Patent attributes
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for authenticating mail and preventing contraband from entering detention facilities. An exemplary system can receive, from a known user, a letter directed to an incarcerated individual and store, via a processor, a digital copy of the letter in a database. The system can then print a physical copy of the letter, where the physical copy has at least one of a QR code or a barcode on an exterior of the physical copy, and mail the physical copy to a detention center holding the incarcerated individual. Finally, the system can receive, at the processor and from a staff member of the detention center, a request to digitally screen the physical copy by digitally accessing the digital copy in the database, and transmit, via the processor, the digital copy to the staff member.