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Mailing Packages to Persons in Custody


Permissible packages will be accepted during in-person visiting hours. Visitors can drop off their package at the Bail & Package Reception area next to Central Visits on Rikers Island. You may also mail packages.


Packages cannot exceed fifteen pounds (15 lbs.) and shall be less than twenty-four inches (24") wide, twelve inches (12") high, and twenty-four inches (24") deep.

All items will be thoroughly searched for contraband.  Anyone bringing contraband into the facilities will be arrested and prosecuted.

  • Toiletries and food items are prohibited. They must be purchased by the person in custody in the commissary.
  • Cash for persons in custody fund accounts is no longer being accepted by mail.  Only money orders and cashier checks will be accepted by mail.

The following is a list of the ONLY items that may be brought in for a person in custody or sent by mail. 

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Clothing

  • Bathrobe (No pockets, no hoods, no belts, light grey or white only)
  • Chest binders*
  • Gloves (Knit type only. Permissible only October through April)
  • Handkerchiefs (White only)
  • Hat (Knit only. No uniform type, solid light grey only)
  • Pajamas (Light grey only, no pockets, no hood, no belts. No footed pajamas)
  • Scrunchies (Fabric only, solid white, light grey, or black only)
  • Shoes (Solid black or white low-top Old Skool Vans/Classic Slip-On sneakers only)
  • Socks (White only)
  • Sweatshirts (White and light grey only, no hoods, no pockets, no strings)
  • Underwear/undershirts (White only)
  • Nightgown** (White and light grey only, no pockets, no hoods)
  • Housecoat** (White and light grey only, no pockets, no hoods, no belts)
  • Bra** (White, no lace, no metal, no openings for padding)

Grooming Items

  • Comb (Flexible without a handle)
  • Hairbrush (Plastic without a handle)

Religious Items

  • Religious medal (No stones, pins or protrusions. If worn around neck: a thin chain no longer than 26 inches. Max value $50.)
  • Prayer rug (Standard size, not quilted, not red or blue)
  • Kufi (White or black only)
  • Tefillin
  • Yarmulke
  • Tsalot-kob
  • Fez
  • Head scarf/hijab**
  • Religious literature
  • Other religious head coverings

Stationery/Photographs

  • Calendar (No larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, soft cover only)
  • Pencils (No longer than 3.5 inches, no erasers, no metal parts)
  • Erasers (Gum rubber or ink)
  • Composition book (No larger than 8.5 by 11 inches)
  • Drawing pad (Legal and writing no larger than 8.5 by 14 inches)
  • Writing paper (No larger than 8.5 by 11 inches)
  • Envelopes (Letter and legal size only)
  • Portfolio (Legal size cardboard)
  • Photographs (No Polaroids, no pictures of self or other persons in custody, up to 4 by 6 inches)

Publications

  • Magazines – Subject to media review
  • Newspapers – Subject to media review
  • Periodicals – Subject to media review
  • Pamphlets – Subject to media review
  • Books
  • Legal publications/books

Court Clothing

  • Belt (Maximum 1 1/2" wide, buckle maximum 2 1/4" x 2", non-elastic)
  • Suit jacket/blazer (Non-uniform, no blue or camouflage, no leather or heavy-duty work wear [e.g., Carhartt, Dickies, etc.])
  • Pants/slacks (Non-uniform, no dark blue or camouflage)
  • Tie (Solid color, not black, blue, or red)
  • Shirts (Non-uniform, no white, no dark blue or camouflage)
  • Dresses ** 
  • Skirts** 
  • Blouses** (Non-uniform, no white, no dark blue or camouflage)
  • Stockings, pantyhose, knee-highs** 


* Permissible only for transgender men and gender non-binary individuals.

** Permissible only for women, transgender women, and gender non-binary individuals.