Sheriff's Department Changes Mail Policy for Inmates

Inmates at the county's seven jails will soon only be able to receive post cards and electronic mail, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday.

Beginning Sept. 1, incoming letters will not be accepted and will be returned to senders. The only form of acceptable mail will be postcards and emails. The goal of the new policy is to promote safety by limiting contraband such as drugs and weapons from being smuggled into jails via envelopes.

Postcards must be rectangular, at least 31⁄2 inches high x 5 inches long but no larger than 41⁄4 inches high and 6 inches long.

However, exceptions will be made for mail sent by attorneys, courts and other law enforcement agencies.

For more information, visit http://www.sdsheriff.net/jailinfo/mail.html