Items Allowed in Inmate Pen Packages

Inmates are permitted to have these items sent into the institution from the community. Many of these items can be purchased on the outside and sent to the inmate within their pen pack.

Updated on: December 12, 2023

Federal Prison Items allowed are based on their Security Classification:

Pen Pack Canada – Prison Items Allowed

The following list has been approved by CSC National Headquarters. These are the items and quantities that are permitted for Inmate Pen Packages (Federal Institutions Only).

The penpack list below is for Federal Institutions only such as:

Joyceville Institution Pen Pack
Collins Bay Pen Package
Stony Mountain Institution Pen Package
Drumheller Institution Pen Package
Saskatchewan Penitentiary Pen Pack
All other Federal Institutions in Canada

Items on this list may vary so contact the A&D department for an updated list or click here.

	MAX	MED	MIN
Total value of all effects will not exceed $2000 (CD 566-12)	X	X	X

Jewellery (Max. value of $600 in addition to the $2000)
Bracelet (Max. width of 6 mm), earrings (Small loops (max. diameter of 14 mm or studs), wedding band or low profile ring, watch (Analog only, max. diameter of 45 mm and thickness of 10 mm), neck chain (Maximum width of 6 mm, no heavy pendants, maximum size of pendant is 40 mm)	X	X	X

Musical Instruments (one only) Items are not permitted to have USB, Bluetooth, or wireless capabilities. *In maximum security institutions/units, authorization of string and wind instruments is at the Institutional Head’s discretion.
Stringed instrument (No steel strings nylon only), wind instrument or keyboard (maximum of 1 meter in length and no amps), Instrument accessories, Only if the inmate has an approved instrument	Warden’s discretion	X	X

Electrical Items Not permitted: Wireless communication (e.g., infrared ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) External data connection to other devices (e.g., serial or parallel ports, including USB, FireWire, Ethernet, etc.) Storage media connection (e.g., solid state or hard drives, SD, USB). Video game systems which have certain wireless capabilities and that have been approved are outlined below. *Note: Only one type of video game system is permitted for cell use.
1 – Electric razor	X	X	X
1 – Hair cutting kit Scissors are not permitted	X	X	X
1 – Clock radio/alarm clock No external charging ports such as USB	X	X	X
1 – Desk fan Maximum diameter of 12 in., all plastic only, no tower fan, no external charging ports such as USB	6” max	12” max	12” max
1 – Power bar (as per CD 345) Maximum of 4 outlets, with surge protector, no external charging ports such as USB	X	X	X
1 – Oral irrigation appliance	No	No	X
1 – Beard/mustache trimmer	No	X	X
1 – Hair dryer (hand held, 1600W max)	No	X	X
1 – Reading lamp Non-halogen, maximum of 60 W, CSA approved, no goose necked or weighted base, no external charging ports such as USB	X	X	X
1 – Toothbrush (electric) Maximum of 4 replacement heads	Manual	X	X
8 – Rechargeable batteries and one charger	X	X	X
1 – Headphones No wireless, maximum cable length of 10 feet, no microphone	X	X	X
1 – Headphone Extension Maximum of 10 feet long (in combination with the headphone cord)	X	X	X

Miscellaneous Items
2 – Food storage containers Maximum of 500 ml, plastic and microwavable	X	X	X
1 – Footlocker As permitted by the institution – available with or without handles from CORCAN	X	X	X
1 – Scissors (blunt ends only and maximum 6” long)	No	X	X
1 – Mug Maximum of 16 ounces, plastic with no removable liner	X	X	X
7 – Photo albums with pictures	X	X	X
1 – Stapler (non-electric)	X	X	X
1 – Waist pouch	No	No	X
Cassette holder and/or compact disc holder Maximum capacity of 40 CDs or cassettes	X	X	X
Assorted games, books and puzzles	X	X	X
8 – Batteries (single or rechargeable and charger)	X	X	X
1 – Combination lock (approved CSC type) Type to be approved by the Institutional Head Approved for in-cell use only if the inmate is in shared accommodation (if the inmate is not in shared accommodation, this item should be with stored effects) Inmates are required to open the combination lock when asked to do so by staff.	No	No	X
20 – Clothes hangers (plastic only)	No	X	X
1 – Water bottle Maximum of 16 ounces, clear plastic with no removable liner	X	X	X
1 – Hand-held calculator (no communication capacity)	X	X	X
1 – Geometry set	No	X	X
1 – Toiletry/Makeup bag	X	X	X
1 – Wallet	No	X	X
2 – Picture frames (no glass)	X	X	X
Photographs (no Polaroids)	X	X	X
2 – Prayer mats (18” x 30” maximum) Maximum size of 52 in. x 34 in. or as provided by the local community faith leader and in accordance with CD 345 – Fire Safety (internal resource). The mat is not to be suspended on walls or windows as a drape or decoration, nor used as a general floor covering. It will be stored when not in use for religious activity.	X	X	X

