Indio Jail - Riverside County Inmate Mail

What type of Mail is allowed to be Sent to an Inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County

Inmate Mail Allowed in Indio Jail - Riverside County

Envelopes
The Indio Jail - Riverside County allows only regular envelopes to be mailed to inmates. No postcards or card stock of any type.

Money
US Postal Money Orders can be sent to an inmate by mail. Always put the name and booking number of the inmate on the front of the money order.  Cash or personal checks are not accepted via mail. If cash or personal checks are received at a jail facility, the envelope and its contents are marked "Return to Sender" and sent back.

Envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202


Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Indio Jail - Riverside County allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.

  • Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene.
  • Any book that does not meet the Indio Jail - Riverside County standards will be disposed of.
  • No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
  • Hard cover or leather books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All mail, newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202

What is Inmate mail?

By law, every inmate is entitled to receive mail delivered through the United State Postal Service. While for years, this mail was always delivered in the form of a letter or a postcard from friends and loved ones directly to the inmate, the definition of inmate mail has changed a bit.

Inmate mail can be:

•    A letter in an envelope,
•    A postcard,
•    A greeting card, or
•    A digital letter

Because of security and contraband concerns, mainly the paper and envelope that a letter is written on or enclosed in, being soaked in a liquid form of drugs, many jails are increasingly limiting the type of mail inmates can get.

Some still allow regular mail in an envelope with a stamp, but many now have the letter sent to a third-party that opens the letter, scans it and the envelope into a computer, emails the letter to the jail where they print it out, giving the photocopies to the inmate, or they send it to a computer kiosk or tablet digitally that the inmate can access.

Others only allow postcards, specifically the white, pre-stamped postcards that you can purchase from the post office. 

When greeting cards are allowed, they can’t be cards with glitter, music or other do-dads. They can only be plain paper cards.

Some jails, in fact most, require that mail be written or typed with only black or blue ink. Some allow black pencils to be used.

None allow crayons, markers, lipstick prints, etc. 

All require white envelopes, white paper or lined paper such as from a pad. Very few allow paper that is card stock. It must be plain white, 20-lb. printer paper.

To see the inmate mail policies for Indio Jail - Riverside County check out the inmate mail details above or call the jail at 760-863-8252 for specific information.

What is my inmate’s mailing address?

There are five different types of addresses for every jail:

1.    The physical address of the jail
2.    The mailing address for an inmate’s personal mail
3.    The mailing address for the inmate’s legal mail
4.    The mailing address for the jail’s administrative staff
5.    The mailing address for sending money to the inmate’s trust or commissary fund
       Visit the Inmate Money page for this information

In general, the only three addresses that friends and family of inmates need to be concerned about are:

•    The inmate address for personal mail.
•    The address for sending money orders to the inmate’s commissary account.
      Visit the Inmate Money page for this information.
•    The physical address of the jail.

Because this section is about mailing an inmate, the address for mailing an inmate is:

(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Indio Jail - Riverside County
(also known as the John J. Benoit Detention Center)
82675 St. Hwy. 111
Indio, CA 92201

If the red address is visible, then use that address, as that is the new address the jail is using for an inmate's personal mail to combat contraband entering the facility.

How do I mail a letter to an inmate in jail?

To mail a letter to an inmate in the Indio Jail - Riverside County, first completely read all the mail policies and guidelines that are on this page. Also read any updated mail guidelines that are on the official page for facility. If you still have questions, then call the jail at 760-863-8252 and ask specifics.

It is important to understand that if even one thing is done incorrectly when sending a letter to the jail, even if everything else is done correctly, then your letter will not be delivered to the inmate.  In fact, even though the jail claims they will mail your letter back to you so that you will know it was not delivered, there is always the chance it will be disposed of. 

So here you are at home, wondering why your inmate is not responding to your letter, when in fact, they may not have even received it.

How do I address an inmate?

All mail to the inmate must be addressed as follows:

A full return address, which includes your full name and full address.  Without this the mail will not be delivered to the inmate.

