The Department of Corrections (DOC) has established procedures governing incoming and outgoing packages for incarcerated individuals per WAC 137-48 Mail and Communications for Individuals in Prison. The purpose of the WAC rules is to maintain the safety, security, and discipline of adult prison facilities to prevent the transmission of illegal items or contraband into or out of an institution. The rules do not apply to reentry centers.
Newly admitted incarcerated individuals do not receive packages while assigned to the Reception Centers at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) and Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) with the exception of replacement earbuds w/microphone for issued tablets through the Union Supply restricted housing program.
Package Contents
Packages are wrapped or boxed objects, a parcel or bundle containing one or more objects, and/or a container in which something is packed for storage or transport or mailing (WAC 137-48-20(9) ).
Package contents must comply with DOC Policy 440.000 Personal Property in Prisons. The following matrixes identify the type, and amount of personal property authorized for incarcerated individual retention at the different housing security levels. Exceptions require Assistant Secretary of Prisons approval.
Please note that books are NOT considered property. Books are considered publications and are authorized as long as they arrive directly from any publishing company. See the Send Publications page for information about sending books to incarcerated individuals.
Review Unauthorized Mail (Attachment 1) to ensure the contents of your package will not be rejected.
Sending Packages
In addition to the DOC Policy 450.120 Packages in Prisons, all packages must comply with DOC Policy 450.100 Mail for Individuals in Prison. Except for CI food/hygiene packages, an individual may receive no more than 2 packages per month, with a combined total of up to 12 property or prepaid vendor packages per year. All property and food/hygiene packages must be ordered through Union Supply Direct. All other outside vendor packages must be purchased though a department approved vendor.
Monthly Property Packages
General property and religious items can be purchased once every calendar month. Use the Union Supply web site Property Program Catalog to order all allowable property and religious items. Phone and mail in ordering options are also available.
Bi-Monthly Food/Hygiene Packages
One food/hygiene package can be purchased during each of the six ordering periods per year. Ordering periods start at the beginning of even months and close at the end of odd months. Use the Union Supply web site Union Supply Direct to place orders. Phone and mail in ordering options are also available.
Ordering Schedule
- 1 Order – February through March
- 1 Order – April through May
- 1 Order – June through July
- 1 Order – August through September
- 1 Order – October through November
- 1 Order – December through January
Package Delivery
Package delivery time varies due to multiple factors. This includes the day order was placed in relation to production, shipping schedules/limitations, facility distribution schedules, holidays, product availability, current housing eligibility, facility transfers, and disciplinary sanctions. Every attempt is made to expedite the packaging, shipping, and distribution of packages. Orders are typically delivered to individuals within 2 to 4 weeks after the order is placed.
* If an individual is transferred while the package order is in transit, the package will be rerouted to the individual’s new facility.
Vendor Resources & Information
See the following Union Supply Direct resources for more information about their services: