What happens to inmate property after transfer
What happens to an inmates personal property (wallet, clothing, etc) when transferred from a county jail to DOC (prison/etc)? Can someone pick this up or will they hold it until release date?
When an inmate is transferred from a county jail to a state prison (DOC), their personal property like wallets, clothing, and personal items is handled by the jail, not sent with them.
What usually happens to the property:
1. Held by the jail:
- The facility may store the property until release
- This is common if no arrangements are made
2. Picked up by family or friends:
- Many jails allow a designated person to pick it up
- The person may need:
- Valid ID
- Authorization from the inmate
3. Mailed out:
- Some facilities will ship the property to a home address
- There may be a small fee for this service
Important to know:
- Property does NOT follow the inmate to prison
- Each facility has its own policy and time limits for holding items
Best next step:
Call the county jail directly and ask:
- How long they will hold the property
- What is required for pickup or mailing
Bottom line:
The jail will either hold it, release it to someone you authorize, or mail it out. It will not go with the inmate to the new facility.
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