In Wisconsin prisons, a new policy trend is replacing physical mail with photocopies. For those who haven’t experienced incarceration, this change might seem minor – an administrative adjustment to improve security. But as someone who has lived through incarceration and experienced the profound impact of receiving physical mail, I can tell you that this shift robs incarcerated people of one of the few deeply human connections they have left.
During my time in prison, receiving physical letters from loved ones and friends was a lifeline. Holding a letter in my hands and knowing that it had been written, touched, and sent with care by someone who believed in me gave me a sense of connection that nothing else in that environment could provide.
Replacing this connection with sterile photocopies threatens to erase an essential aspect of what keeps people hopeful, motivated, and connected to the outside world.
My Experience with Physical Mail
During my time in prison, letters were my lifeline. The simple act of opening an envelope and feeling the paper within was deeply grounding. I could hold onto those letters, reread them when I felt lost, and remind myself that someone out there cared about me. The weight of the paper and the handwriting on the page carried the presence of the person who had sent it.
Physical mail was more than words on paper– it was a reminder that I hadn’t been forgotten. Those letters gave me something to hold onto, literally and emotionally. They helped me stay hopeful in an environment designed to strip away my sense of self and, for me, being a woman.
When I imagine those same letters replaced by photocopies, I feel a deep sadness for those who are incarcerated now. The thought of receiving a copy instead of the real thing – of being handed a bland replica of what used to feel so personal – is heartbreaking.
Why Physical Mail Matters
For anyone who has been incarcerated, physical mail is about far more than words on a page. It is a tangible reminder of life outside prison walls. When someone takes the time to write and send a letter, it reminds the person that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are still connected.
Here’s why physical mail is so important:
- Emotional Connection: Holding a real letter creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. A photocopy cannot replicate this feeling.
- Mental Health Benefits: Physical letters provide a sense of comfort and reassurance, offering something to look forward to in an isolating environment.
- Motivation: Letters remind people incarcerated that they are loved, valued, supported and needed. This gives them the drive to improve themselves and prepare for life after release.
The policy of replacing physical mail with photocopies strips away all of these benefits. It may seem like a small change, but its impact is enormous and, for some, forever lasting.
The Bigger Picture
Prison is supposed to focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment. One of the most important factors in successful rehabilitation is maintaining strong ties with the outside world. Family and community support are proven to reduce recidivism, helping people reintegrate into the community after release.
When I received letters in prison, they reminded me of the life I wanted to rebuild, giving me hope and motivation. For others who may have children, letters from their kids can be even more powerful, serving as a constant reminder of their responsibilities and the future they want to create.
Replacing physical mail with photocopies damages these connections. It sends a message to people incarcerated that their humanity – and the love of their families – matters less than bureaucratic convenience.
Addressing Security Concerns Without Sacrificing Humanity
The shift to photocopies is often justified by concerns about contraband being smuggled into prisons through the mail. These concerns can be addressed without completely replacing physical mail.
Here are some potential solutions:
- Enhanced Screening Technology: Modern mail-screening tools can detect contraband without destroying the original letters.
- Staff Training: Better training for prison staff can improve the effectiveness of manual mail inspections.
- Community Education: Families and supporters can be educated about what is and isn’t allowed in prison mail to reduce the risk of contraband.
These measures can ensure safety while still preserving the dignity and humanity of people incarcerated.
Why We Need to Advocate for the Return of Physical Mail
For those who have never been incarcerated, it can be hard to understand how much a letter can mean. However, for someone behind bars, physical mail is often the only connection they have to the outside world. It’s not just a piece of paper- it’s a symbol of love, hope and connection.
As someone who has experienced the power of physical mail firsthand, I believe we need to fight for its return. Photocopies cannot replace the real thing. They cannot replicate the emotional impact of holding something your loved one has touched, seeing their handwriting on the page, or the picture your child drew.
