Prison Mailroom Question

Sassy3421 · Mar 6, 2011

I'm writing a FBI thriller which involves a trip to the mailroom (at least it does in the first draft). I found the internet useful in getting information as to the number of employees where I'm basing the scene but also came across a picture of two workers wearing rubber gloves when they're handling mail.

Maybe this is a stupid question, but why? I can't seem to find that answer online. Is it to protect themselves if there's a harmful substance inside, to avoid putting more fingerprints on the mail if it becomes included in an investigation. See the thing is the mail is to be traceable with a full name and return address for the mail to be accepted in the first place so it could always tie back to them anyhow. I guess they could use fake info making prints or DNA on the seal all that traces them to the sender...?

Anyway, hoping someone here knows for sure exactly why they wear gloves.

jclarkdawe · Mar 6, 2011

I would assume it is to avoid adding prints to evidence. There's a significant amount of mail that attempts to smuggle stuff into prison, both stuff that is out right illegal like drugs, and stuff that is legal but not allowed in prison such as porn (although it is illegal to attempt to smuggle stuff into a prison that is forbidden).

And the return addresses on the envelopes (which are usually required), although complete in every detail, might have a major problem. They don't exist. But the return address helps in the case of inmates that have to have people on a mailing list.

My guess is that there are at least one or two investigations started from the mail room every month and maybe a lot more. They might remain internal, they might end up going nowhere, but every so often, they discover some serious stuff.

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe

BySharonNelson · Mar 6, 2011

Ever sense the Anthrax issues they have required gloves be worn in all mail sorting facilities to protect the employees.

Drachen Jager · Mar 6, 2011

Another reason that many people in mail rooms use rubber gloves while handling the mail is skin damage. The paper sucks away all your natural oils and many kinds of paper are treated with other nasty things that cause your fingers to chap, crack and bleed.

mgencleyn · Mar 6, 2011

jclarkdawe said:
I would assume it is to avoid adding prints to evidence. There's a significant amount of mail that attempts to smuggle stuff into prison, both stuff that is out right illegal like drugs, and stuff that is legal but not allowed in prison such as porn (although it is illegal to attempt to smuggle stuff into a prison that is forbidden).

And the return addresses on the envelopes (which are usually required), although complete in every detail, might have a major problem. They don't exist. But the return address helps in the case of inmates that have to have people on a mailing list.

My guess is that there are at least one or two investigations started from the mail room every month and maybe a lot more. They might remain internal, they might end up going nowhere, but every so often, they discover some serious stuff.

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe

Pornography is sometimes allowed in some prisons.

If it's a prison mail room, then one big reason is that relatives/friends frequently try to get a little dust to their pals. One popular way is under the postage stamps, which is why mail handlers in there cut off the stamps before distributing the mail. Sometimes in the actual paper itself. The mail is always screened, but that doesn't stop people from trying, or they just don't know any better. So, if you're in that environment for years, you're bound to get some in your system no matter how hard you try to avoid it.

It's not just drugs. Often it's more innocent. Such as perfumes and the like for the lonely guys.

It's chemical exposure, every day.

Sassy3421 · Mar 6, 2011

thank you for your responses everyone.

mgencleyn - sounds like something that could definitely be used in a novel

And, as a side point, I find it interesting that the stamps are cut off before distribution.

Prison Mailroom Question

Sassy3421

Plotting murder..most of the time

jclarkdawe

Feeling lucky, Query?

BySharonNelson

(Insert something whitty here)

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

mgencleyn

Damned Butterfly

Sassy3421

Plotting murder..most of the time