[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 28, Volume 2]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 28CFR540.22]



[Page 566-567]

 

                    TITLE 28--JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION

 

           CHAPTER V--BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

 

PART 540_CONTACT WITH PERSONS IN THE COMMUNITY--Table of Contents

 

                        Subpart B_Correspondence

 

Sec. 540.22  Special postal services.



    (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.

    (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



[[Page 567]]



value of an item, regardless of declared value.

    (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).

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

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

COD, private carriers, or stamp collecting while confined.