Audio-Visual Equipment
1 – One piece stereo system One-piece stereo system – 100 W RMS or 50 W PMP No condenser microphones, shortwave capability, loud hailer capacity, recording capacity, detachable speakers, external charging ports such as USB permitted	X	X	X
1 – Walkman type radio/CD player (non-recording) No recording function, no external charging ports such as USB	X	X	X
40 – Audio cassettes, audio CDs or CD-Rom disks (combined) No CD-RW, CD-R-Write, MP3 Players, iPods, DVD or burned CDs permitted (with the exception of digital media of a known origin, including CDs from the National Catalogue or containing material that the inmate is reasonably required to review in preparation for a legal matter). Unlicensed or pirated copies are not permitted (CD 764 – Access to Expressive Material) (internal resource)	X	X	X
10 – Video game cartridges/discs	X	X	X
1 – TV converter	X	X	X
1 – Cassette/CD cleaner (Dry cloth type only)	X	X	X
1 – Walkman type radio/cassette player (non-recording)	X	X	X
1 – Game system Game Boy, Game Boy Advance SP, PlayStation 1, Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Wii Mini, or any other game computer (console or handheld) that does not have data or other communication capability	X	X	X
1 – Preloaded Game system Must be purchased through a Purchasing Point of Contact at the institution Cannot be received from an outside source	X	X	X
1 – TV with remote control Maximum of 24 in., with headphone jack	X	X	X
1 – Coaxial cable Maximum length of 10 feet	X	X	X

Health and Personal Care Items
3 – Combs Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted	X	X	X
10 – Disposable razors At men’s maximum security institutions/units, limit of one razor issued in accordance with the razor protocol (Annex C of CD 566-12)At men’s maximum security institutions/units, limit of one razor issued in accordance with the razor protocol (Annex C of CD 566-12)	No	X	X
2 – Nail clippers No attached metal file	X	X	X
2 – Sunglasses No mirrored or polarized lenses, not to be worn indoors	X	X	X
1 – Blunt end cuticle scissors Blunt ends only and maximum of 6 in. long	No	X	X
2 – Tweezers Maximum length of 4 inches	X	X	X
2 – Hair brushes Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted	X	X	X
Hosiery Regular or knee-high, opaque or sheer	X	X	X
50 – Hair clips, barrettes, and bobby pins Total, combined	X	X	X
Electric curling iron or flat iron Must have an auto shut-off feature Curling iron – maximum barrel diameter of 1 in. Flat iron – maximum heating plate width of 2 in.	X	X	X
2 – Hair brushes Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted	X	X	X
Wigs/Hair Extensions	X	X	X
Maternity/pregnancy-related items	X	X	X
Gender prosthetic devices Gaffs, hiding gaffs, binders	X	X	X

Sports Equipment
2 – Racquets Tennis, squash, badminton, racquet ball, or ping pong	No	X	X
1 pair – Batting gloves	No	X	X
1 – Weight belt	No	X	X
1 pair – Set of lifting straps	No	X	X
1 pair – Golf glove	No	X	X
1 pair – Ball glove	No	X	X
1 pair – Bag gloves (no metal inserts)	No	X	X
1 pair – Cleats No metal, toe guard, or detachable spikes	No	X	X
1 – Jump rope No weighted handles, no longer than 8 feet, no storage compartments permitted	8’ max	X	X
1 pair – Wrist supports/Wraps/Mouth Guard	X	X	X
1 – Handball glove	No	X	X
2 – Sweat head bands	No	X	X
2 – Pairs of weight gloves	No	X	X
2 – Athletic supports / Joint support	X	X	X
1 – Aerobic stepper	No	X	X

Clothing Clothing that is camouflage or contains graphics depicting security threat groups (gangs), criminal organizations, violence, drugs and/or sexuality is not permitted. Hoods and inside/hidden pockets are not allowed on any clothing items. Sheer-type material is not permitted. In women’s institutions, inmates are permitted a maximum combined total of 35 dresses, tops and bottoms and a total of 8 pairs of shoes. In men’s institutions, inmates are provided with a number of institutionally issued clothing items.
3 – Sweat shirts	X	X	X
12 – T-shirts/muscle shirts Must not display vulgarity in any way; no beer/alcohol shirts	X	X	X
2 – Sweaters	X	X	X
10 – Pairs of socks	X	X	X
3 – Golf shirts	X	X	X
2 – Bathrobe	X	X	X
2 – Pairs of winter gloves or mitts	X	X	X
1 – Scarf	No	No	X
6 – Jeans or casual pants (maximum 4 pockets) No cargo-style pants	X	X	X
4 – Sweat pants No cargo-style or tearaways	X	X	X
4 – Shorts (maximum 4 pockets) No cargo-style	X	X	X
2 – Skirts/Dresses Knee or full length	X	X	X
3 – Belts (no oversize buckles)	X	X	X
3 – Pajamas	X	X	X
10 – Underwear	X	X	X
3 – Ball caps	X	X	X
1 – Pair of boots (no steel inserts)	No	No	X
1 – Pair of shoes (not runners, no steel inserts)	No	X	X
2 – Pairs of running shoes	X	X	X
2 – Pairs of sandals	X	X	X
2 – Pairs of slippers	X	X	X
1 – Toque (non-balaclava)	X	X	X
1 – Pair suspenders	No	X	X

Exceptions
Where items are issued or supplied by the CSC, individuals are not permitted to duplicate the items for personal or group use.

