Sending a care package to a loved one in a West Virginia correctional facility is one of the most effective ways to offer support and maintain a connection. These packages, often containing snacks, hygiene products, and clothing, provide a sense of comfort and normalcy for those serving time. However, the process is highly regulated to ensure the safety and security of the facility, staff, and inmates.
In West Virginia, you cannot simply box up items from home and mail them to a prison. All care packages must be processed through an approved third-party vendor. This guide will walk you through the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDOCR) package program, explaining how to select items, follow the rules, and ensure your delivery reaches your loved one without delay.
Understanding the West Virginia Package Program
The West Virginia Package Program is a specialized service designed to allow family and friends to send pre-approved items to inmates. Because correctional facilities have strict security protocols, they do not allow outside packages from individuals or general retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Instead, they partner with specific vendors who understand the security requirements of the state.
These programs are typically organized into “Quarterly Packages.” This means that inmates are usually eligible to receive a package once every three months. It is important to check the specific schedule for the facility where your loved one is located, as ordering windows can change based on the time of year or the inmate’s current security level.
Identifying the Approved Vendor
For the state of West Virginia, the primary authorized vendor is Access Securepak. They manage the West Virginia Package Program specifically for the WVDOCR. Using an unauthorized vendor will result in the package being rejected and returned at your expense, or even destroyed in some cases.
Access Securepak provides a comprehensive catalog of items that have already been vetted and approved by West Virginia prison officials. When you order through their website or catalog, you can be confident that the items inside are permitted within the facility walls. This eliminates the guesswork and reduces the risk of your loved one missing out on their delivery.
Information You Need Before Ordering
Before you start shopping, you must have specific information about the inmate. Providing incorrect information is the most common reason for package delivery failures. Make sure you have the following details ready:
- Full Legal Name: Use the name exactly as it appears in the Department of Corrections records.
- Inmate OID Number: This is the unique Offender ID number assigned to the individual.
- Facility Name: You must know exactly which prison or jail they are currently housed in.
- Current Housing Unit: While not always required, knowing the specific unit or block can help speed up the internal distribution process.
If you are unsure of the OID number or the current location, you can use the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s online offender search tool. This database is updated regularly and will provide the exact information needed for your order.
How to Place an Order
Once you have the necessary information and have confirmed that the ordering window is open, you can place your order through one of three primary methods. Choose the one that is most convenient for you.
Online Ordering
The fastest and most reliable method is to use the vendor’s website. You can create an account, search for the inmate by their OID number, and browse the specific catalog available for their facility. The website will automatically track spending limits and weight restrictions, preventing you from making mistakes that could lead to a rejected package.
Phone Orders
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call the vendor’s toll-free customer service line. They can help you navigate the catalog and process your payment over the phone. Be sure to have your credit or debit card ready, along with the inmate’s identification details.
Mail-In Orders
For those who do not have internet access or prefer to pay by money order, mail-in order forms are usually available. You can request a catalog be sent to you or the inmate. You will fill out the order form and mail it along with your payment to the vendor’s processing center. Keep in mind that this method takes the longest and may result in items being out of stock by the time the order is processed.
What Items Can You Send?
The items available in the West Virginia Package Program are categorized to meet different needs. While the specific selection may vary by facility and the inmate’s security classification, you can generally expect to find the following:
- Food and Snacks: This includes items like ramen noodles, coffee, chips, candy, and dried meats. These are often the most popular items because they offer a break from standard facility meals.
- Hygiene Products: You can send specialized soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and dental care items that may not be available in the facility’s commissary.
- Clothing: Approved items usually include white t-shirts, socks, underwear, and sometimes specific types of athletic shoes or sweatshirts.
- Electronics: Depending on the facility, you may be able to send items like clear-cased radios, headphones, or even digital tablets if the program allows them.
Spending and Weight Limits
The WVDOCR sets strict limits on how much you can send in a single quarter. These limits are in place to ensure fairness and to manage the volume of property within the cells. Typically, there is a maximum dollar amount (often between $100 and $150) and a maximum weight limit (usually around 30 pounds).
It is important to note that these limits are per inmate, not per sender. If multiple family members try to send packages in the same quarter, the total must stay within the allowed limit. The vendor’s system usually tracks this automatically based on the inmate’s OID number, but it is always best to coordinate with other family members to avoid order cancellations.
Rules and Restrictions to Remember
To ensure a smooth delivery, keep these important rules in mind. Violating these rules can lead to the inmate losing their package privileges or facing disciplinary action.
- No Substitutions: You cannot add your own items to the vendor’s box. The vendor will seal the package, and it must arrive at the facility with the original seal intact.
- Security Levels: Inmates in restrictive housing or high-security units may have different package privileges than those in the general population. Always verify their status before ordering.
- Sales Tax and Shipping: Remember that the spending limit usually applies to the products themselves. You will likely need to pay additional fees for shipping, handling, and state sales tax.
- No Returns: Most items in the care package program are non-returnable. Once the package is delivered to the facility, it is considered the property of the inmate.
What Happens After You Order?
After you place your order, the vendor will process and ship the package directly to the correctional facility. Once it arrives, the facility’s mailroom staff will inspect the package. This is a standard procedure to ensure no contraband has entered the facility during transit.
The inmate will then be notified that they have a package waiting for them. Depending on the facility’s schedule, it may take several days from the time the package arrives at the prison until it is actually delivered to the inmate’s cell. You can usually track the shipping status through the vendor’s website to see when it has reached its destination.
Conclusion
Sending a care package through the West Virginia Package Program is a straightforward process once you understand the rules. By using the approved vendor, staying within the quarterly limits, and double-checking the inmate’s identification information, you can provide a much-needed boost to your loved one’s morale. These small comforts go a long way in helping individuals stay connected to their families and prepare for a successful transition back into the community.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore our other articles on inmate communication, including how to set up phone accounts and the best ways to send letters and photos to correctional facilities.