The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is implementing a new rule for mail sent to inmates to prevent contraband from entering the prisons.
The new policy requires that all confidential and legal mail be delivered to inmates as photocopies and that the originals be shredded, according to a release from MDOC.
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“Illicit drugs have fundamentally changed over recent years to include synthetic sprays and strips which are easily added to paper and concealed in mail,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “These drugs pose a great risk to our staff and those living in our facilities; this is a commonsense policy that will reduce the chance of sickness and death by those who come in contact with these substances.”
Why MDOC is implementing this new policy
Several years ago, the department started delivering inmates’ mail as photocopies, which reduced drugs being introduced into facilities via adulterated paper, sticker and other items.
After that was implemented, some people started using “fake confidential handling mail,” which is typically used by attorneys and organizations, to continue getting drugs into the prisons.
Now, the new policy will crack down on these illegal efforts by ensuring no original mail is given to the recipients.
Last year, MDOC began using TextBehind DOCS technology to verify the source of confidential and legal mail. The system offers a dependable and free way to confirm the sender’s identity. Despite this, drugs are still being smuggled into prisons through the mail.
“Despite implementing technologies to better verify legal mail senders, we continue to see incidents where this mail is used as an avenue to introduce these dangerous substances to the population. This will add another safeguard to that process,” said State Rep. Bradley Slagh.
How the new mail policy will work
With the new policy, legal and confidential mail will be opened and then photocopied in its entirety. Then, the copies will be directly handed to the recipients.
“The original mail will be immediately shredded in front of the recipient and then disposed of in a secure location by MDOC staff,” according to the release.
When does the new policy go into effect?
This new mail policy will start being implemented on Jan. 5, 2026.
For more information, visit here.
Sending drugs to MDOC facilities is a felony, and the department pursues legal action in every instance, according to the release.
Anyone who sends mail is responsible for everything that’s included in the mail. Officials say people should not send any items to a prison on behalf of someone else.