It does vary by state, institution, and inmate.

There are some states where inmates who receive a LARGE volume of mail are under investigation.

In Texas I had a pal who received loads of mail. I received a letter from the STG officer which was a 'warning' letter of sorts as to what to look out for while corresponding with this individual.

In the process I learned this inmate was involved in a scam and all of his mail, in and out going was literally read and in some cases scanned into a pdf document.

There are some inmates who have continued illegal activities and each piece of their mail is read and in some cases scanned in for review by the STG officers.

It would not be possible for every letter to be scanned or read with the amount of mail coming in and out and the limited number of employees in the mail room.

What is important is that our letters could be read at any given time, or scanned in. So if you don't want someone to read something in particular, then be caution as to what you share in your letters.

Mail for inmates unfortunately is not a right, it's a privilege and can be taken away from them, which is why the doc has the right to open, inspect and read (if they choose to) the incoming and outgoing mail.

Inmates can continue illegal activities, (harass their victims, solicit hits on other individuals, solicit money from people, receive drugs by mail, plan escapes,etc...) because of that, the states do reserve the right to read and inspect mail for the safety of correctional staff and other inmates, and even those in the free world.

I do not care that my letters are read I don't write anything that would embarrass me or my pals. I offer friendship which after-all, is the most important thing in the grand scheme of things.

__________________

Lachsis . I would be extremely cautious writing this person . Him even saying he is involved in "Affairs" raises a lot of serious red flags for me . I could make some very good guesses . You can be investigated even if you live in a differnt nation if that nation has a extradition treaty with the USA you could be brought over to the US to face charges or have US government agents try to talk to you and investigate you .

Skye is right it does vary . and if a person is being given a lot of attention they are probably up to something . Prisons who get a lot of mail do come under some scutiny often as Skye mentioned they are running game
I never had my mail stamped like that of a note from the STG bosses sent to any one. Then all iI wrote was family any ways .

Mail is sort of a semi right that can be taken away and then it can become a "privilege" . Despite popular belief prisoners in the USA do not lose their constitutional rights . They may have them restricted, even severely but they do not lose them totally that is just a "tuff on crime" myth .
Caution is always prudent when corresponding with prisoners . Some are very dangerous and some are always going to be involved with crime . Bit not all that too is a myth .
Unfortunately not many ex offenders are able or willing to inform the public about how it really is inside for any number of reasons . I Try but there is a lot i am uncomfortable talking about so often I am a bit vague . I feel it is important to dispel a lot of the myths and stereotypes about prisons

__________________
If the storm doesn't kill me
the government will

REM

I write someone in an SHU and the mail is definitely read. However, it was a lot slower to pass through the mail room at the beginning, and now it is faster, so I assume they now have me on some kind of 'safe list" or know that I'm no issue to them....

It is interesting to think about that someone could have read so much of my mail, ... someone that probably knows of this particular prisoner a lot better than I do.

I noticed there are once again those little slips in the letters i get once again for awhile nothing now again guess it depends of who is in the mail room or something

Dragon they are technically supposed to put them in every letter .At least in TDCJ .Often they do not as it takes extra time . It depends on who is working too . I laugh at them UM yeah i know it is from offender DOH

__________________
If the storm doesn't kill me
the government will

REM

lol ya but its annoying finding them on the floor

I know ASE, it's not easy for me with this guy. I'm cautious. But till now he did nothing that raised my red flags. He's a nice guy, talks about typical stuff. I told him from the beginning I want to know nothing about his businesses.
He respects it. But I guess I will always be alert and look out for unusual/deep motives he could have. Not everybody is as nice as he seems.
But I thank you very much for your kind words and your advices, ASE. Means a lot to me.

__________________

Have confidence in other people, because this is a sign of a good heart which is the greatest gift of all. And at some point this gift will be a great support for someone.