
Baltimore County Department of Corrections
720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Include the Inmate's name and identification number on all correspondence.
Mail Guidelines
- There is no restriction on the volume of mail an inmate may receive.
- All mail must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or other approved mail carriers; items larger than 11-1/2” x. 14” will not be accepted.
- Inmates at the Detention Center may not correspond with each other without the approval of the Director.
- Legal mail will be opened and inspected by correctional staff in the presence of the inmate.
- Incoming non-legal mail will be opened and inspected for contraband.
- Incoming or outgoing mail will not be read or rejected unless there is probable cause to believe the contents are a threat to the order and security of the facility or that the mail is being used for illegal activity. The Director or designee may order the mail to be opened and inspected.
- Mail containing sexually explicit materials will be returned to sender in its entirety.
- Calling cards or prepaid phone cards sent in the mail are not permitted and will be returned.
- Packages arriving in the mail will not be accepted without prior approval; packages not approved will be returned to sender.
- Mail containing unauthorized items will be returned to sender in its entirety.
- Books sent through the mail directly from the publisher will be accepted, inspected, and delivered to the inmate if appropriate. Books from bookstores or other sources will not be accepted.
- Photographs (no Polaroid’s), pages from crossword books, and coloring books are permitted.
- Weapon or gang-related material will not be permitted.
- Newspapers and magazines are not permitted.
- Inmates may receive religious reading materials from the Chaplain, or designee, or through the mail when they are sent directly from the publisher.
- Inmates may not engage in contracts by mail on a delayed billing basis.
- Mail received for inmates who have been released or transferred to another jurisdiction will be returned to sender.
- Mail privileges will be denied only if restricted by court order.
- Criminal activities connected with inmate mail will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I send a book or bible to my relative?
A. No. Inmates may receive religious reading materials from the Chaplain, or designee, or through the mail when they are sent directly from the publisher.
Q. Can I send a phone card or prepaid phone card to my son?
A. No. Calling cards or prepaid phone cards sent in the mail are not permitted and will be returned.
Revised March 20, 2009
