Inmate Mail, Publications and Audio/Video Policy 409.05 (Vermont DOC)

Vermont DOC directive 409.05 is the statewide policy on inmate mail and publications. It states the department's policy of permitting inmates to correspond with family, friends, officials and other community contacts, and sets no limit on the amount of incoming mail an inmate may receive provided it stays within the property limits in directive 321.01. Facilities will not accept mail with postage due, and stamps and sticker-type seals are removed from envelopes before delivery. Except for inmate-to-inmate mail, incoming and outgoing mail is not read unless there is reasonable suspicion it threatens the safety and security of the facility, staff, inmates or the public, and privileged correspondence is opened in the inmate's presence. The directive defines an indigent inmate as one whose account balances were $10 or less throughout the 30 days before requesting writing materials or postage, and includes mail rejection and publication disapproval forms. Note the stated effective date is December 6, 2010.