Non-profit organization says mail scanning in prisons is dehumanizing

VIENNA, Ill. (KBSI) – Non-profit organization Restore Justice opposes temporary mail suspensions and mail scanning for Illinois Correctional Centers, claiming the proposed actions are unlikely to improve workplace safety for Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) workers. 

The organization made its stance public on October 18, 2024.

This comes a month after lawmakers asked IDOC to temporarily suspend mail services and transition to mail scanning –  only giving inmates a digital version of their letters and other correspondence. IDOC denied the request.

Restore Justice policy manager James Swasey said mail scanning is unlikely to improve workplace safety and dehumanizes incarcerated people. 

“That is a human right, to hear from somebody that loves you,” Swasey said. “You never know what it is. You may get somebody that pushes you in the right direction. And ultimately, you can do that with the individuals that you’re incarcerated with. You know, so hope is contagious.”

Swasey says being able to hold a physical letter in their hands can be incentivizing for inmates. He says letters, visits, and phone calls are all a part of the rehabilitation process.