What Can You Take to Jail? A Guide for Inmates and Families
When someone is preparing to serve time in jail, one of the most common concerns is: What can you take to jail? While each correctional facility has its own rules, there are general guidelines about the items inmates are allowed to bring with them. Knowing what can and cannot be taken to jail is important for the person going in as well as for family members who want to support them.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what you can typically take to jail, how items are processed when entering the facility, and the types of things that might be provided while incarcerated. We will also answer some common questions related to this topic to help you better understand the process.
What Can You Take to Jail: The Basics
When heading to jail, it’s important to understand that personal belongings are heavily restricted. Jail policies are designed to prioritize safety and security for both inmates and staff. Many of the items you bring will either be stored in a secure area for you or returned to your family. Here are some of the basic things inmates may be allowed to bring to jail:
Identification Documents: It’s crucial to bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. These documents are used to verify the identity of the inmate and are usually stored by the jail.
Prescribed Medications: If you are on any prescription medications, you can bring them to jail, but the process is strict. The jail’s medical staff will verify the prescriptions, and then your medications will either be provided to you or replaced with equivalent medication supplied by the facility.
Eyeglasses or Contacts: You are usually allowed to bring prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. These are considered necessary medical items.
Cash: It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you. The money will be deposited into your inmate account, which you can use to purchase items from the commissary, such as hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items.
Legal Papers: You can take legal documents that pertain to your case. These will be reviewed, and as long as they are deemed necessary, you may be allowed to keep them.
Items Not Allowed in Jail
While there are a few personal items you can take to jail, the majority of your belongings will be confiscated. Some items are not allowed under any circumstances, including:
Weapons: Knives, firearms, or any type of object that could be used as a weapon is strictly prohibited.
Drugs: Bringing illegal substances or non-prescribed medication is a serious offense. If found, you could face additional charges.
Cell Phones: Electronic devices, especially those with communication capabilities, are not allowed. Communication between inmates and the outside world is carefully monitored, and unauthorized devices are considered a major security risk.
Jewelry: Aside from possibly a wedding band, you are generally not allowed to bring jewelry into the facility.
Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, vapes, and any other tobacco products are prohibited in most jails. Some facilities have strictly enforced no-smoking policies.
What Happens to Your Personal Items?
Upon entering jail, any personal items you bring will go through a processing system. Most of your belongings will be taken, logged, and stored securely by jail staff. Inmates often have the option to have these items returned to a family member or kept in storage for the duration of their sentence.
Here is what happens to some of the most common personal belongings during jail intake:
Clothes: When you enter jail, you will be required to change into the jail-issued uniform. The clothes you wore to the facility will be taken and stored, or you may arrange for them to be sent home.
Personal Hygiene Products: Most jails provide basic hygiene products like soap, toothbrushes, and toilet paper. If you brought any with you, they will be taken. However, you can buy extra items at the commissary with funds from your inmate account.
Electronics: As mentioned, cell phones, tablets, and laptops are not allowed in jail, and these will be taken during processing.
Jewelry and Accessories: Wedding rings and religious items may be exceptions, but other jewelry will be confiscated.
Cash and Valuables: Your cash will be deposited into your inmate trust account. This account is used to purchase commissary items or pay for phone calls. Other valuables like watches or credit cards will be stored or sent home.
What Can You Buy at the Jail Commissary?
Once in jail, there is a limited selection of items you can purchase through the jail’s commissary. This is a store inside the facility that allows inmates to buy goods with money from their trust account. While every jail offers a slightly different selection, some common items include:
Personal Hygiene Items: Inmates can often buy extra shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
Snacks and Beverages: Chips, candy bars, coffee, and soft drinks are typical options available in the commissary.
Writing Supplies: Envelopes, stamps, and notepads are often available for inmates to send letters to loved ones or their legal team.
Basic Clothing: Additional socks, underwear, and t-shirts may be sold, as the items issued by the jail may be minimal.
The commissary helps inmates feel a sense of autonomy, allowing them to purchase small comforts to improve their experience while incarcerated.
What Can Family Members Send to Jail?
Family and friends often want to support their loved ones by sending them items while they are incarcerated. However, jail policies are strict when it comes to outside packages. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Letters and Photos: Inmates are typically allowed to receive letters and printed photos. These items are opened and inspected by jail staff before being delivered to the inmate. Most facilities do not allow Polaroids or photos larger than a standard size.
Books and Magazines: Many jails allow inmates to receive books or magazines, but these must be sent directly from an approved vendor, such as Amazon or a publisher. The content is reviewed to ensure that it does not contain any prohibited materials.
Money: Family members can usually deposit money into the inmate’s trust account, either online, by phone, or through a kiosk at the jail. This money can be used by the inmate to buy commissary items or pay for phone calls.
Clothing for Court: Some facilities allow family members to bring specific clothing items for court appearances. This is limited to professional attire, such as suits or dresses, and must be pre-approved by jail staff.
Greeting Cards: Depending on the jail’s regulations, simple greeting cards may be allowed. Cards with electronic components or those that are heavily decorated may be rejected.
Preparing for Jail: What to Do Beforehand
Before going to jail, there are several steps you can take to make the process smoother and ensure that you comply with the facility’s rules. Here are some things to consider:
Contact the Jail: Each facility has its own rules about what you can bring and what the intake process looks like. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check the jail’s website to ensure you are familiar with their policies.
Make Financial Arrangements: Jail life can be expensive. Items from the commissary, phone calls, and even medical care often come with a cost. It’s important to make financial arrangements with family or have money in your inmate account to cover these expenses.
Update Legal and Personal Documents: If you have power of attorney or other legal documents, ensure they are in order before going to jail. You may also want to update your will, notify employers, or make housing arrangements, depending on the length of your sentence.
Prepare Your Family: If you are going to be incarcerated for an extended period, talk to your family about how to manage household finances, care for dependents, and handle other important matters while you are away.
Plan for Healthcare: If you have medical needs, ensure that your prescriptions and medical records are in order. Inform the jail’s medical team about any special requirements you have, such as dietary restrictions or chronic conditions.
FAQs: What Can You Take to Jail?
1. Can I bring my prescription medications to jail? Yes, you can bring prescribed medications to jail, but the jail’s medical team will verify and often take control of dispensing them. Always have the prescription and necessary documentation.
2. Are there restrictions on clothing when entering jail? Yes, your clothes will be taken during intake, and you will be provided with jail-issued uniforms. You may only be able to keep certain items, like prescription eyeglasses or religious attire, depending on the facility.
3. Can family members send me money while I’m in jail? Yes, most jails allow family members to deposit money into your inmate trust account. This can be done online, by phone, or at a kiosk located at the jail.
4. What types of mail can I receive in jail? You can generally receive letters, printed photos, and some books or magazines sent directly from approved vendors. All mail will be opened and inspected by jail staff for security purposes.
5. What happens to my personal belongings when I go to jail? Most of your belongings will be stored by the jail and returned to you upon your release. You may also have the option to send them home with family or friends.