What NOT to Write in a Letter to an Inmate

What NOT to Write in a Letter to an Inmate: 7 Common Mistakes

Writing a letter to a loved one is a great way to show support, but you must remember that privacy does not exist in prison. Every single word you write will likely be read by a mailroom officer before it reaches the inmate.

To ensure your message is delivered and doesn't cause trouble for your loved one, here is a guide on what you should strictly avoid writing.

1. Avoid Discussing Criminal Activity

This might seem obvious, but it’s the number one rule. Never mention:

Details about the inmate’s past or current legal case.
Any plans for illegal activities once they are released.
Admitting to crimes that were never caught. Remember: Your letters can be used as evidence in court or during parole hearings.

2. No Coded Language or Symbols

Prison staff are trained to look for gang signs, hidden codes, or "slang" that sounds suspicious. Even if it's just an inside joke between you and your partner, if the guard can't understand it, they might label it as "coded communication" and reject the letter.

3. Don't Mention Prison Staff by Name

Complaining about a specific guard or mentioning a staff member by name can put the inmate in a very difficult position. Negative comments about the facility or its employees are often flagged as "security threats."

4. No Plans for "Business" or Financial Deals

Inmates are generally prohibited from running businesses from behind bars. Avoid discussing:

Complex financial transactions.
Investment advice or stock trades.
Instructions for others to carry out "work" on the inmate's behalf.

5. Avoid "Too Much" Personal Information

For security reasons, do not include:

Home addresses of other people.
Full social security numbers.
Detailed descriptions of your daily routine (which could be seen as a security risk if the letter falls into the wrong hands).

6. No Sexually Explicit Content

While you want to be intimate with your partner, many facilities have strict "obscenity" rules. Descriptions of sexual acts or overly graphic language can lead to the letter being confiscated or the inmate losing mail privileges.

7. Don't Discuss Escape Plans (Even as a Joke)

Never, under any circumstances, joke about "getting them out" or helping them escape. The mailroom staff has zero sense of humor regarding escapes, and it will result in an immediate lockdown or disciplinary action.

How to Keep Your Letters Safe and Positive

The best letters focus on the future, family updates, and encouragement. Talk about your day, a book you're reading, or a funny thing the kids did.

Using a professional service like Sendinmatemail helps you stay within the lines. Our platform is designed to keep your communication formal, clean, and compliant with standard facility rules.