Alaska Corrections proposes new rules for packages and publications mailed to prisoners

The Alaska Department of Corrections published proposed statewide rules Wednesday for publications and packages mailed to prisoners. The department said both proposals are meant to comply with a court decision, Perotti v. DOC.

Under the proposed package rule, a prisoner would need prior approval from the facility's property department before receiving a package, and packages could come only from department-approved vendors.

Staff would have to give the prisoner written notice whenever any part of a package is withheld. A prisoner who asks for a withheld package to be mailed to someone else or returned to the vendor would pay the postage. If a package arrives for a released prisoner, the facility would dispose of it if the former prisoner does not respond within 30 days to a request for a forwarding address. Packages for transferred prisoners would be forwarded within three business days, at the prisoner's expense.

The proposed publication rule would require publications to be ordered from and shipped by a vendor and paid for in advance, though superintendents could let family or friends place the order. Multiple copies of the same publication would count as contraband. Staff could withhold music labeled "Explicit Content" and games rated "Adults Only" or "Mature," and could discard them if a prisoner takes no action after being notified. Superintendents could not keep a list of banned publications. Staff would have to hand out publications within five business days after receiving and reviewing them.

The department said it does not expect the changes to require more state money.

Written comments are due by 4:30 pm Nov. 27.