A complete address to the inmate, including:

Full Name (name that they were booked under)
Inmate ID# (booking #, SO #, etc.)
Inmate’s Housing location (if you know it)
Indio Jail - Riverside County
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip code

(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202



A letter that is not addressed completely may not get delivered. Keep in mind that often there is more than one inmate in a jail with the same name. You certainly don’t want the wrong inmate getting your private mail, do you?

If a letter is not delivered to an inmate, will they be notified?

Sometimes. There are some jails that will deliver you a notification that a letter which was intended for you was returned because it was either improperly addressed, did not have return address, contained contraband of some sort, had things written in it that were against mail and jail policies, or were sent by someone you were not allowed contact with such as co-defendant or someone the court had forbidden contact with such as a spouse in a domestic violence case.

Most of the time though, the letter is either returned or destroyed, and if there are illegal substances in the letter, it will be turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff or District Attorney for possible criminal investigation and/or indictment.

What can I send to an inmate by mail?

Generally nothing but a letter, printouts from a computer printer or photographs can be sent to an inmate in the mail. If there is anything else enclosed, the entire letter and the contents will be returned to you or destroyed.

There are a few exceptions to this, such as several county jails in New York, including the infamous Riker’s Island. Riker’s allows all kinds of things to be mailed to an inmate, including a box of items every month.

Can I send pictures to an inmate?

Every jail has their own policy regarding allowing inmates to receive photographs in the mail, if at all. For Indio Jail - Riverside County’s policy, review the information on this page.

In general, most jails allow an inmate to have anywhere from four to six photographs in their possession at any one time. These cannot be polaroids, and the photos cannot be construed as even mildly sexual (such as a woman or child in a bathing suit), gang related, drug related or violent.

Some jails allow only photocopied photos.

Some jails only allow photos that are sent digitally and must remain digital.

There are only a few jails that do not allow any photos of any kind.

If you are still uncertain as the policy regarding photographs at this facility, call them at 760-863-8252.

Can I send newspapers, magazines and books to an inmate in the Indio Jail - Riverside County?

Most jails allow newspapers, magazines and books to be sent to an inmate, if they come directly from the publisher, such as directly from the newspaper or magazine themselves, or from the specific book publisher or trusted mail order source such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

There is often a limit of the quantity of books and magazines an inmate can either receive at one time, receive each month, or have in their possession at any one time. 

Hardcover books, or books with wire spiral binders are never allowed.

Any publications that portray or discuss violence, sex, gang activity, drugs, jail escapes or anything else against jail policies are not allowed and will be returned.

The policy of the Indio Jail - Riverside County should be detailed on this page. However, if it is not, then call the jail at 760-863-8252 and ask.

Keep in mind that the address the publications should be mailed to is not always the mailing address of where the inmate gets their regular mail, the mail that is scanned and forwarded digitally to them.

The mailing address for publications is:

(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Indio Jail - Riverside County
(also known as the John J. Benoit Detention Center)
82675 St. Hwy. 111
Indio, CA 92201

Use the address in red if it is visible to you.

NOTE: There are a few New York jails that allow publications to be sent directly to them as opposed to having it sent through the publisher. One of the most notable exceptions is Riker’s Island in New York City.

How often can I send letters or cards to an inmate?

There is no limit to how often you can send letters or cards to an inmate. You are only limited to the types of letters and cards that you can send, considering Indio Jail - Riverside County’s policies, which are outlined on this page.

How often can the inmate mail letters?

An inmate can mail letters as often as they like.  There is no limit to the number of letters that an inmate can write and send.  They are only limited by the number of stamps they can afford to purchase through commissary, and the amount of commissary spend that the Indio Jail - Riverside County allows.

What is considered contraband in the mail?

Contraband is defined as anything that the jail does not allow to be mailed to an inmate, which is just about everything. The list would fill ten sets of encyclopedias. 

It easier to say what is allowed to be sent through the mail:

•    When allowed, a certain number of photographs.
•    When allowed, newspapers, magazines and books, if they are sent from a publisher.
•    When allowed, a care package of snacks, hygiene products or clothing from a commissary company that has contracted with the jail.

