State Seal
State of New Jersey
Department of Corrections
Commissioner
Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq.
"Protecting Public Safety by Changing Offender Behavior"
NJDOC Seal
NJDOC

New Process for Packages, Publications, and Approved Mail

Effective September 15, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Corrections is implementing a Centralized Search and Sorting Center (CSSC) for the screening of all approved packages, books, magazines, and privileged mail.

All general correspondence will continue to be processed through Pigeonly Corrections, a third-party mail vendor.

This process is designed to strengthen screening, reduce contraband, and enhance overall safety and security within correctional facilities while maintaining incarcerated persons access to approved mail and property.

What Must be Sent to the CSSC
The following items must be processed through the CSSC (beginning September 15):

Packages and parcels (includes any envelope, carton, tube, or container that exceeds standard letter size and is classified as a parcel)
Books
Privileged mail
Calendars
Photo books
Magazines
Book catalogs
Donated books
Donated printed religious literature
Bulk printed religious literature
Books for staff
Religious correspondence course materials
Education correspondence course materials
Inmate to inmate correspondence (truck mail, non Pigeonly)

Do not send these items directly to a correctional facility. Any items listed here that are sent to a facility will be delayed and rerouted to the CSSC. Approved items must be received from the approved source of sale and must be sent to the CSSC address.

Where to Send Items Beginning September 15
All items listed above must be sent to:

CSSC
55 Hogback Rd
Crosswicks, NJ 08515

What to Expect
All approved items:

  • Will be tracked in an electronic system
  • Will be searched before delivery
  • Will be delivered to correctional facilities after processing
  • Only items from approved vendors or approved sources of sale will be accepted. As these lists vary by facility, CSSC will follow the permissible items list for each facility.
  • Items that do not meet requirements will be rejected and returned to the sender.

What Is Not Accepted
The CSSC will not process:

  • General or non-privileged mail
  • Food packages
  • Perishable items
  • Consumable goods
  • All food packages and commissary items remain facility based.

How to Send Regular Mail
The procedure for sending non-privileged U.S. Mail is not changing. All non privileged mail must continue to be sent through Pigeonly (see Stay Connected.)

Security Screening
All items are searched by specially trained staff before delivery.
Any item suspected of containing contraband will be confiscated and referred to the Special Investigations Division.

Important Reminder When Sending Materials to an NJDOC Facility

  • Use the correct address for mail (Pigeonly with appropriate facility codes) and packages/publications (CSSC)
  • Order only from approved vendors (as determined by each facility)
  • Follow all mailing requirements
  • Failure to follow these steps will result in items being rejected or returned