In a continuous battle to prevent contraband from getting into DOCCS’ correctional facilities and maintaining security and safety for both staff and the incarcerated population, the Department is revising its policy concerning packages and articles received through facility package rooms.

Upon complete implementation, packages and articles will only be allowed to be received directly from vendors via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc. Packages will no longer be allowed to be brought to the facility during visits or mailed directly to the facility from family or friends. Department Directive #4911 – Packages & Articles Sent to Facilities – is in the process of being updated. A draft of the updated document is available here.

The pilot package program will begin in the Wende Hub, including Albion, Attica, Collins, Groveland, Lakeview, Orleans, Wende and Wyoming Correctional Facilities.

The recommendation for this initiative was a direct result of the work of the Prison Violence Task Force, which was created last year and includes broad representation across the workforce spectrum. Input was also solicited from several Incarcerated Individual Liaison Committees, while several advocacy organizations were also consulted on the initiative.