How to Send Mail and Photos to Franklin Correctional Center

Personal Mail: Use the TextBehind Address

NC DAC routes personal mail at Franklin Correctional Center through TextBehind. TextBehind scans each piece of mail and forwards it electronically to the facility so the person can read it on a secure device. Physical pages are not always delivered, so your letter arrives digitally rather than as a physical envelope.

Do not mail letters directly to the Bunn, NC address for personal mail. That address is for books and publications only. Personal mail sent to the wrong address will be delayed or returned.

Personal Mail Address Format

[Full Legal Name, OPUS Number]
Franklin Correctional Center
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Write the person’s full legal name and OPUS Number on the first line. Do not use a nickname or shortened name. The name must match exactly what NC DAC has on record. If you do not know the OPUS Number, look it up using the NC OPI inmate search.

Your return address must include your full first AND last name. A return address with only a last name or initials will result in the mail being returned to you.

Books and Publications

Books and educational publications can be sent, but they must ship directly to the facility’s Bunn, NC address, not through TextBehind.

Books and publications address:

[Full Legal Name, OPUS Number]
Franklin Correctional Center
5918 NC Highway 39 South
Bunn, NC 27508

Books must come from an approved vendor such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or a publisher. The facility typically does not accept books handed in directly or sent from a private home address. Order directly from the retailer and have it shipped to the above address.

Only new or like-new books are typically accepted. Paperback books are generally safer than hardcovers, which can be restricted at some facilities. Call (984) 295-1200 to confirm any format restrictions before ordering.

Legal Mail

Legal mail, including letters from attorneys, court documents, and correspondence from government agencies, does not go through TextBehind. Send it directly to:

Franklin Correctional Center 5918 NC Highway 39 South Bunn, NC 27508

Mark the envelope clearly as “Legal Mail” or “Attorney-Client Privileged.” Legal mail is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate, not before.

If you have questions about handling a specific legal document, contact the facility directly at (984) 295-1200.

What TextBehind Will Not Accept

TextBehind processes personal letters only. The following items will be rejected and returned to your return address:

• Packages or parcels
• Books, magazines, or publications (those go directly to the Bunn address)
• Money orders or cash
• Stamps or blank stationery
• Credit cards or gift cards
• Oversized envelopes
• Electronic, pop-up, or pull-tab greeting cards
• Cards with glitter, stickers, or raised embellishments
• Drugs, controlled substances, or any contraband

Attempting to mail drugs or other contraband into a North Carolina correctional facility is a felony. Do not attempt it under any circumstances.

Photo Rules

Photos may be included with personal mail sent through TextBehind. Because TextBehind scans all mail, photos are delivered digitally. Keep the following in mind:

• Do not include loose photos that are not attached to or part of a letter, as processing guidelines may vary. Include the photo as part of the mailed content.
• Photos with explicit content, gang-related symbols, or anything that violates NC DAC policy will not be delivered and may result in a mail restriction.
• Standard print photographs are fine. Polaroids and laminated photos may be handled differently.

Call (984) 295-1200 to confirm current photo rules before mailing anything that might be borderline.

How TextBehind Processes Mail

After you mail to the Phoenix, MD address, TextBehind:

1. Receives and opens the envelope
2. Scans the contents
3. Sends the digital images to the facility
4. The person reads the letter on a secure device at the facility

Processing typically takes a few business days after TextBehind receives the physical letter. Factor in the mail transit time from your location to Phoenix, MD. If you mail on a Friday, the person likely will not receive it until early the following week at the earliest.

What Happens to Rejected Mail

If your mail is rejected, TextBehind or the facility will return it to your return address. Common rejection reasons include an incorrect name or OPUS Number, a missing return address, prohibited items, or content that violates NC DAC policy. If you receive mail back, double-check the name, OPUS Number, and your return address before sending again.

Packages

Franklin CC does not accept personal packages through TextBehind or the facility mail room from family or friends. If you want to send personal care items or clothing, look into the NC inmate package program at ncinmatepackage.com. This vendor ships approved packages directly to NC DAC facilities. Check the website for the current approved item list and ordering process.

Confirm Before Sending

Before mailing anything, confirm the person is still at Franklin CC using the NC OPI inmate search. Mail sent to the wrong facility after a transfer will be delayed or returned. Also confirm the OPUS Number is correct. A wrong number can route your mail to the wrong person or cause it to be rejected.

Send Photos and Letters with Pigeonly

The easiest way to send photos and letters to someone at Franklin Correctional Center is through Pigeonly. Upload your photos or write your letter online, and Pigeonly prints and mails everything to the facility for you, following the mail rules listed above.