Hi my name is Sheila and I have a son who is in DVI Tracy. Can anyone tell me if you can send envelopes that I have put stamps on or do I need to get the ones from the post office. Anyone that has any information regarding this I would greatly appriciate it.

Thank you,:)
Sheila

I see three members in a row posting about DVI and no one has voted to have a forum for DVI? The only way to promote for a new forum is to vote for it. Love Barb
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165132 (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165132)

You can send either 20 stamped envelopes (you can stamp them or by them from the P.O.) or 20 envelopes and a book of 20 stamps. If you have questions about what is acceptable, call the mail room at the prison. Here is the phone number and mailroom extension: (209) 835-4141 ext.5670 Good Luck!

they can have 50 pieces of paper (make sure you take them out of the notebook or binding), 20 envelopes, 1 book of stamps, i package of clear bic pens. Send in a menila envelope. They can receive one of these stationary packages every day if you feel like sending that many. THere isn't a cap on how many they receive just how much is in each package.

I was just told by the mailroom at DVI you are allowed to send the following items in a stationary package:

up to but No more than 200 sheets of binder paper
or
2 writing tablets NO biggier than 8x11 (NO METAL OR PLASTIC BINDING)

20 stamps and 20 envelopes
or
20 pre stamped envelopes

2 pens (must be see through -mailroom must be able to see the ink, blue or black ink only, and NO GEL PENS and NO PUSH PENS)
or
2 pencils (NO PUSH PENCILS)

You Can Send Him The Ones From Home As Long As They Are The Ones That They Lick To Seal Not The Ones That You Could Pull The Strip And They Stick They Can Not Have Those. 20 Envelopes, One Book Of Stamps, 2 See Thru Pens Black Or Blue And 2 Note Pads Only And You Have To Send That All Together. I Hope I Answered All Your Questions.
From India39

HELLO EVERYONE, HOPE U ALL ARE IN THE BEST OF HEALTH AND SPIRIT. I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION, I MAILED MY BOYFRIEND A PACKAGE OF 1 WIRELESS NOTEPAD, 2 CLEAR BIC PENS, AND 10 PRESTAMPED ENVELOPES AND 10 PICTURES, I PUT THEM ALL IN A MANILA ENVELOPE WITHOUT THE METAL SEAL, BUT THE POST OFFICE TAPED THE LITTLE FLAP, WILL HE STILL RECIEVE THE PACKAGE??

They did that to me to and he did get them,not sure if it was just an over sight on there part thought now I make sure I close it up myself just in case.

Is anyone not getting mail from DVI? I know a few people who are not I was wondering if anyone is going through it too.:(

I received a letter on Saturday (first one!!) But nothing yesterday and I have not checked yet today! I hope there is not a problem getting mail. He just went in and I really need to know that he is okay!

No letter today either :(

no mail for me either:cry:

Got a letter yesterday!

I finally got mail and so did a few others about time they got their crud together and got mail moving again!

I'm glad you ladies got your mail!

Received three letters yesterday and one VERY GOOD LETTER today!!:D I have never been so happy to get mail in my life!! :yay:

Igot a letter on the 17th and the 15th

hey every1 my name is nanaz and im from modesto ca and my little brother 19 just got sent off to dvi and i dont know anything about any of this so if any1 has any info as far as mail going to see him anything i would really appritate it thanx....nanaz:(

Welcome! Start checking out all the California forums, there's tons of info about everything you could think to ask. At the top of this page just click on California, and it will pull up all the choices you have. There's even a Visiting section that will tell you about what you can wear and all kinds of other stuff.

Thank you so much my brother is more like my son and i feel so lost without him but thank you so much i really do appritiate it......nanaz

If he is still in reception (which I am sure he is), you can send him 40 envelopes, 40 stamps OR 40 stampled envelopes. You can send him two clear/see through pens with no grips and 300 sheets of binder paper. I have sent one to my hubby already and am getting ready to send him another one (He is at DVI also) If you are in Modesto, he should get your mail soon. You need to find out his CDC number before you can send anything to him. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Does anyone have any NEW information regarding what stationary supplies are allowed? I am seeing many different answers here. I was told just recently that only 30 pages of binder paper, loose, 30 envelopes, one book of stamps and 2 clear pens, blue or black. I sent all of this, but only 15 envelopes, so I am hoping he gets it. I cannot call long distance so I can't check on it.

I sent my hubby 40 stamps, 40 envelopes, 300 sheets of paper (can send 400 though), 2 clear pens and 15 pictures. He received everthing with no problem. Just make sure you send a good pen. Apparently the cheapy pensI sent my hubby does not work anymore so I am getting ready to send out another package with good pens. Do they have a right to be so picky?! LOL :p Oh and I just sent this stuff out the begininng of January, this year.

Hey does anyone know how to get the mailing address for someone in tracy dvi??

Hey does anyone know how to get the mailing address for someone in tracy dvi??
My son was at DVI, this is how I addressed his mail and his mail always got to him with no problem. I didn't even need his housing number because the mailroom always checks to see where the inmate is housed. So this is the mailing address:
The inmate's name and cdc# goes on the first line of the envelope. The cdc# is very important.

