BOP Program Statement 5265.14 § 14

§ 540.22 Special postal services.

The information in this section was extracted from the Mail Management Manual. See that

policy for more detailed information.

(a) An inmate, at no cost to the government, may send correspondence by

registered, certified, or insured mail, and may request a return receipt.

(b) An inmate may insure outgoing personal correspondence (e.g., a package

containing the inmate’s hobbycrafts) by completing the appropriate form and

applying sufficient postage.

The Request Authorization to Mail Inmate Package (BP-329) form is used.

(1) In the event of loss or damage, any claim relative to this matter is made to the

U.S. Postal Service, either by the inmate or the recipient. The U.S. Postal Service

will only indemnify a piece of insured mail for the actual value of an item,

regardless of declared value.

When an inmate decides that a claim is necessary for an incoming piece of insured mail, he/she

is advised that the mailer is the most appropriate person to file the claim with the U.S. Postal

Service.

(2) Inmate packages forwarded as a result of institution administration are

considered official mail, except as otherwise specified (for example, hobbycraft

articles mailed out of the institution). Official mail is not insured. If such an item

is subsequently lost or damaged in the mail process the inmate may file a tort

claim with the Bureau of Prisons (see part 543, subpart C of this chapter).

Such packages are forwarded as official mail at Government expense. If documentation

indicates that the package left Bureau control and was lost or damaged by the U.S. Postal Service

(or mailed via a contract mail provider), the inmate is instructed to file a tort claim with the U.S.

Postal Service (or directly with the contract mail provider) (see the Program Statement Federal

Tort Claims Act). Hobbycraft articles are discussed in the Program Statement Inmate

Recreation Programs.

(c) Certified mail is sent first class at the inmate’s expense.

The inmate must pay basic postage, costs of certification, and costs of a return receipt (if

requested).

P5265.14 4/5/2011 Federal Regulations are shown in this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 21

(d) An inmate may not be provided such services as express mail, COD, private

carriers, or stamp collecting while confined.