I recently sent a small cardboard package to a friend, an inmate at the Carswell Camp in Fort Worth. The package, which contained a few paperback books, was returned to me today. As far as I can tell, the package was unopened. Stamped on the front were the words "Return to Sender. No Package Authorization on File."

I was told that it was okay to send paperbacks to those at FMC, Carswell. Does it make a difference if I send those paperbacks in a cardboard box as opposed to a large envelope? What exactly does the BOP mean by "Package Authorization" and how does one obtain such authorization?

Thanks for any help that you can offer to me.

Yes it does make a difference...I had the same thing happen to me. You need to get one of the media type envelopes from the Post Office or wrap them in paper. They will not open boxes.

I have done both of the other and hubby got his books

Did you mark the outside with what was inside?

The inmate can get a package authorization. They send you 2 copies of it. One to keep...and the other must be sent back in with the package...with only whats been approved.

The BOP has newer rules having to do with books...even paperback and magazines.
While some still say they send them in with no problems....it was said they now have to come from a publisher or book store. You may want to call the prison and speak with the case worker or couselor...someone you can put a name with....and ask them how you need to send these in.

Diane

Package autjorizations are typically for some medical device (special shoes, glasses, etc.) or religiuous item or release clothes.

If you are allowed to send paperback books yourself - or if you have a bookstore send them, they must be in a large envelope, via U.S. mail, and you should write "BOOKS" on the outside of the envelope. I once had a bookstore send a hardcover book and it was very large and heavy. They sent it in a box, with "BOOK" on the outside, along with a statement that the book was "too large for an envelope." It got through. Zelda

I tried that..at Duluth it was a no-go...no boxes can be sent

I am sure when the book stores send the books the use the boxes. After all when I order them for my self....that's how they come.

Are you saying that even if the books come from a publisher or bookstore they still refuse them? I ahven't had no trouble getting them in that way.

Diane

I once had some paperbacks sent from the publisher and they sent them in a box and they were returned. But the books were also controversial political (BOP would say "subversive") books and I'm sure the BOP would have used any excuse to return them! You can see from these posts that practices and policies vary. Part of the wonderful "BOP experience." Are you experienced? It doesn't matter - the BOP still keeps me guessing after all these years! We could just view it as an "adventure" - kind of like walking on quicksand! LOL! Zelda

Books (in a box) from a publishing company to my knowledge have not been refused...but then again the likely hood of them being tampered with vs having someone on the outside send them is a lot less i suppose

I send paperback books without problem. I just get one of those padded envelopes and always send a letter with it. That way if he doesn't get the book, he gets the letter telling him what I sent with it. We'll both know if it doesn't get through that way. I don't even write anything on the outside of the envelope. I called the mail room before I sent anything just to be sure. I was told no magazines, newspapers, or hardback books, though. I can send all the clippings I want from magazines/newspapers, though. Most of the time I just print news items off the internet & send them with a letter.