Oklahoma Corrections Announces Innovative Digital Mail Platform to Enhance Safety and Security

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is excited to announce a transition to a digital mail platform to reduce the amount of dangerous contraband entering state facilities. Starting Sept. 1, 2024, inmates will receive a digital color image of their personal letters and photographs, at no cost to them, accessible through their Securus accounts.

Implementing this cutting-edge mail delivery system will improve security and enhance public safety. Drugs are sometimes smuggled into facilities through exceptionally unconventional means, among them physical letters. Drugs can be sprayed on paper, incorporated into the ink, hidden under stamps and inconspicuously concealed within the letters. This endangers the lives of ODOC staff and inmates who encounter the tainted mail.

Safety is a top priority for ODOC, and by sending mail to the digital processing center, the agency has another avenue to mitigate overdoses and deaths by preventing illegal substances from entering the facilities via the mailroom.

“This is a great way to effectively utilize technology to reduce contraband and promote safety. It also creates proximity to technical advances for individuals in ODOC custody, making reentry easier and more successful,” said T.E.E.M. Executive Director Kris Steele. “Technology is prevalent in everything from applying for jobs to ordering food, so giving those re-entering society more access to learn how to navigate digital platforms is a plus.”

Other states, such as Texas, Florida and Ohio, have already converted to this type of system, as has the Oklahoma County Detention Center. A spokesperson for OCDC reports that they have already noticed a significant reduction in contraband since converting to a digital mail platform. Since 2022, 118 pieces of mail have been reported to ODOC as being soaked in some unknown substance. A single sheet of paper can be divided and distributed to dozens of inmates.

“An effective digitized inmate mail system has the potential to reduce drug-related incidents, including a decrease in assaults, emergency room visits, and deaths,” said Candice Moore, chief administrator of Information Technology. “We want friends and family members to understand this is not intended to keep inmates from communicating with their loved ones, but rather a necessary measure to ensure their safety.”

Under the new process, all regular mail must be sent to Securus’ digital processing center in Dallas (address coming soon), where it will be sorted, scanned and uploaded to the inmates’ Securus accounts. Inmates can access their mail via tablet or kiosk, with the option to print physical copies for a small fee. Community tablets will be provided for those without access, or staff will print the letters at no cost. The digital images of the scanned letters will be saved to their Securus account throughout their incarceration.

A grace period will be granted to ensure a smooth transition. All mail postmarked by Sept. 25 and received at the facility by Sept. 30 will be given to the inmate. After the grace period, letters sent to the facilities will be returned to the sender. While not expected, a short delay may occur during the initial transition.

Exceptions exist for legal mail, books, approved publications, packages, etc., which should be sent directly to the ODOC facility, and for trust fund monies, which should be sent to Offender Banking in Oklahoma City. Outbound mail procedures remain the same.

The ODOC website lists frequently asked questions about the new digital mail platform. For more information, please contact Securus customer service at 800-844-6591.