Classification and Inmate Transportation Division
Mail System Coordinators Panel
The mission of the Mail System Coordinators Panel is to provide for the rehabilitation of inmates by assisting inmates in keeping in touch with family and friends and facilitating inmate access to the courts, by ensuring uniformity of mailroom operations and the processing of inmate correspondence in accordance with established correspondence rules.
Overview
The Mail System Coordinator's Panel (MSCP) is designed to assist in the maintenance and coordination of the Uniform Inmate Mail System. In this capacity, the MSCP reviews publications for initial unit acceptance or denial, assists the units in mail related problems, provides training for all mailroom staff, monitors unit mailroom operations, conducts mailroom risk-based audits, investigates and responds to mail related Step 2 grievances, generates investigations regarding receipt of threats and unidentifiable substances received in uninspected mail sent by inmates, processes unwanted mail requests from inmates and/or individuals, and submits periodic reports of successes and dysfunction within the system.
The family and friends of inmates are encouraged to correspond with inmates. Letters sent to inmates must be addressed using the inmate’s commitment name and TDCJ number and be sent to the Digital Mail Processing Center (DMPC) where it will be digitally scanned and made available on the inmate’s secured wireless device. Unit mailrooms will print electronic communications and deliver the printed copies to inmates who are not in possession of an inmate wireless device. Correspondence, both incoming and outgoing, shall be subject to review and rejection should content be found in violation of Board Policy 03.91 (BP-03.91 Uniform Inmate Correspondence Rules).
Inmate tablets also offer e-messaging at all TDCJ facilities. Inmates having a tablet can send and receive e-messages through the device. Inmates not in possession of a tablet are able to receive in-bound e-messages, which are printed and delivered to the inmate. To set up an account, visit the Securus website.
Inmates may not correspond with minors whose parents or guardians submit written objection, except for an inmate’s children or stepchildren. Direct or indirect contact with a victim is prohibited in accordance with AD-04.82, "Forfeiture of Good Conduct Time for Contacting a Victim Without Authorization”. Individuals who commit serious violations of the correspondence rules may not be allowed to further correspond with an inmate. Individuals may request, in writing, not to receive further correspondence from an inmate. Such requests should be e-mailed to Negativemailrequest@tdcj.texas.gov.
TDCJ facilities will accept the following items addressed to an inmate at his/her unit of assignment:
- Legal, Special, and Media Correspondence
- Publications sent directly from an authorized source; and
- Business Correspondence
Newspapers, magazines, and books may be mailed directly to inmates only by the publisher, publication supplier, or bookstore.
- Family members or friends may call the unit mailroom or contact MSCP to inquire if a book or magazine is approved.
- Inmates may submit an I-60, "Inmate Request," to the unit mailroom or MSCP to inquire if a book or magazine is approved.
Stationery may not be sent to inmates through the mail. Stationery items must be purchased through the unit commissary by the inmate, provided through the indigent correspondence supply program, or purchased by inmate families and friends through the eCommDirect program.
Family and friends of inmates may send a document requiring an inmate’s signature to the inmate in care of the Law Library at the inmate’s current unit of assignment. If content, other than the form and instructions on how to complete the form or where to send the completed form, is enclosed it will be denied. The inmate will be permitted to complete and sign the form in the presence of the Law Librarian and will be provided a copy of the signed form for his/her records.
Contact Information
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Correctional Institutions Division
Tammy Shelby,
Manager II
Mail System Coordinators Panel
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099
Phone: (936) 437-6336