Can I send printouts from my computer to an inmate?

Some jails allow printouts of photographs and information to be sent to an inmate through the mail. Refer to the mail policy on this page or by calling the jail directly at 760-863-8252.

Can I send an inmate a package?

Many jails contract with companies that send food, hygiene products and/or clothing to inmates. These can be purchased and sent by friends and family on a weekly or monthly basis.

You can only send items from the one that your jail has a contract with. 

Check this page, the Money Page or the Commissary Page for further information, or call the jail at 760-863-8252 to see which one that the Indio Jail - Riverside County works with.

Here are the commissary package companies, in alphabetical order, that provide this service to jails in the United States:

Access Securepak
Care A Cell
Commissary order
Correct Pay
Express Account
icare
Inmate Canteen
Jail ATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
My Care Pack
Oasis (jailcanteen)
Prodigy Solutions
Tiger
Union Supply Direct

Can I send an inmate a gift?

The only gifts you can send an inmate must come from one of the stores above, and Indio Jail - Riverside County must contract with them.

If I send something to an inmate that is not allowed, can the inmate or I get in trouble?

If the item that you send an inmate is illegal, then you and/or your inmate can get in trouble, otherwise if it is not illegal, it will just be destroyed or in some cases, returned to you.

Note that if you continue to send items that are considered contraband, some of your communication privileges with your inmate, such as visitation or phone calls, may be suspended.

Can I send an inmate postage stamps?

No, you cannot send postage stamps. Stamps must be purchased by the inmate through commissary. You can send them the money for stamps, but not the stamps.

How can an inmate get stamps while in jail or prison?

Stamps can be purchased in the jail commissary be the inmate.

If an inmate has no money, will the Indio Jail - Riverside County give them stamps?

Yes. If an inmate is indigent, the jail will provide them 2-3 stamps, and an equal amount of envelopes and stationery each week. 

What happens if I send the inmate drugs or something that can be a weapon, will I get in trouble?

Yes. If you send the inmate drugs, a weapon or anything illegal, it will be turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff or District Attorney and it is most likely that you will be prosecuted. 

Mail Policy - Mail Not Allowed in the Indio Jail - Riverside County

INMATE MAIL NOT ALLOWED IN Indio Jail - Riverside County

If you mail your inmate anything other than a letter it won't get through. You can send newspapers, magazines and softcover books, but it must come directly from the publisher or the bookseller.


In addition, all inmate mail must have:

  • Sender's complete name and return address (no nicknames). No stick-on return address labels.
  • Inmate's complete first and last name that the jail has them booked under.
  • The inmate's complete and correct booking number.
  • Mail with no return address will be placed in the inmate's property

Examples of prohibited items include:

  • Any mail that is dirty or stained
  • Care packages
  • Greeting cards
  • Flowers
  • Candy, Food, any perishables
  • Postcards
  • Pamphlets
  • Business cards
  • Mail written in crayon, paint, colored pencil, gel ink, marker, felt tip or highlighter (colored copies from a copier are okay)
  • Mail with lipstick imprinted on it
  • Items containing glue or white-out
  • Blank stationery, envelopes, Post-it Notes
  • Colored paper (standard, white, 1-ply paper only, no legal size)
  • Craft materials, glitter, paper clips
  • Parchment or stock paper
  • Plastic, metal, ribbons, staple or tape of any kind
  • Cash or personal checks (U.S. Postal money orders ONLY ARE accepted)
  • 10 PHOTOS MAXIMUM per envelope, no larger than 4 by 6 inches, ARE ALLOWED
    The pictures may not contain violence, nudity, sexual acts, or gang-related activities including hand signs.
  • Odor-causing substances like perfume or cologne that permeate the mail
  • Polaroids
  • Phone cards
  • Postage stamps (loose or in a book)
  • Hardback or leather-bound books (BRAND NEW PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE ALLOWED)
  • Torn-out book, magazine or newspaper clippings or pages
  • Stickers, labels, or anything with adhesive
  • Stick-on return address labels
  • USED books, magazines or periodicals. (not allowed)

Important Mail Tips

  • Mail is always scanned and inspected for contraband, obscenity and other rule infractions.
  • Assume that everything you write will be read by jail staff and can and will be used against you or your inmate in court.  
  • Never write anything about the inmate's court case you wouldn't want read aloud in court.
  • Mail is considered by the jail to be a privilege. Any violations of the mail policies can result in the inmate's mail privileges being suspended.
  • The introduction of contraband by you into the jail through the mail could result in criminal charges being filed against both you and the inmate.

How to visit an inmate in Riverside County California using Video Visitation or visiting an inmate at the jail

To visit an inmate in Riverside County follow these steps:

  • In addition to visiting inmates at the jail, Indio Jail - Riverside County uses a video visitation service called iWebVisit.com.
  • In order to visit with your inmate online or at the Riverside County Jail Video Kiosk, you must first register with iWebVisit.
  • Registering is free.
  • Next, select “Choose A Facility” and then select Indio Jail - Riverside County. This will become your “Default” facility each time you log in.
  • Next, Click “Schedule a Visit” and enter your inmate's name and inmate number.
  • Select either “Visit Now” or “Schedule Visit Later” and choose an available date and time.
  • After your visit payment is processed, you may begin visiting your inmate in Riverside County at your scheduled time. 

Who do you contact if you are having any problems arranging the remote video visit of an inmate in Riverside County?
Call iWebVisit support at 775-434-8748. They are available 7 Days a week (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST)

For full instructions on all the benefits of using IC Solutions to visit a Riverside County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page. 


 

How to Deposit Money in a Indio Jail - Riverside County Inmate's Account

There are four ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Riverside County Corrections system:

  • Mailing a payment - US Postal Money Order only.
  • Cash or Credit Card Deposit by Kiosk in Jail Facility Lobbies.
  • Online Deposits Using Access Corrections.
  • Deposit by Phone Using Access Corrections - Call 866-345-1884 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1.  Mailing a Payment - $200 maximum
Sending an inmate a US Postal Money Order by mail... and ONLY US Postal Money Orders.

Mailing Address:
(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202

2.  Dropping off a payment - Depositing $200 maximum in the Jail Lobby Kiosk
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Indio Jail - Riverside County kiosk will only accept:

  • Cash (nothing smaller than $5 bill)
  • Visa, Mastercard

Locations to drop off inmate money:

Blythe Jail - 7 Days a week 8:00AM to 11:00PM.
Indio Jail - Monday - Friday - 8:00AM to 9:00PM.
Presley - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Smith - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cois Bird - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Online Deposit Using Access Corrections - Visa, Mastercard only.

4. Deposit over the phone using Access Corrections by calling 866-345-1884 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get full and complete information on the four methods of depositing money for an inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County, sending them commissary, how much you can send, how much they can spend, and more, check out our Inmate Money page.


 

How, What and Where can you Mail Something to an Inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County?

Envelopes
The Indio Jail - Riverside County allows regular envelopes to be mailed to inmates. You can send up to 10 photos at a time. There are a large number of restictions that are oulined on the Inmate Mail page. Read all these restrictions completely or it is likely your inmate will never receive your letter.

Envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202


Newspapers, Magazines & Books
Local or national newspapers, news, special interest or sports magazines, and soft cover books may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the publisher or a third party service such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
(Inmate Name & Booking Number)
Indio Jail
P.O. Box 1748
Indio, CA 92202

For complete mail policies of what is allowed and what is NOT allowed, pertaining to inmate mail, newspapers, magazines, books or anything else mailed or shipped to an inmate, check out out Inmate Mail Page. 


 

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Indio Jail - Riverside County

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Riverside County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Riverside County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


 

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Riverside County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select California, then select Indio Jail - Riverside County, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Indio Jail - Riverside County.


 

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Riverside County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County follow these steps:

  • Select California, then select Indio Jail - Riverside County, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Riverside County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Riverside County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Indio Jail - Riverside County check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Riverside County.


 

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