Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Making Progress: NJDOC Enhances Mail Security and Efficiency with New Scanning Process
Posted on 09/18/2025
The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) recently introduced a new mail scanning system across all state facilities to improve safety and protect the integrity of communication for incarcerated individuals.
The updated process uses a secure third-party vendor to receive and digitally scan incoming personal mail. The scanned images are then printed and distributed to the intended recipients inside the facility. Legal and official mail, such as correspondence from attorneys or the courts, continues to be handled separately to ensure full compliance with privacy laws.
The shift comes in response to growing concerns about the use of traditional mail as a vehicle for contraband. Items soaked in synthetic drugs or infused with illicit substances have been increasingly difficult to detect and dangerous to handle. In some cases, staff experienced exposure to toxic materials, resulting in medical treatment or facility lockdowns.
By scanning mail before it reaches a correctional facility, NJDOC significantly reduces these risks while still preserving the core function of staying connected. The format may be different, but the intent remains the same: to support communication between individuals and their loved ones.
This adjustment is part of NJDOC’s broader effort to modernize its services while prioritizing both staff safety and the well-being of the people in custody. It reflects a practical solution to a real challenge while balancing connection and control in an evolving correctional environment.
