Which action must be documented when mail is delivered to an inmate?

• A. Document that the inmate received the mail
• B. Must be delivered within 24 hours of receipt
• C. Officers may inspect the outside of the envelope
• D. Cannot be withheld from an inmate for disciplinary actions

Answer: (A)

Inmate mail handling relies on accountability, so the essential action is to document that the inmate actually received the mail. This creates a verifiable record showing delivery occurred, when it happened, who delivered it, and to which inmate. Such documentation protects against misdelivery, confirms the inmate’s access to approved correspondence, and provides a trail for audits or investigations.

Notes may include the date and time, the inmate’s name, and sometimes the sender or a brief description of the mail. While staff may inspect the outside of envelopes for safety, that inspection is a separate step and does not replace the need to record the actual delivery to the inmate.