Sending a care package to a loved one incarcerated within the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) is a meaningful way to provide support and improve their quality of life. However, the process is strictly regulated to ensure the safety and security of both the staff and the inmate population. You cannot simply pack a box at home and mail it to a prison facility. Instead, you must use specific approved programs and vendors authorized by the state of Alabama.
Understanding the rules and procedures of the Alabama Package Program is essential to ensure your gift actually reaches its destination. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to navigate the system, what items are allowed, and how to avoid common mistakes that could lead to a package being rejected.
Understanding the Alabama Package Program
The Alabama Department of Corrections utilizes a specialized system known as the Alabama Package Program. This program allows family and friends to purchase pre-approved items from a third-party vendor. These vendors handle the packaging and shipping directly to the correctional facility, ensuring that every item meets the strict security standards required by the state.
These packages are separate from the standard commissary. While inmates can buy items themselves using funds in their trust accounts, the package program allows external supporters to pay for larger quantities of food, hygiene products, and even electronics that might not be available on a daily basis. Most facilities operate on a quarterly schedule, meaning there are specific windows of time throughout the year when packages can be ordered and delivered.
Step 1: Locate the Inmate Information
Before you can place an order, you must have accurate information regarding the recipient. The Alabama Department of Corrections requires two primary pieces of information for every transaction: the inmate’s full legal name and their AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number. Using the wrong number or a nickname can result in the order being canceled or the package being returned.
How to Find an AIS Number
If you do not have the inmate’s AIS number, you can find it using the ADOC Inmate Search tool available on the official Alabama Department of Corrections website. You will need to enter the inmate’s first and last name. The search results will provide their current location, their AIS number, and their current custody status. It is a good idea to double-check this information every time you order, as inmates are frequently transferred between different facilities within the state.
Step 2: Verify Inmate Eligibility
Not every inmate in the Alabama prison system is eligible to receive care packages. Eligibility is often determined by the inmate’s custody level and their disciplinary record. For example, individuals currently in restrictive housing or those who have lost privileges due to disciplinary infractions may be barred from receiving packages for a set period.
Additionally, the “Quarterly” nature of the program means there are limits on how many packages an inmate can receive. Generally, an inmate is allowed one package per quarter (January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December). If another family member has already sent a package during the current quarter, your order may be rejected by the system.
Step 3: Use the Approved Vendor
The state of Alabama currently contracts with specific vendors to manage the package program. The most common vendor used for ADOC facilities is Access Securepak. This company provides a dedicated website specifically for the Alabama Package Program where you can browse a catalog of allowed items.
Using the official vendor website is the only way to guarantee that the items you purchase are compliant with Alabama’s prison regulations. These items are packaged in a way that prevents contraband from entering the facility and uses clear packaging where necessary for easy inspection by correctional officers.
What Items Can You Send?
The catalog provided by the approved vendor is extensive, but it is limited to items that have been vetted for safety. The available items generally fall into three main categories: food and snacks, personal hygiene, and apparel.
Food and Snacks
Food is the most popular category for care packages. You can typically find items such as:
- Premium coffee and creamers
- Dried meats like beef jerky and summer sausage
- Assorted candies and chocolates
- Ramen noodles and dehydrated soups
- Crackers, chips, and cookies
Hygiene and Personal Care
While the prison provides basic necessities, care packages allow inmates access to name-brand hygiene products. This often includes:
- Specialized soaps and body washes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant (alcohol-free)
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Lotions and skin care products
Apparel and Electronics
Depending on the specific facility’s rules, you may be able to send certain clothing items like socks, undergarments, or thermal wear. In some cases, electronic items such as digital radios or headphones are also available. These items must always be purchased through the vendor to ensure they meet the “clear electronics” policy, which allows guards to see the internal components of the device.
Weight and Dollar Limits
Every order is subject to strict limitations regarding its total value and weight. While these limits can change based on updated ADOC policies, common restrictions include:
- Value Limit: There is usually a maximum dollar amount (e.g., $150 or $200) that can be spent per inmate, per quarter. This total often includes the cost of the items but excludes shipping and taxes.
- Weight Limit: Packages are often restricted to a maximum weight, typically around 30 pounds. If your cart exceeds this weight, the website will usually prevent you from checking out until items are removed.
How to Place Your Order
Once you have the inmate’s AIS number and have confirmed they are eligible, you can follow these steps to complete your order:
- Visit the Vendor Website: Navigate to the official Alabama-specific portal for the approved vendor.
- Create an Account: You will likely need to create a user account with your email address and contact information.
- Select the Inmate: Enter the AIS number. The system should automatically populate the inmate’s name and their current facility.
- Shop the Catalog: Add items to your cart while keeping an eye on the weight and price totals.
- Check Out: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or a pre-paid card. Ensure your billing address matches the card’s records to avoid processing delays.
Tracking and Delivery
After the order is placed, the vendor will process and ship the package. You will typically receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. It is important to note that “delivered” in the context of a prison package means it has arrived at the facility’s mailroom, not necessarily that it has been handed to the inmate.
Upon arrival, correctional staff must inspect the package. This process can take several days depending on the volume of mail the facility is handling. Inmates are usually notified when they have a package waiting for them and are required to sign for it upon receipt.
Common Reasons for Package Rejection
To ensure your package is successful, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Exceeding Limits: Trying to send a second package in the same quarter.
- Incorrect AIS Number: Even a one-digit mistake can cause the package to be undeliverable.
- Inmate Transfer: If an inmate is moved to a different facility while the package is in transit, there may be a delay as the package is rerouted.
- Disciplinary Status: If an inmate loses their privileges after you place the order but before it is delivered, the facility may hold or return the package.
Conclusion
Sending a care package to an inmate in Alabama is a straightforward process as long as you adhere to the rules of the Alabama Package Program. By using the approved vendor and staying within the quarterly limits, you can provide your loved one with comforts and necessities that make their time easier to manage. Always verify the inmate’s current location and AIS number before ordering to ensure a smooth delivery process. For more information on supporting incarcerated individuals, you may want to explore our guides on inmate phone services and how to send money to prison trust accounts.