Anyone can send mail to an inmate with some restrictions. We will not accept mail from -
An inmate in another corrections-monitored facility or treatment center.
Someone who is acting as a go-between for inmates by taking mail received from one inmate and sending it to another inmate.
A victim of a crime that the inmate is in custody for either in pretrial or sentenced status.
On a case-by-case basis, a jail command officer may impose restrictions on who an inmate may correspond with on a personal basis.
Inmate Mail Delivery - USPS Only
We only allow inmates to receive mail sent through the US Postal Service. We do not accept hand, courier, or commercial-mail-service delivered mail. We will not accept mail with postage due.
Addressing Mail to Inmates
Clearly write the inmate's complete name. Do not use nicknames. If you know the inmate's middle name or initial and booking number, please include those. Send mail to this address:
Inmate's name, Booking number
Washington County Jail
215 SW Adams Avenue, MS 33
Hillsboro, OR 97123-3874
Be sure to put your return name and address on the mail! We will not deliver or hold mail for an inmate if it is missing a return address.
Please hand write your return address rather than using gummed or adhesive labels. We remove such labels from mail before giving it to the inmate. Without a return address, the inmate may not be able to write to you because he or she will not know your address.
Do not place any stickers or non-postal related stamps on the mail or add a "lipstick" kiss. Do not spray mail with perfume.
Allowable Mail
Legal or personal-business documents
Postcards - Postcards may be any size the post office delivers, with maximum dimensions of 5-1/2 inches tall by 8-1/2 inches wide. Postcards must include your name and address.
Books (limit of three per day) - Books must be ordered and sent directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore and must have the bookseller's address imprinted on the package or mailing label; you may not send books directly to an inmate. Books must not have a plastic or metal binding. Books may be up to 9 by 12 inches in size, may be new or used, and can be either hardcover or paperback, although paperback is preferable. Inmates in segregation may only receive new, paperback books.
Periodicals (limit of two per day) - Magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals must be new and sent directly from the publisher or a bookstore. Caution: Periodicals with scantily clad people may be considered sexually explicit and thus be prohibited.
Money for the inmate's account - Visit inmate accounts to learn the acceptable form, source, and amounts to send.
Do Not Send Contraband Items
Contraband is anything jail staff does not allow an inmate to have unless they authorize it. It's anything not specifically approved for mailing under "Allowable Mail." Commonly mailed contraband items are --
Letters and correspondence in envelopes
Drugs (legal or illegal)
Over-the-counter medications
Glasses and contact lenses
Bookmarks, postage stamps, stationery, writing or drawing materials, and paper clips
Maps
Transportation schedules, such as bus or train
Stickers and decals
Cosmetic, hair care, and hygiene items
Food and clothing
ID, phone, gift, or any other plastic card
Locks of hair and ribbons
Cigarettes, matches, and lighters
Dried or pressed flowers
Coupons, lottery tickets, and Tri-Met tickets
Compact discs and cassette tapes
Items that exceed approved limits
Items from a nonapproved source
Foreign substances, such as bodily fluids, lipstick, perfume, glitter, glue, and anything with unusual stains or odors
We also prohibit items with contraband content. This includes content, either as words or pictures, that may threaten the safety, security, and good order of the jail or may be detrimental to an inmate's rehabilitation. Examples include content that:
Threatens, plans, encourages, instructs in activity that is criminal or violates jail rules
Could result in physical harm to anyone
Is gang-related material
Is sexually explicit material (This is the most common reason for confiscating an item based on content. Be careful what you send!)
Is inflammatory material (This can include anything that incites or advocates physical violence against others or the supremacy or hatred of a class or group of people.)
Is code or suspected code (This can include a foreign language if we are unable to find a translator in a reasonable period of time.)
Is fraudulently marked as legal or official mail
All Mail is Inspected
All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to opening and inspection by jail staff.
How We Deal with Contraband Mail
One of four things will happen if we find contraband in your mail:
We will return it to you.
We will confiscate it and not let the inmate have access to it while lodged.
We will destroy it if it presents a health or safety hazard.
We will confiscate it as evidence in a criminal investigation.
Depending on the degree of contraband violation, a jail command officer may restrict any future correspondence you have with an inmate.
Introduction of contraband into a correctional facility is a Class C felony under ORS 162.185 and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Do Not Call to Confirm Delivery
It is the inmate's responsibility to contact you to let you know they received something you mailed. Write to the inmate if you want to confirm delivery of an item you sent to him or her.
Who Can I Contact About Inmate Mail
For general questions, please call (503) 846-2600.
If you have a concern about inmate mail or our practices, you can contact a jail command officer by calling (503) 846-6813, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., via e-mail, or by sending a letter to:
