Family Guide - Allowable Items
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Items listed below may be received through the Package Room by inmates in most facilities,
subject to the following restrictions and qualifications:
FOOD ITEMS
General restrictions:
Contents
- No alcoholic content or ingredients.
- No poppy seeds.
- No frozen foods.
- No USDA or Government surplus food.
- No home, bakery, restaurant, or delicatessen-prepared foods.
Packaging
- No glass containers.
- Items, except for fresh fruits and vegetables, must be received commercially packaged in airtight hermetically sealed containers impervious to external influence (e.g., sealed cans, heat sealed plastic bags, vacuum sealed pouches, vacuum sealed plastic jars, glue sealed paper or cardboard boxes with the inside product being hermetically sealed, etc.).
- All items must have a commercially printed ingredients list on the packaging.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Beverages/Liquid |
including concentrates, must be in cans, pouches or boxes only; max. size 32 oz. each. |
| Beverages/Mixes |
dry, maximum size 32 ounces each. |
| Bread |
|
| Canned food |
max. size 16 oz. each; products must not require cooking (as designated on the manufacturer's label); microwaveable containers are allowed. |
| Candy |
|
| Cheese |
sliced or chunk. |
| Coffee |
|
| Dried coffee cream |
16 oz. maximum. |
| Fruit |
no dried. |
| Meats |
must be ready to eat (i.e., pre-cooked, cured, smoked, cold-cuts). |
| Nuts |
without shells. |
| Pastry |
|
| Raisins |
maximum 2 oz. per food package. |
| Seafood |
cooked, cured or smoked only; no shells. |
| Snacks |
potato chips, pretzels, cheese twists, crackers, cookies, and other similar items (or combinations of approved food items, except for those combinations/mixes containing raisins). |
| Tea |
herbal and flavored tea allowed; no loose tea; no tea labeled as being for any treatment or cure, "for medicinal purposes" or "as a dietary supplement," etc. is allowed. |
| Vegetables |
fresh, that do not require cooking (except in facilities that permit cooking). |
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FOOD UTENSILS
General restrictions:
- Plastic only (except where metal cooking utensils are permitted by the Superintendent under local permit.
- No double-wall (e.g. foam core or insulated) containers.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Bowls |
2 quart max. |
| Can opener |
manual only; short handle |
| Cups |
no larger than 16 oz. |
| Drinking containers |
no larger than 16 oz. |
| Saucers |
|
| Food storage containers |
2 quart max. |
| Spoons |
pliable only |
| Forks/"sporks" |
pliable only |
| Plates |
|
| Thermos bottle |
2 qt. max; molded plastic only |
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TOBACCO PRODUCTS
General restrictions:
- Tobacco products must be in the original commercially sealed containers.
- Cigarettes must bear New York State Tax Stamps - no exceptions.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Cigarettes |
Max. 2 cartons per month |
| Cigarette roller |
Limit 1; plastic only |
| Cigarette papers |
|
| Cigars |
Max. 50 per month |
| Pipes & pipe cleaners |
|
| Tobacco, chewing |
Max. 24 oz. per month |
| Tobacco, loose |
Max. 12 oz. per month |
| Snuff |
Max. 24 oz. per month |
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RECREATIONAL SUPPLIES
General restrictions:
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Athletic Gloves |
baseball (mitt), handball or bag; no metal inserts; no boxing-type; max. value $50 |
| Checkerboards and checkers |
folding cardboard board or vinyl; plastic or wood pieces; max. value $50 |
| Chess sets |
folding cardboard board or vinyl; plastic or wood pieces; max. value $50 |
| Dominos |
plastic or wood pieces; max. value $50 |
| Handballs |
in original sealed container only |
| Jigsaw puzzles |
in original sealed container only |
| Playing cards |
in original sealed container only |
| Tennis balls |
in original sealed container only |
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TOILET ARTICLES / COSMETICS
General restrictions:
- No item may be received which lists alcohol as an ingredient.
- No skin tanning or coloring or hair coloring products.
- Maximum size of any single item is 16 oz.
- No glass, except when approved toiletries cannot be obtained in plastic containers or cans; then, one ounce glass containers may be permitted when received directly from an approved store or manufacturer as packaged by them. The containerized items listed below are acceptable (1) if received in commercially-sealed non-pressurized cans or commercially-sealed plastic containers, or (2) when received directly from an approved store or manufacturer as packaged by them.
- No hemp oil or derivatives of hemp in contents.
Individual items
(All Facilities) |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Afro pick |
plastic |
| Aftershave lotion |
|
| Baby oil |
|
| Caustic sticks / styptic pencils |
|
| Comb |
plastic; max. length 6"; no handle |
| Cream rinse / conditioner |
|
| Denture adhesive |
|
| Denture cleanser |
tablets only |
| Denture cup |
plastic; transparent only |
| Deodorant |
stick-type only |
| Emery boards |
non-metal |
| Fingernail clipper |
2 ½" max.; no file |
| Hair brush |
plastic; no removable handle or compartment |
| Hair dressing |
non-medicated; incl. cream. |
| Hairnet |
|
| Hand/face cream or lotion |
|
| Mirror |
8" x 10" max. size; plastic only |
| Mouthwash |
|
| Shampoo |
|
| Shaving items - brush, cream, cup, soap |
|
| Soap |
standard size bar; no soap-on-a-rope |
| Soap dish |
plastic |
| Stick cologne |
|
| Toenail clipper |
3 ½" max.; no file |
| Toothbrush |
non-electric |
| Tweezers |
|
Individual items
(Female Facilities only) |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Facial makeup |
eye makeup, face powder, lipstick, rouge, etc. |
| Hair fasteners |
barrettes, bobby pins, hair bands, hair rollers, hair rubber bands, no stones |
| Hair spray |
non-aerosol |
| Perfume/cologne |
non-aerosol; 3 oz. max. per month |
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CLOTHING
General restrictions (all clothing items):
No quilted clothing or snorkel-type hoods, except where indicated. No
leather. No mesh materials. No spandex-type material. No denim. No removable
linings.
Colors:
Except as indicated below, blue, black, gray or orange colors
are not permitted. Any shades of colors such as melon, peach, aqua, etc. that
are not readily distinguishable from blue, black, gray or orange are not permitted.
Solid colors only, except where indicated.
Value:
Except as indicated, no item may exceed $50 in value.
Footwear:
No hollow or platform heels or
soles. No camouflage design. No metal shanks/ supports or toes. No pointed toes,
spiked heels, pockets, compartments, clog-type or pump (air-inflation) footwear.
No metal/stone or clip-on decorations. Max. height of heels: males 2"; females
3". Measure boot height from bottom of heel. Size must be within 1 size of that
being worn by inmate.
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| Baseball/soccer shoes |
any but blue |
non-removable rubber cleats only, 3/8" max. |
| Boots |
any but blue |
total height 8" |
| Rubber galoshes, overshoes |
any color |
total height 10" |
| Sandals |
any but blue |
must be secure to the foot (i.e. use ankle strap) |
| Shoes |
any but blue |
|
| Shower shoes |
any color |
|
| Slippers |
any but blue |
|
| Sneakers |
any color combination but blue |
|
Outerwear:
Natural fabrics only (e.g. cotton, wool).
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| Earmuffs |
|
plastic band (no metal) |
| Gloves/mittens |
black permitted |
wrist length |
| Jacket |
solid green only (including lining) |
3/4 max. length; military-style field jackets are allowed but short-waisted Ike-style jackets are not allowed; no hood; no patches, insignia or decals. None labeled "chemical protective." |
| Rain hat |
clear transparent plastic |
|
| Rain jacket/ poncho |
clear transparent plastic |
hood permitted; max. value $20 |
| Scarves |
|
|
| Winter knit watch cap |
black permitted |
|
Male Inmates Only:
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| T-shirts |
|
|
| Briefs, boxer |
solid colors only (except for the waistband) |
|
| Thermal underwear |
solid colors only (except for the waistband) |
|
Sportswear:
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| Athletic supporter |
|
no metal or plastic cups; males only |
| Baseball caps |
|
no logos, no military style |
| Shorts |
|
gym or bermuda style; not to extend below the knee or higher than mid-thigh; no cargo style pockets; no form-fitting or spandex type; no denim; no logos or lettering |
| Sweatshirts, sweatpants |
|
cloth only; hoods permitted; may have a multiple or solid vertical stripe down leg or arm only not to exceed 2" in width; no logos; no zippers; no cargo style pockets |
Miscellaneous:
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| Shirts/sweaters |
solid colors inside and out |
includes turtleneck, mock turtleneck, and polo styles; manufacturer's logo (e.g. fox, alligator, etc.), not to exceed 2" x 2" permitted |
| Bathrobe |
|
|
| Belts |
|
non-elastic; less than 1½" wide, with buckle (max. 1½"x1½") |
| Bow ties |
black permitted |
cloth only; clip-on style only |
| Handkerchiefs |
white only |
|
| Neckties |
|
cloth only; clip-on style only |
| Pajamas |
|
|
| Socks |
black permitted |
no pockets |
Female Inmates Only:
| Individual items |
Color |
Additional restrictions and conditions |
| Blouses |
|
no see-through, midriff or short-cut |
| Boots |
no blue |
total height 18" |
| Nightgowns |
|
no see-through |
| Shawls |
|
1 yard square max. size (incl. fringe) |
| Shoes |
no blue |
|
| Stockings / panty hose |
|
stocking or hose requiring garter belts are not allowed |
| Bras |
|
no metal underwire |
| Panties |
|
no thong style, crotchless, front opening or see-through or lace trim |
| Slips |
white only |
full and half |
| Girdle |
|
|
| Thermal underwear |
solid colors only (except for the waistband) |
|
| T-shirts |
|
crew or v-neck only |
| Pajamas |
|
no see-through; no front opening bottoms |
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EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES
Office Materials:
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Mini-calculator |
hand-held only; $30 max. value |
| Carbon paper |
|
| Clip board |
9" x 15" max.; no metal components |
| Composition/Notebooks |
no metal components |
| Crayons |
|
| Dictionaries |
non-electronic |
| Drafting pens |
no sharp points; no internal or refillable ink reservoirs |
| Erasers |
|
| File folders |
no metal components |
| Masking tape |
1" maximum width |
| Paper |
writing or drawing; no envelopes |
| Pens |
ball point (non-retractable-style) or felt tip only - no fluorescent type |
| Pencils |
standard wooden type only |
| Pencil sharpener |
manual (hand-held); non-removable blade |
| Rulers |
12" maximum; non-metal |
| Transparent tape |
1" maximum width |
Audio Equipment:
Except as indicated, may only be received directly
from manufacturer or established dealer. See Directive #4920 for specifics.
Not to be altered in any way to meet specifications (except that an external
antenna must be removed by the manufacturer or vendor). No detachable components.
An inmate may possess and use only 1 audio unit (excluding TV).
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Cassette Tapes |
Commercially made; sealed in cellophane or similar material; no screws; received directly from a distributor, retailer, or manufacturer only. Subject to Media Review. Religious tapes may be received from a bona fide religious organization. These tapes must be in clear packaging and be reviewed by the Chaplain's office or Media Review. |
| Cassette type cleaner automatic demagnetizer |
|
| Headphone Radio |
local permit only; maximum value - $50.00. |
| Headphones (earphones) |
local permit only; maximum value - $50.00. |
| Radio |
local permit only; maximum value - $150.00; clear (see-through) case only; no larger than 8 inches x 14 inches. |
| Radio / Tape player Combination |
local permit only; maximum value - $150.00; clear (see-through) case only; no larger than 8 inches x 14 inches; no microphone, talk switch, or recording device. |
| Tape Player |
local permit only; maximum value - $150.00; clear (see-through) case only; no larger than 8 inches x 14 inches; no microphone, talk switch, or recording device. |
Printed Materials:
Paper only (no laminates). All material
subject to Directive #4572
44
KB , "Media Review Guidelines." Newspapers may only be
received from the publisher or an approved distributor via the correspondence
unit.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Books, magazines and periodicals |
may be delayed through the Package Room up to 6 days for close security inspection if received from other than publisher or approved distributor |
| Calendar |
max. size 18"x14" when opened; no metal components |
| Greeting cards with matching envelopes |
maximum size 18" x 14" when opened; maximum of 50 per month; no electronic cards. |
| Posters |
maximum size 18" x 14"; no metal components. |
Typewriters / Supplies:
Typewriter - 1 only; max. value - $350 w/case (if
case is purchased, it must be a hard case); the typewriter body must be made
of clear, see-through material. Sources: Items listed below may only be received
directly from an approved commercial source. New only.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Portable Typewriter |
manual or electric; local permit only; no discs or permanent storage memory exceeding 7K, except for "correction memory" and internal spell-check and/or dictionary; no memory upgrade or internal or external ports usable for data transfer. The Department assumes no liability for information lost due to searches, power surges, or outages, etc. |
| Electric adapter or converter |
local permit only. |
| Typewriter correction paper |
|
| Correction ribbon |
replacement only. |
| Typewriter print wheel |
one only, on an exchange basis. |
| Typewriter ribbons |
maximum of six. |
Musical Instrument:
Local permit only; 1 only; max. value - $200 w/case;
a non-electronic musical instrument, new or used, may be received from home
- otherwise it may only be received directly from an approved commercial source.
An electronic musical instrument, if permitted, must be new, may only be purchased
from and received directly from an approved commercial source, and may not have
voice recording capability, a microphone or any disc or other removable storage
device.
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ART & HOBBY SUPPLIES
A list of articles approved by an employee designated
by the Superintendent must be submitted to the Package Room before they may
be received by an inmate.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Appliances:
For in-cell use only.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Beard trimmer |
local permit only; electric, cord or cordless or battery; no attachments max. 1" blade |
| Coffee pot |
local permit only; non-electric; 9 cup maximum. |
| Curling iron |
females only; local permit only; UL approved. |
| Hair dryer/blow dryer |
local permit only; UL approved. |
| Shaver/electric razor |
local permit only; electric, cord or cordless or battery. |
General:
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Extension cord |
9 foot maximum; UL approved; 1 only. |
| Key ring |
|
| Magnifying glass |
plastic; no handle; 2" x 3" or 3" diameter maximum. |
| Matches |
book only. |
| Needles |
sewing; 2 inches maximum size. |
| Pins – safety |
2 inches maximum. |
| Rug |
solid color only - no blue, black, orange or gray; max. size 3 feet x 5 feet; not braided; label must indicate "fire retardant"; 1 only (does not include prayer rug). |
| Saddle soap |
|
| Shoelaces |
no leather. |
| Sponges |
|
| Sunglasses w/case |
standard size; non-reflector; maximum value $25 per pair (2 pair only). |
| Thread |
no blue, black, orange or gray. |
| Tissues |
eyeglass and facial. |
Linens:
Colors: No blue, black, orange, gray, green or white permitted. Solid color only
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Sheets |
twin size only; 2 sets only per inmate |
| Blanket |
twin size only; 1 only per inmate; label must indicate "fire retardant" |
| Pillow cases |
standard size; 2 only per inmate |
| Towels |
standard size bath towel (3 feet x 5 feet maximum) |
| Washcloths |
|
Jewelry, etc.:
No stones; no protrusions
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Wrist Watch / watchband |
time-day-date-audible alarm only permitted; 1 only; maximum combined value - $50 |
| Watch battery |
subject to exchange on one-for-one basis |
| Wedding band |
maximum value - $150; verified married person only |
Jewelry - Females Only:
Maximum combined value of female-only items - $150. No stones.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Bracelets |
wrist or ankle; limit 2; no charms. |
| Earrings |
pierced or clip; limit 3 pairs; 1 inch maximum size |
| Necklaces |
limit 2; maximum length 18 inches. |
| Rings |
other than wedding; limit 2; no protrusions |
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RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
General restrictions and conditions:
- Purchase, receipt, or use of religious articles is subject to the provisions of Directive #4202
122
KB , "Religious Programs and Practices".
- No color restrictions apply unless specified. Where multi-colored items are permitted, black, blue, gray or orange must not be predominant.
- Clothing items may not exceed $50 in value.
- Questions on the identity or authenticity of a religious item shall be referred to the facility chaplain.
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Fez |
a brimless, cone-shaped, flat-crowned hat; usually has a tassel; usually made of red felt; male only. |
| Kufi |
a hemispheric head cap that can be made of cloth, knitted, or crocheted; may have a peak on top; must fit close to the head; no protrusions (visor, tassels, etc.); male only; may be multi-colored. |
| Yarmulke |
a close-fitting skull cap that can be made of cloth, knitted, or crocheted; may be multi-colored. |
| Tsalot-kob |
a hemispheric head cap that can be made of cloth, knitted, or crocheted; may have a peak on top; may be multi-colored; approximately 12 inches at longest point; must fit close to the head; male only. |
| Keski/Dastaar |
a cloth turban head cover; 30 inches x 36 inches maximum; solid black, blue, gray, or orange not permitted; may be multi-colored; limit 2. |
| Khimar |
a cloth head item; female only; 4 feet x 4 feet maximum; solid black, blue, gray, or orange not permitted; may be multicolored. |
| Talit Katan |
fringed underwear. |
| Tefillin |
phylacteries (small square leather prayer boxes with long leather ties). |
| Talit (prayer shawl) |
maximum size: 66 inches x 66 inches; solid black, blue, gray or orange not permitted; may be multi-colored. |
| Guthra (prayer shawl) |
1 yard square; solid black, blue, gray or orange not permitted; may be multi-colored. |
| Prayer robe |
solid black, blue, gray or orange not permitted; may be multi-colored. |
| Prayer beads |
Rosary; Dhikr; black only; other beads, see Directive #4202
122
KB |
| Prayer rug |
one only; may be possessed in addition to rug permitted under miscellaneous; 3' x 5' maximum; solid blue, black, gray, or orange not permitted; may be multi-colored. |
| Religious books (Bible, Koran, etc.) |
subject to the restrictions on printed materials |
| Religious pendant with chain or fabric cord attached. |
max. value - $50.00; no stones; maximum two inches diameter; e.g. medal, crucifix, cross, pentacles, Thor's hammers, Star of David, chains, crescent with stars and/or moons, scapular. |
Native American Items:
| Individual items |
Specific restrictions and conditions |
| Native American rosette and cord |
beaded pendant; attached to a leather or fabric cord. |
| Native American personal smoking pipe |
not to exceed six inches in length. |
| Native American ashtray or shell |
for smudging; less than three inches in diameter. |
| Native American medicine bag |
may include sacred herbs and items needed for Native American ceremonies under the procedures set forth in Directive #4202
122
KB |
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