Official Site of The State of New Jersey

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 (includes any envelope, carton, tube, or container that exceeds standard letter size)
Books
Privileged mail
Calendars
Photo books
Magazines
Book catalogs
Bulk printed religious literature
Books for staff
Religious correspondence course materials
Education correspondence course materials

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.
• Packages that do not come from source of sale
• Packages that do not have complete recipient information (name, SBI #)
• Packages that do not have return address and information
• Packages received from unverifiable source

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

• 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

Centralized Search and Sorting Center (CSSC) FAQ

What change is taking place?
The New Jersey Department of Corrections will be implementing a new Centralized Search and Sorting Center (CSSC) to process incoming packages, approved items, and privileged mail before delivery to correctional facilities.

Why is this change happening?
The CSSC is being implemented to strengthen screening, reduce contraband, and enhance overall safety and security within correctional facilities while maintaining access to approved mail and property.

How will this help improve safety and security?
The CSSC will use enhanced screening, specialized equipment, and trained staff to better detect prohibited items before they enter facilities

Will incarcerated persons still be able to receive packages and books?
Yes. Approved packages, books, and authorized property items will still be received. Once implementation begins, these materials must be sent to the CSSC address.

How will families know where to send items?
Updated instructions list of mailable items, and the CSSC mailing address will be shared on the Department’s website and posted throughout the facilities.

What happens if someone sends a package directly to a facility?
Packages sent directly to a facility and not the Centralized Search and Sorting Center (CSSC) will be rerouted to the CSSC for processing, which will adjust delivery time.

What happens if a package is sent from a non-approved vendor?
Packages from unapproved vendors may be rejected and returned to the sender in accordance with Department policy. Vendors are approved by facility and the list of approved vendors will be shared with the CSSC staff.

Can food packages be sent to the CSSC?
No. Food, perishable items, and consumable goods will not be processed through the CSSC and must continue to be sent directly to the facility.

Does this change regular mail procedures?
No. Regular, or non privileged, mail procedures remain unchanged at this time and will continue to be processed through existing procedures, including Pigeonly services where applicable.

Will legal or privileged mail still remain confidential?
Yes. Legal and privileged mail will continue to be handled in accordance with Department policy and applicable legal requirements.

Will legal mail be opened or read?
Legal and privileged mail is subject to verification procedures consistent with Department policy, but will not be read by staff.

Will photographs, greeting cards, and approved correspondence still be allowed?
Yes. Approved correspondence items will continue to be permitted in accordance with existing mail policies.

Will mail or package delivery times be adjusted?
Items will continue to be screened before delivery. During CSSC implementation, some adjustments may occur. The Department will work to ensure timely processing and delivery.

What happens if prohibited items or contraband are discovered?
Items containing prohibited materials may be rejected, confiscated, or referred for further investigation consistent with State law and Departmental policy.

Will all correctional facilities use the CSSC?
Yes. Implementation will begin at all facilities on September 15, 2026.

Will incarcerated persons continue receiving mail and approved property?
Yes. The purpose of the CSSC is to strengthen screening and processing procedures and enhance overall safety and security within correctional facilities while maintaining access to approved mail and property.

Who can I contact with questions?
Questions should be directed to the appropriate correctional facility or through the designated Department webpage.

Legal and Privileged Mail Concerns

Will legal mail still remain confidential?
Yes. Legal and privileged mail will continue to be handled in accordance with Department policy and applicable legal requirements.

Will legal mail be opened or read?
Legal and privileged mail is subject to verification procedures consistent with Department policy, but will not be read by staff.

Are attorneys required to use the CSSC address?
Yes. Attorneys should send correspondence to the CSSC at the address below:

Incarcerated Person’s Name – SBI Number
CSSC
55 Hogback Rd
Crosswicks, NJ 08515

Will courts and government agencies also use the CSSC?
Official correspondence procedures will be communicated in advance to courts, agencies, and approved senders as needed.

What is Legal and privileged mail?
Legal and privilege mail includes correspondence disseminated directly from:

• Courts and court staff
• Government office and or entity
• Attorney’s office
• Attorney General's Office
• Congress
• Embassies and consulates
• The United States Department of Justice
• State governors
• Members of the State Legislature
• Law enforcement officers in their official capacity

The front of the envelope must be clearly marked “Legal Mail,” “Attorney/Client,” “Confidential,” or similar designating the item as legal mail. Incoming mail readily identifiable as being from a court will be handled as legal mail, regardless of whether it has been marked legal mail.

Family and Visitor Concerns

Why is the Department making this change now?
The Department continues to evaluate ways to strengthen safety and security while maintaining communication and access to approved property for incarcerated persons and their families.

Will this effect communication with family members?
No. Families will still be able to send approved correspondence and authorized items using the updated procedures.

How will families know where to send packages?
Updated mailing instructions, addresses, and approved vendor information is posted online at www.nj.gov and shared in the facilities.

What if a family member accidentally sends an item to the wrong address?
The Department will work to reroute items when possible. Incorrectly addressed packages may require additional processing time.

Will this increase costs for families?
No. The Department is working to minimize disruptions and maintain clear procedures for approved packages and correspondence.