Incoming/outgoing mail and photos

Mail

The TPS encourages communication between remandees or prisoners and their families, friends and other professionals.

Mail should be addressed to them by name as per the following example:

Mr John Smith
PO Box 24
Lindisfarne, TAS 7015

All incoming mail (except privileged mail) will be opened by authorised correctional staff members to ensure that there are no illegal or unauthorised items contained within the mail.

Please note that mail from legal firms must be clearly identified or else it may be opened by correctional staff prior to being delivered to the remandee or prisoner.

There is not tracking system for incoming and outgoing mail, delivery can be subject to operational delays.

Prisoners and remandees are allowed to send one letter per day, paid for by the TPS.

Every item of written communication by or to a prisoner or remandee may be opened and read by an authorised staff member.

Some forms of communication are exempt from being opened (unless staff reasonably suspect that the letter contains an unauthorised item). That mail must be clearly identifiable as coming from, or going to, one of the following:

  • Equal Opportunity Tasmania
  • Attorney-General
  • Consul of the country of which the prisoner is a citizen
  • Custodial Inspector
  • Director of Corrective Services
  • Director of Prisons
  • Electoral Office
  • Integrity Commission
  • Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
  • Member of Parliament
  • Minister for Corrections
  • Office of the Ombudsman
  • Parole Board
  • Prisoner’s or remandees legal practitioner at his or her business address
  • Tasmania Prison Service Complaints Coordinator.

Mail or parcels containing any unauthorised article or material, or appearing to contain any threatening or otherwise disturbing/distressing information or language will be withheld by the TPS Security Unit.

'Mechanical' or 'double sided' cards, such as those with the ability to play a musical tune upon opening, are not permitted and will also be withheld by the Security Unit.

Members of the public who do not wish to receive correspondence from a particular prisoner or remandee may request that letters written to them be intercepted and withheld by TPS staff.

Photographs

Up to ten photographs that are 6" x 4" (15 x 10cm) are allowed in cells.  Any photographs that do not conform to this size will be returned to sender or withheld, and will be returned to the prisoner or remandee, on request, upon release.

Photographs that contain inappropriate content will also be held by the Security and intelligence Unit.

Last updated: 20 September 2021