We know inmates’ ability to get mail in the Ada County Jail is a powerful way to connect them with outside world — and get family/friend support when they may need it the most.
We also know people are getting more and more sophisticated as they attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into a secure facility like the jail. Mail is a way to do that.
So beginning April 3, all mail sent to the Ada County Jail will go to an offsite location and electronically scanned.
Inmates will then get a digital copy of their mail, sent through their Viapath Technology account, which they will be able to read on the tablets and video kiosks in their housing area.
All incoming mail, with the exception of authorized legal mail and books and magazines from approved sources, needs to be addressed and sent to:
PO Box 247, Phoenix, Maryland (MD), 21131
People who send mail to the jail should send it to that address by the end of March.
We don’t do this lightly. Illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, are becoming more of a security risk because very small amounts can be so potent – and deadly.
Currently, all mail sent into the jail is opened, inspected, and scanned for drugs before it goes into the facility.
Since 2021, our employees have intercepted illegal drugs or Suboxone strips in the mail 28 times. (Suboxone is A drug designed to help addicts deal with withdrawal symptoms that can be used as a drug of abuse in a secure setting like jail).
Having inmates’ mail scanned and uploaded offsite will also reduce exposure risk to jail employees, who may have to open and inspect over 100 pieces of mail every day.
Our employees will still have to open and scan all legal mail sent to inmates.
The safety of inmates and our employees is our top priority. The new mail system meets that while preserving our inmate’s ability to get mail.