Inmate Name, cdc#
Deuel Vocational Institution
P.O. Box 600
Tracy, CA 95378-0600

Here is the phone number to call if you need his cdc# :
209-835-4141 extension 6574 for the Record Department

can inmates in rec. at dvi tracy get a book of stamps or can they only receive stamped envelopes?

You can send them 40 stamps, 40 envelopes, 350 sheets of paper, two (2) clear, see thru pens (BIC are best) and 15 pictures all in one manilla envelope. You can send one of these out a week!!

So, yes you can send just a book of stamps :D

Hope this helps...:thumbsup:

Hello Everyone,

How is everyone doing under the current circumstances, we'll I hope fine!!!! I wanted to know if anyone knows if books or mags can be sent to DVI Reception Ctr. If so what approved vendor? Because I have look on all the approved vendors on the CDC site and none of them have books or mags!!! If anyone knows please fill me end, because I'm trying to make this transition a little easier if possible.:thumbsup:

Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com are both approved vendors. Actually any legitimate book seller/dealer who does mail order is approved to send books or magazines. You can also order the magazine directly from the publisher.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA CRAP!
so i had just popped up this page!
& i had been on the freakin phone for ONE hour! & then he tells me everything i can get & THEN...i look down more at this page & see your post ha. thank you though! :)

I called the Mailrooom at D.V.I. May 2008 and asked what supplies I could mail my son and below is the information I received. I hope this is helpful.

Reception Inmates
The Stationary Supplies they can receive
D. V. I. (Deuel Vocational Institute)
As per phone call to Mailroom


40 Stamps
40 Envelopes
300 Sheets of loose leaf paper
2 Clear Bic Pens
1 #2 pencil 2 colored
3 colored pencils
Mail in Lrg Manila Envelope
no metal closure.

Thank you, Arda. I've update the DVI prison guide with the new info you provided. You can check it to see if it is now accurate. :thumbsup:

Hi, I need some help on mail at DVI. My man just enter into Reception at DVI last week. I'm going to be sending out his mailing supplies and wanted to know if I have to purchase pre-stamped envelopes or can I put stamps on envelopes myself. I'm asking because I have rolls of stamps at home. :confused:

If I were you, I would not put the stamps on the envelopes. I would send the stamps and the envelopes seperately. You can send up to 40 stamps and 40 envelopes at a time.

Hi my boyfriend is at dvi right now......i called the mailroom a week ago about sending packages you can send:

500 sheets of paper
40 stamps
40 envelopes
1 clear bic pen

My fiance is also in reception and has been there since the 11th of this month. I sent him envelopes that I put stamps on myself and he had no problem reciveing them.

That's all I use to buy, was the roll of stamps. When my husband was in DVI, I would just count off 20 stamps and put them in with the rest of the stationary supplies that I was sending. I wouldn't put the stamps on the envelopes. Mail room staff can be picky!! Plus I would send him the different types of stamps and he would trade them for stuff or play poker with them!! LOL!!

My Fiance has been in reception at DVI since the 11th and hasnt recived any of my letters however he did recive the stationary package that I sent the very first day he was there. He recived the package in 4 days. Does anyone have any idea how long it is taking for guys in reception to get their mail? Hes kinda freaking out thinking Iam not writting.

Thanks, ysraelsgirl

:confused: I am new here and have very little knowlege of the prison system. My son is in Tracy/Reception. To make a long story short, this is his second vacation there.:( I mailed him some paper and an unopened package of papermate see through pens, I think there were 5 pens in the package. I also included 5 stamped envelpoes from the post office. I know now that he can only have 2 pens. Will they send the whole thing back to me or will they take the pens out and give him the rest of it?
ALSO....I want to send him a money order. He wrote me and said that they will move him in 2 weeks. If I mail the money now and he gets the money after they move him, will they take out the 55%?
I appreciate this web site. I totally found it on accident. It is a great way to get information. I was looking for something to give me information about Tracy. I found the right place. Thanks to all of you in here with so many answers :thumbsup:

hello..my fiance just got mainlined after being in reception for a month & i sent him writing supplies everything worked out fine for me but i only sent 2 pens..but from what i have heard & read they are most likely goin to send it back to you. i know it sucks & it would be easier for them to do it that way but they wont so yeah..but dont like quote me cause im not 100%..sorry..

-junbugswifey..

Thanks junebygswifey!
I will send another package now and when they send the old one back I can always repack it with only 2 pens.

Hey girl, it all depends mail system. my fiance received my stationary package in 3 days however; the letters that i have sent to him take longer. There are two letters that i have sent over a week ago and he still hasn't gotten them but the 2nd stationary package got to him in 3 days.

one thing that i do on my letters is i write the date so that he can see how long they take and estimate the arrival of the next letter. just keep writing it will make him realize what you do for him.;)

Mail has always been slow at DVI, especially around the holiday's. It's like they get an extra day off and forget how to do the mail. :rolleyes: You might want to send your man a postcard, those get to them pretty quickly!! :thumbsup:

Eventually the state will take its 55% of any monies put on their books. If I remember correctly they didn't start taking their 55% until a month or so after my husband mainlined. The time it takes can vary.

