OAR 416-440-0020
Offender Mail
(1)
The OYA realizes it is important for offenders in its custody to maintain ties with the community through written correspondence with community members, family, and friends. Within the administration of its facilities and programs, the OYA seeks to balance the positive effects of community contact with the responsibilities and values of the agency’s mission.(2)
All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection.(3)
An offender’s right to send and receive mail will be protected unless the correspondence threatens the preservation of order, security, or discipline of a facility/program; poses a threat to the safety of the program, public officials, or the general public; is being used to further illegal activities; or at the court’s direction.(4)
Offender correspondence is designated official or personal.(5)
The OYA will provide the equivalent of three stamps per week for offenders who have no financial resources to maintain ties to the community, including letters to family, friends, or other persons who are involved in the offender’s life. Otherwise, no limits will be placed on the amount of business or personal correspondence an offender sends or receives.(6)
Personal mail may be inspected for contraband. Official mail will remain sealed but may be opened and inspected for contraband in the presence of the offender. Contraband items will be removed and documented. Appropriate contents will be delivered to the offender or recipient.(7)
All mail will:(a)
Be placed in an envelope or appropriate packaging acceptable by the official mail carrier;(b)
Include a sending and return address on the envelope or package;(c)
Contain appropriate postage;(d)
Be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or other official mail carriers, such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service, or the state shuttle.(A)
Official correspondence may be sent using U.S. postage and official carrier, or without postage using the facility’s internal delivery system or state shuttle mail system, depending upon the intended recipient.(B)
Personal correspondence must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or other official mail carrier. It is not appropriate to use the state shuttle mail system to send personal correspondence.
Source:
Rule 416-440-0020 — Offender Mail, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=416-440-0020.