Computers and Electronic Games

Offenders are not permitted to have a computer sent into the institution, nor may they purchase new computers as per CD 566-12.

Only inmates who had approved computers, computer peripherals and software as authorized personal effects prior to October 2002 will be allowed to keep and maintain them.

Inmates are no longer authorized to purchase or upgrade personal computers. The combined dollar value of authorized computer hardware, software, and peripherals shall not exceed $2500.

Any inmate who has an authorized computer that contains a TV tuner video card must arrange to have the card removed. You may get permission for a one time transfer from your savings account to pay for this work.

Any confirmed unauthorized software, hardware or illicit usage or indication of tampering with security seals will result in the permanent removal of the inmate-owned computer and peripherals. Only specifically authorized electronic games listed within CD 566-12 will be permitted.

Inmates will have controlled access to CSC owned computers that are authorized for work, programs, legal needs and leisure activities located in designated areas in the minimum, medium and maximum security units.

Communication with Inmates

Sending a pen pack to your friend or loved one is a great way to ensure they are comfortable in a difficult situation.

A good way to keep in constant communication and also save money is by registering for a FedPhoneLine number.

A FedPhoneLine number allows the inmate to make collect calls from the jail, which means that you pay for the phone call instead of the inmate.

You save money because FedPhoneLine provides you with a local number, so you do not need to pay any expensive long distance calling fees.

For more information visit the FedPhoneLine website and watch the video below:

Items are not permitted to have USB, Bluetooth, or wireless capabilities.

*In maximum security institutions/units, authorization of string and wind instruments is at the Institutional Head’s discretion.

*Note: Only one type of video game system is permitted for cell use.

Scissors are not permitted

No external charging ports such as USB

Maximum diameter of 12 in., all plastic only, no tower fan, no external charging ports such as USB

Maximum of 4 outlets, with surge protector, no external charging ports such as USB

Non-halogen, maximum of 60 W, CSA approved, no goose necked or weighted base, no external charging ports such as USB

Maximum of 4 replacement heads

No wireless, maximum cable length of 10 feet, no microphone

Maximum of 10 feet long (in combination with the headphone cord)

Maximum of 500 ml, plastic and microwavable

As permitted by the institution – available with or without handles from CORCAN

Maximum of 16 ounces, plastic with no removable liner

Maximum capacity of 40 CDs or cassettes

Type to be approved by the Institutional Head Approved for in-cell use only if the inmate is in shared accommodation (if the inmate is not in shared accommodation, this item should be with stored effects)

Inmates are required to open the combination lock when asked to do so by staff.

Maximum of 16 ounces, clear plastic with no removable liner

One-piece stereo system – 100 W RMS or 50 W PMP No condenser microphones, shortwave capability, loud hailer capacity, recording capacity, detachable speakers, external charging ports such as USB permitted

No recording function, no external charging ports such as USB

Game Boy, Game Boy Advance SP, PlayStation 1, Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Wii Mini, or any other game computer (console or handheld) that does not have data or other communication capability

Must be purchased through a Purchasing Point of Contact at the institution

Cannot be received from an outside source

Maximum of 24 in., with headphone jack

Maximum length of 10 feet

Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted

At men’s maximum security institutions/units, limit of one razor issued in accordance with the razor protocol (Annex C of CD 566-12)At men’s maximum security institutions/units, limit of one razor issued in accordance with the razor protocol (Annex C of CD 566-12)

No attached metal file

No mirrored or polarized lenses, not to be worn indoors

Blunt ends only and maximum of 6 in. long

Maximum length of 4 inches

Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted

Regular or knee-high, opaque or sheer

Total, combined

Must have an auto shut-off feature Curling iron – maximum barrel diameter of 1 in. Flat iron – maximum heating plate width of 2 in.

Long, thin handle and pointed end not permitted

Gaffs, hiding gaffs, binders

Tennis, squash, badminton, racquet ball, or ping pong

No metal, toe guard, or detachable spikes

No weighted handles, no longer than 8 feet, no storage compartments permitted

Clothing that is camouflage or contains graphics depicting security threat groups (gangs), criminal organizations, violence, drugs and/or sexuality is not permitted. Hoods and inside/hidden pockets are not allowed on any clothing items. Sheer-type material is not permitted.

In women’s institutions, inmates are permitted a maximum combined total of 35 dresses, tops and bottoms and a total of 8 pairs of shoes. In men’s institutions, inmates are provided with a number of institutionally issued clothing items.

Must not display vulgarity in any way; no beer/alcohol shirts

No cargo-style pants

No cargo-style or tearaways

No cargo-style

Knee or full length

Communication with Inmates

Maximum of 4 outlets, with surge protector, no external charging ports
such as USB

Non-halogen, maximum of 60 W, CSA approved, no goose necked or
weighted base, no external charging ports such as USB