THANKS EDSBABY
I really appreciate all of your help.

:)

I got lucky..They took out the extra pens. My son got the package minus extra pens. He got 1 pen.

Many Thanks for your support!!!!!

I am new to this. Do you have to send stamps, envelopes,etc. for him to send a letter?

I am new to this. Do you have to send stamps, envelopes,etc. for him to send a letter?


I am pretty sure they can get some there from the store. You can send them a packet with 350 sheets paper, 20 envelopes, 20 stamps, 2 see through pens. They can get one of these a week.

My hubby has been in reception for 4 weeks and hasn't had canteen/store yet. Fortunately he took 20 envelopes (the kind with the stamp printed on them) with him from county so he's been able to write. But if you have someone in reception I wouldn't count on canteen. I'd go ahead and send some envelopes :thumbsup:

Okay ladies,
I am sending books to my guy from Amazon. Does anyone know how long it takes to get to them? He is in reception and bored out of his mind.
Thanks

Wow it's funny how everyone puts a different number for everything . My husband is in reception , they can reciece 300 sheets of loose leaf paper 40 stamps and envelopes . You can send stamps either on the envelopes or by themselves . 2 pens they must be blue or black ink and clear no grips nothing mechanical .Bic are best.

Okay ladies,
I am sending books to my guy from Amazon. Does anyone know how long it takes to get to them? He is in reception and bored out of his mind.
Thanks
I think I talked to you before ,I believe our guys are both housed in c unit. Anyhow he should get the books in a few days . Hope this helps .

Wow it's funny how everyone puts a different number for everything . My husband is in reception , they can reciece 300 sheets of loose leaf paper 40 stamps and envelopes . You can send stamps either on the envelopes or by themselves . 2 pens they must be blue or black ink and clear no grips nothing mechanical .Bic are best.


When my husband was in DVI reception earlier this year, I sent him 350 sheets of paper. I really don't think they count them all. And of course CDC changes things ALL the time!! :mad:

When my husband was in DVI reception earlier this year, I sent him 350 sheets of paper. I really don't think they count them all. And of course CDC changes things ALL the time!! :mad:

I know they change stuff all the time doesn't it drive you nuts???:blah:I hate it .

I have a son who was sent to DVI 3 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything from him and I'm getting real worried. I called the inmate locator number and got his CDC# and the address so that I could write him. My question is how do I address the envelope? I know to write his name and CDC# and DVI But the problem is, what about a housing Number? Does he have one? Or do I just write on it Reception? Can so one please help me with this information? Thank You. :confused:

I have a son who was sent to DVI 3 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything from him and I'm getting real worried. I called the inmate locator number and got his CDC# and the address so that I could write him. My question is how do I address the envelope? I know to write his name and CDC# and DVI But the problem is, what about a housing Number? Does he have one? Or do I just write on it Reception? Can so one please help me with this information? Thank You. :confused:


If you do not have his housing number, that is fine, as long as you have his CDC #. When my hubby was in reception, I did write "reception" as his information before I found out his housing number. He will get the letters you send him as long as his CDC # is on the envelope. Good Luck to you!! :thumbsup:

Thanks so much for your help on this.:)

Does it matter what size envelopes you mail? I mean when I send a letter can I send it in a legal size envelope ( 4 1/2 by 9 1/2) or does it have to be in the smaller size And when I sent him envelopes for him to use can I send him 20 legal size envelopes are do they have to be the smaller size?
Can I stick a letter inside the package that I send his supplies in?:confused:

I have sent books from amazon.com and they were delivered no problem. I also sent piture stamps i had made and no problem. They must have changed the rules about self adhesive stamps.

my books got there in 5 days from amazon.

Hi - if you click on the DVI Prison Guide up in the STICKY notes at the top of the DVI forum, you can find out what is allowed to be sent to reception.
I also understand that if you want to send a money order, there is a special
P O box for it at Tracy - P O Box 20; and it will get to the account faster.
I am wondering about the time in reception - my son arrived there last Friday, and he will probably stay at DVI fo 6 months - but how long in reception?

I have a question, hoping someone can please help.

My father is in reception at DVI and was wondering if I can send him books at any time or will it be considered as a quarterly package?

Reginag,
You can send him books with no problem. My boo is in reception and I sent him a book using Amazon.com just last month.
Cat

Good to know.

Thank you Cat ;)

You are very welcome.

can i send a letter in with my stationary packeage? and how much is the postage usually? i'm going to send 150 sheets and 20 envelopes

I always sent a letter with the stationary package. Just take it to the post office they will weigh it for you, so them you will be able to put the right amount of postage.

can i send a letter in with my stationary packeage? and how much is the postage usually? i'm going to send 150 sheets and 20 envelopes

Hi folks,

Do you know if it is alright to send a card in a red envelope to DVI? I'm asking because I've heard that they try to prohibit anything related to gang colors. Of course the envelope and letter have nothing to do with that -- but the color is related to the Bloods and I don't want to raise any eyebrows or hackles.

Thanks.