Mail to and from Spokane County Jail inmates will be restricted to postcards beginning Sept. 1.

The change will reduce the amount of time spent inspecting mail, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's office.

"Potentially hazardous substances can be secreted into envelopes which corrections officers have to open," Sgt. Dave Reagan said in a news release.

Legal correspondence in envelopes still will be accepted, and inmates still are allowed to receive approved magazines, book and newspapers.

Incoming and outgoing mail will be restricted to 5.5" x 8.5" postcards.

Senders must include their full names and address, as well as the inmate's first name, middle initial, last name and inmate identification number.

Postcards that don't fit the requirements beginning Sept. 1 will be returned to sender. Mail without a return address will be returned to the post office.

---

---