How should detention staff handle incoming privileged mail?

Handling incoming privileged mail is a critical responsibility for detention staff, as it involves safeguarding the rights of inmates while also ensuring the security of the facility. The correct approach is to open and check for contraband. This process is crucial because privileged mail, such as communications between an inmate and their attorney, can sometimes be exploited to transport illegal items or information that might compromise the safety and order within the detention center.

By inspecting privileged mail for contraband, staff help maintain the integrity of the facility while still respecting the nature of the mail's privileged status. This inspection should be conducted in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of the communication as much as possible, following established policies to ensure compliance with legal and institutional guidelines.

The other methods, while they might seem appropriate at a glance, do not address the fundamental need to protect both the inmate and the facility from potential security risks associated with contraband. For example, delivering the mail directly without inspection could allow harmful items into the facility, while returning it might violate the inmate's rights to legal communication. Photocopying the mail without proper protocols might breach confidentiality. Overall, the approach of inspecting for contraband upholds security standards while recognizing the legal rights of inmates.