Sending a care package to a loved one in a Wisconsin correctional facility is a meaningful way to provide support and comfort. However, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has very specific rules regarding what can be sent, who can send it, and which vendors must be used. Navigating these regulations is essential to ensure your package is accepted and delivered to the intended recipient.
To successfully send property or food items, you must use authorized vendors and adhere to the state’s strict property limits. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the Wisconsin inmate package program, including approved vendors, item restrictions, and how to place an order correctly.
Understanding the Wisconsin Inmate Package System
The Wisconsin DOC does not allow family members or friends to mail packages directly from their homes or from general retailers like Amazon or Walmart. All items must be purchased through state-approved vendors who specialize in correctional facility supplies. These vendors ensure that all products meet safety standards and do not contain prohibited materials.
The system is generally divided into two main categories: property packages and food (sundry) packages. Property packages typically include items like clothing, electronics, and hygiene products, while food packages contain snacks, coffee, and shelf-stable meals. Each facility may have slightly different schedules for when these packages can be received, so it is always wise to verify the specific window of time for your loved one’s institution.
Authorized Vendors for Wisconsin Facilities
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections contracts with specific companies to handle all inmate packages. Using any other source will result in the package being rejected and returned at your expense. The most common authorized vendors include:
JL Marcus
JL Marcus is a primary vendor for the Wisconsin DOC property program. They provide a wide range of approved items, including specialized electronics like clear-cased televisions and radios, as well as state-compliant clothing and footwear. Their catalogs are specifically designed to align with Wisconsin’s allowable property lists.
Union Supply Direct
Union Supply Direct is frequently used for both food and property packages. They offer a variety of “sundry” items, which include snacks, beverages, and personal care products. They often provide seasonal catalogs that allow families to send special gift packages during the holidays.
Access Securepak
Access Securepak is another major provider that works with the Wisconsin DOC. They are often the go-to choice for quarterly food package programs. Their website allows you to search specifically by the state and the facility to ensure you are viewing only the items allowed for that specific location.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Package
Following a specific process will help you avoid common mistakes that lead to rejected shipments. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth delivery.
1. Verify Inmate Information
Before looking at catalogs, you must have the inmate’s full legal name and their DOC number. You also need to confirm their current location. Inmates are frequently moved between facilities, and a package sent to the wrong institution will not be forwarded; it will be denied.
2. Check the Allowable Property List
Each security level (Minimum, Medium, and Maximum) has a different “Allowable Property Chart.” For example, an inmate in a minimum-security facility may be allowed to have more personal clothing items than someone in maximum security. Check the DOC website or contact the facility’s property department to see what the recipient is currently eligible to receive.
3. Select Your Items Carefully
When browsing an authorized vendor’s website, stay within the quantity and weight limits. Wisconsin often limits the total weight of a food package (for example, 30 pounds) or the total dollar value of a property package. If you exceed these limits, the facility may force the inmate to choose which items to keep and which to discard or send back.
4. Place the Order
You can usually place orders online, over the phone, or via mail-in order forms found in the vendor catalogs. When paying, ensure your billing information is correct, but the shipping address must be the facility’s address with the inmate’s name and DOC number clearly labeled.
Common Rules and Restrictions
To maintain security, the Wisconsin DOC has strict prohibitions on certain types of items. Understanding these can save you money and frustration.
- No Third-Party Shipping: Never try to send a package yourself through USPS, UPS, or FedEx. It will be refused immediately.
- No Prohibited Ingredients: For food packages, items containing poppy seeds or alcohol-based ingredients are strictly forbidden.
- Clothing Requirements: Most facilities require clothing to be in specific colors (such as gray, white, or blue) and free of hoods, pockets, or certain logos.
- Electronic Specifications: Electronics must have clear plastic casings so that staff can inspect the internal components for contraband.
Quarterly and Holiday Package Programs
In Wisconsin, packages are often restricted to specific times of the year. Many facilities operate on a “quarterly” system, meaning an inmate can only receive one major property package every three months. Additionally, the state often opens a “Holiday Package Program” between October and December, allowing for larger food orders or special gift items that are not available during the rest of the year.
It is important to track these deadlines. If you miss the cutoff date for a quarterly order, you will have to wait until the next period opens. Vendors usually post these deadlines clearly on their Wisconsin-specific landing pages.
What Happens if a Package is Rejected?
If an item in your package violates a rule, the entire package might be rejected, or the specific item may be removed. If an item is removed, the inmate is usually given the option to have it destroyed or to pay for it to be mailed back to the sender. To avoid this, always double-check the facility’s current “Inmate Property Memo,” which is updated periodically to reflect new security concerns.
Final Tips for a Successful Delivery
Staying connected through care packages is a vital part of maintaining relationships during incarceration. To make the process as easy as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep Receipts: Always save your order confirmation number and receipt until you have confirmed the inmate has received the package.
- Monitor Account Balances: If the inmate is purchasing the package themselves using funds you sent them, ensure they have enough in their account to cover both the items and the shipping fees.
- Be Patient: Packages can take several weeks to be processed by the vendor and then screened by the facility’s property room staff.
By following the official Wisconsin DOC guidelines and using the approved vendors like JL Marcus or Union Supply, you can provide your loved one with the essentials and comforts they need. For more information on navigating legal systems or supporting those in correctional facilities, explore our other helpful articles on inmate services and family support.